It should be assumed that a person has capacity unless a comprehensive assessment has been conducted by a professional which indicates otherwise. A clinician will deem an individual to have capacity if they are satisfied that the individual can:
- Understand information given to them about a particular decision
- Retain the information given for long enough to make a decision
- Weigh up the information sufficiently to make a decision
- Consistently communicate their decision
Our Expertise
Whilst there is no definitive, predetermined capacity assessment, there are practice guidelines and legal frameworks that inform the assessment and should be adhered to. These include:
- Adults with Incapacity: Guide to Assessing Capacity (2008)
- Guide to Best Interests Decision Making (2021)
- The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- The British Psychological Society: Supporting People Who Lack Mental Capacity: A
A capacity assessment is necessary to determine if you/your loved one is able to make decisions independently, or if assistance and support is required to ensure that decisions are made in your best interest. The ultimate goal is to protect and empower those who may lack capacity.
- A person may lack capacity if they have:
- A brain injury
- A mental health condition
- A stroke
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Intellectual disability
However, having a diagnosis of any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that a person lacks capacity. Furthermore, capacity can fluctuate, and someone can lack capacity to make some decisions but still have the capacity to make others.
What areas of capacity can be assessed?
At The Edinburgh Practice, we can assess capacity in relation to the following areas:
- Capacity to Decide Living Arrangements: An individual’s capacity to decide where to live.
- Capacity to Manage Finances: An individual’s ability to make financial decisions.
- Changes to or appointing Powers of Attorney: Appointing a Power of Attorney or changing the individual(s) that you have appointed to manage your affairs and make financial decisions on your behalf.
- Gifting: An individual’s capacity to decide to gift assets or money to others.
- Guardianship: Providing legal authority for an individual to make personal decisions on behalf of another.
- Litigation Capacity: An individual’s ability to take legal action.
- Testamentary Capacity: An individual’s ability to make or alter a will.
The Assessment Process
Broadly, the different steps of a capacity assessment will be as follows:
- An initial consultation lasting approximately one hour. This would involve a clinical interview with the client. This will be conducted at the practice (home visits can also be considered). Further consultations with the client to assess capacity as appropriate.
- Collateral information is gathered via phone call or in person, from someone who knows the client well and who is not related to the decision at hand. Collateral information is also gathered by family members/other individuals who know the client well.
- A review of relevant medical records e.g. GP records.
- Reviewing relevant legal documentation and requested amendments.
- Discussion with relevant health care professionals.
- Cognitive screening where appropriate.
- A feedback session is offered to outline the outcome of the assessment.
- A written report is provided, outlining the capacity assessment process and the clinical opinion and outcome.
Initial Meeting
An initial appointment involving a clinical interview will be arranged with the client at a time that is convenient to them. This will last approximately one hour and will be conducted at the practice. Home visits can also be considered. Further appointments will be offered to gather additional information and to assess the client’s capacity.
Gathering Additional Information
Collateral information will be gathered via phone call or in person, from someone who knows the client well. Collateral information will also be gathered from family members/other individuals who know the client well.
A review of relevant medical records (such as GP records) will be conducted. Additionally, a discussion will be organised with the client to ascertain what changes are being requested and review relevant legal documentation and requested amendments. A cognitive screening will be carried out where applicable.
Relevant healthcare professionals (such as GPs) will also be contacted for discussion and relevant medical records will be reviewed.
Feedback
Once all relevant information is gathered, a feedback session will be offered to discuss the outcome of the assessment.
Report
A written report outlining the capacity assessment process and the clinical opinion/outcome will be provided to all clients.
Our Fees
As the complexity of capacity assessment can vary fees are based on individual cases. Please get in touch via our self-referral form to request a capacity assessment and we will provide you with an estimate of fees.
Register
Please ensure you have provided all contact information below as you will be
contacted directly. All information will be kept confidentially.
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! This week we are excited to announce that we have Dr Zoe Black joining us as our new Sports Psychologist.
🎥 Watch along to find out more about sport psychology and what Dr Zoe can offer at our practice!
🏊♀️With experience of working with clients of varying age, stage, sporting abilities and challenges, Dr Zoe takes a holistic approach to encompass all aspects of a client’s life and is committed to providing a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings.
📚Dr Zoe employs an evidence-informed approach to practice, utilising current literature and client experience to tailor support and intervention to meet the clients’ needs. Her training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) allow her to work in collaboration with clients on areas including (but not limited to) performance anxiety, goal setting, returning from injury, transitions in sport, and building confidence.
💛With honesty, empathy and respect as her guiding principles, Dr Zoe’s aim is to help clients develop their understanding of themselves and teach them skills and techniques that will help them enhance their performance on and off the pitch and ultimately to live a rich and more meaningful life.
Welcome to the Team Dr Zoe!
#theedinburghpractice #sportpsychology #mentalhealthservice #mentalhealth
🎉 Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that The Edinburgh Practice will be attending Holyrood’s inaugural "Health Inequalities in Scotland: The State of the Nation" summit next week!
💫 On Tuesday 17th September, Dr Fiona and Dr Julia will be at Dynamic Earth to join Scotland’s top public health leaders from the public, private, and third sectors. This event is a unique opportunity to share innovative ideas, build valuable connections, and explore practical steps to drive meaningful change in tackling health inequalities.
💫 Throughout the day, attendees will delve into successful initiatives addressing health disparities and discuss targeted solutions for critical issues like smoking and obesity. There will also be conversations on the significant role that various sectors, including life sciences, play in promoting public health.
💫 Dr Fiona and Dr Julia will be representing The Edinburgh Practice by attending the speeches and discussions and hosting a TEP stand. We look forward to engaging with other health professionals and contributing to this vital conversation!
#HolyroodHealth #StateoftheNation #HealthoftheNation
Today is #worldsuicidepreventionday and this year’s focus is on talking more openly about suicide and showing that talking about difficult feelings including suicidal thoughts doesn’t have to be scary.
A recent poll by Samaritans found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health.
Samaritans are sharing their top tips to help give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need.
💛Watch out for changes in behaviour such as someone distancing themselves, not replying to messages, talking about feeling worthless, hopeless or trapped, not doing the things they usually enjoy or finding day-to-day tasks difficult.
💛Play your part by reaching out to anyone you’re concerned about. If you’re worried about someone, reach out to them, ask how they’re feeling and show that you care by listening without judgement and try not to jump in with your advice or opinion.
💛Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts. People who have had suicidal thought have often reported that it is a relief to be asked and to talk about the suicidal thoughts they are experiencing. Ditch the stigma - suidical thoughts are far more common than most people know.
💛If you’re worried about someone, stay with them and just let them know you`re there. Let them know that they can call Samaritans free, day or night on 116 123. If you think it’s an emergency or they’ve tried to harm themselves – call 999 in the UK or 112 in Ireland.
💛And remember to look after yourself, Samaritans is here to support you too.
Follow @samaritanscharity and check out their website for more information about how they can help.
#mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice #worldsuicidepreventionday
✨ We are back with our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, M stands for Music!
🎶 Listening to music can be entertaining, and some research suggests that it can make you healthier. Music can be a source of pleasure and contentment, and there are many other psychological benefits, such as:
😊 Emotional Regulation: The chords, rhythm, lyrics, or even your experience with a particular piece of music can trigger positive emotions. Music can also trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.
🧠 Memory & Cognition: Music impacts the brain regions that are associated with recall and comprehension and can improve brain connectivity and cognitive functions like problem solving, attention and memory.
🏃♂️ Improve Motivation: Listening to fast-paced music can make exercising easier as it motivates us to work out harder.
🩺 Pain Management: Music can help to manage pain by distracting the mind from pain and reducing anxiety, which can lessen the perception of pain.
🧘♀️ Reduce Stress: Research has found that listening to music has an impact on the human stress response and those who listen to music tend to recover more quickly following a stressor.
💤 Better Sleep: Listening to relaxing music can slow down our heart rate and breathing, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
🎼 Incorporating music into our daily life, whether through passive music listening such as playing music in the background, or active engagement like playing an instrument, can enhance your wellbeing and happiness.
This #fridaycheckin we are checking in with our hardworking administration team! We have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional administrator to join our team, so let’s see what they get up to day to day!
As an TEP Administrator you will be:
🙋♀️ Greeting Clients
👩⚕️ Supporting our Clinicians
💻 Actioning clients’ enquiries in person and enquiries over the phone and by email.
📆 Booking appointments
📝 Scanning client notes
💬 Answering general enquiries in the phone room
⭐️ Actioning new referrals and liaising with our Clinical Leads
🏃♂️ Ensuring the smooth running of the practice and liaising regularly with all colleagues
💸 Invoicing and taking payments.
📖 Updating patient records.
🤫 Accessing sensitive information whilst maintaining patient confidentiality.
If you are interested in the position, please contact our practice manager Kelly Alexander at [email protected] or check out the link in our bio to apply!
We look forward to hearing back from you 💛
Today we are re-introducing Megan from our administration team! Megan worked with us previously and we are delighted that she has returned to work with us!
Here are five facts about Megan.
🗓️How long have you worked at TEP?
“I have been at TEP since mid-July but I previously worked here in 2021 for one year before pursuing my Children, Young People and Social Services qualification”.
🤔Why did you want to work at TEP?
“Mental health has always been an interest of mine. I am especially interested in Early Years development and Systemic Therapy. I enjoy learning from all of our clinicians and also really enjoy the organisation which comes with an administration role”.
💬What is your favourite quote?
“Not so much a quote but a favourite song is ‘Keep Rolling’ by Paolo Nutini. It keeps me going on those more challenging days”.
🍽️What is your favourite restaurant in Edinburgh?
“It is hard to pick as Edinburgh is full of so many great restaurants but I love @bonnieandwildmarket and @intouchrestaurant”.
🧘♀️What do you do to relax?
“I am most relaxed when I am amongst nature. I love to practice yoga in my garden (weather permitting!) or going out for walks with my dog. I love winding down with a good book or listening to music”
This Monday, our ‘M’ word is mood and we will exploring the “Monday blues” and how it is normal and valid to feel a whole range of emotions.
The term “Monday Blues” is widely used to describe a set of negative feelings that coincide with beginning of the work week. It isn’t a medical term and doesn’t describe a specific condition. We want to normalise not always feeling our best and encourage you to validate these difficult feelings if/when they come up.
Ways to beat the “Monday Blues”:
🏃♂️Start the week with exercise or a meditation to clear your mind and boost your energy levels.
💭Reflect on your feelings to help identify why you are feeling this way and if you could address anything that may be contributing to the way you are feeling.
💡Plan enjoyable activities throughout the week to look forward to.
💛Embrace self-care to counteract any work related stress and promote your own wellbeing.
In most cases, the `Monday blues` aren’t a cause for concern. But if you’re experiencing symptoms like intense sadness, excessive worrying, or a lack of motivation on an ongoing basis, it may be a helpful to talk with a mental health professional.
🫶Emotions give us information about what we`re experiencing and are something we should pay attention and listen to.
#theedinburghpractice #moodmondays #mentalhealth
🎬We are back with another #fridaycheckin! This Friday we are going behind the scenes of our video shoot earlier this week.
🎥We transformed our meeting room into the perfect filming studio and had the talented @stuffrobmade shooting with us all day!
⭐️From introducing the practice, sharing our services, explaining how to book an appointment and make a self-referral to discussing important mental health topics and talking you through the assessments we offer, we hope these videos provide a welcoming introduction to our practice and answer any questions you may have!
👀Keep an eye out for our new videos that will be posted on our website and new YouTube channel!
🎉 We are so excited to introduce the newest member of Team TEP, Dr Maddison Campbell!
⭐️ With a wealth of experience in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology, Dr Maddison brings a diverse background from her work across private practice, community, and hospital settings in Australia, as well as recent experience in an NHS stroke rehabilitation service.
🧠 Dr Maddison is passionate about brain injury rehabilitation and neuropsychological assessments tailored to individual needs, with a focus on building on cognitive strengths and personal goals. Dr Maddison’s therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness techniques, ensuring a compassionate, non-judgmental space for all clients. She is particularly skilled in supporting those living with neurological conditions or dementia diagnoses, navigating life transitions, and managing anxiety.
💫 We are thrilled to have Dr Maddison join Team TEP to offer neuropsychological assessments for our Memory Clinic as well as providing psychological therapy!
Welcome to TEP’s first ‘Monday ‘M’ Series’ post! Today’s ‘M’ word is Mindfulness, and this week, we’re focusing on how to get the most out of practising it.
🧘♀️ Mindfulness is all about being fully present and aware of where we are, what we are feeling, what we are thinking and what we are doing. Mindfulness involves taking an ‘observer’ stance towards our own mind and our own experience. While everyone has the ability to be mindful, it becomes more accessible when we make a habit of practising it regularly.
🕰️ We can tune into mindfulness throughout the day by:
1. Setting aside some time
2. Observing the present moment, just as it is
3. Letting the judgements roll by
4. Returning to observing the present moment as it is
5. Noticing, redirecting & being kind to your wandering mind
🧠 Mindfulness can help us create some space between ourselves and our reactions, allowing us to break down our conditioned responses. Although it’s a simple practice, it’s not necessarily easy. The key is to keep practicing!
📱To get started with mindfulness, you can try using guided meditation apps such as Headspace, Calm and Smiling Mind. It can be helpful to try out different guides and find the best one that works for you!
There are also some great video practices available on YouTube, one of our favourites is the ‘Mountain meditation’ by Jon Kabat-Zin.
💛 Keep practising and enjoy your mindfulness journey!
#TheEdinburghPractice #MindfulnessMondays
#Mindfulness #MentalHealth
Happy Friday everyone! This #fridaycheckin, we are focusing on checking in with others!
💛 Small moments of connection can make a big difference. Whether it’s a lunch, a walk, or a simple text—check in with the people you care about. You never know what someone might be going through behind the scenes.
💛 Sometimes the signs of someone struggling aren’t obvious. Look out for changes in behavior, withdrawal, mood swings, lack of energy, or even a sudden change in routine. What you see might not reflect what they’re going through. Let’s be there for each other, even when everything seems fine.
#TheEdinburghPractice #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness
We are excited to be supporting the Scottish Women in Sport Conference 2024 today by attending and sponsoring their conference video!
Dr Fiona and Dr Julia will be attending this amazing event today at the University of the West of Scotland to hear from various organisations who are working to ensure the wellbeing and safety for women and girls in sport.
Please follow @scottishwomeninsport or head to https://buff.ly/3MdT1ks to find out more!
#SWISConf2024
✨Introducing ‘The M Series’, our new Monday series where we explore a ‘M’ word associated with mental health each week!
💡From tips and quotes to helpful exercises, stay tuned each Monday for content that uplifts, educates and inspires!
⭐️Get ready for #mindfulnessmondays, #movementmondays, #motivationalmondays and more!
Happy Friday! We are back with another #fridaycheckin!
✔ This week our Assistant Psychologist, Zara, went around the practice to check in with some of our lovely clinicians.
💛 At TEP, we are so fortunate to have an amazing multidisciplinary team of clinicians with a range of different expertise. We love checking in with our clinicians to see how they are doing and to ensure they are taking regular breaks during their busy days!
#fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice
This August, we`re proud to support @actionhappiness as we embrace Altruistic August! This month is all about spreading kindness, love, and positivity in our communities and beyond. Every day offers us a chance to make a difference, no matter how small - one good deed at a time can create a ripple effect of change.
🌷 Explore the Altruistic August calendar from Action for Happiness, and let’s join together in making kindness our daily habit. 🌱 Today`s focus is all about being kind to nature and caring for our planet. Whether it’s picking up litter, conserving water, reducing energy use, or nurturing flowers and plants, every little action counts towards a healthier world.
💫 For an extra boost of positivity, download the free Action for Happiness app! It’s packed with daily action ideas, inspiring messages to lift your spirits, and a community of like-minded individuals ready to make the world a better place, one step at a time.
For more details, visit the Action for Happiness website.
Let’s spread happiness, share kindness, and make a real difference this August!
#Happiness #Kindness #AltruisticAugust #ActionForHappiness #TheEdinburghPractice
