What
is the cost?
The cost
of a one-hour appointment is $110, payable on the day of consultation.
Private
Health care rebates are available from most funds (please check
your eligibility directly and details of rebates with your private
health fund).
As of
November 1st, 2006, Medicare rebates are available for some clients,
under certain conditions and with a GP (or psychiatrist or paediatrician)
referral. The rebate available for the service that I provide is
$75 ($35 gap). Please talk to your GP about your eligibility for
this service.
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What
will the first session be like?
Most
clients will feel nervous or anxious in the lead up to the first
appointment. These feelings are normal for everyone, but are probably
worse if you have never seen any kind of counselor or psychologist
before and have no idea what to expect.
When
you come for your first appointment the receptionist at the front
desk will ask you to complete a form with your personal information,
in much the same way as any other health care worker would.
I will
then come out to meet you and take you into the counselling room
where I will explain the administration side of things- like confidentiality
and privacy. This part is a bit tedious however it is really important
that you understand your rights to confidentiality and I am legally
required to give you this information before we get started.
After
we have covered the necessary administration issues I will ask you
to tell me about why you have come to see me at this time in your
life. I will also ask you a number of questions to help me understand
you and your concerns, and may ask you to complete a questionnaire.
I will
take notes in most sessions, as we talk, however this will be most
obvious to you in the first session as there is so much information
for me to take in. You are always welcome to ask me to see what
I have written on my notepad or in your file- after all it is information
about you!
The first
session usually takes about an hour, perhaps a little more.
Back to Questions
How
long do I have to see a psychologist for?
It is always my intention to work with you in the fastest possible
way to get the results you are looking for. This will vary from
client to client, however generally six to twelve sessions are very
helpful. Appointments are weekly or fortnightly.
It has
been my experience that clients like to do their psychological ‘work’
in blocks of treatment- for example coming for 6 sessions initially,
having a break to consolidate the work they have done, and then
returning six to twelve months later to build and expand further
with another 6-8 sessions.
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Questions
Will
I have to go over all my past issues and talk about my childhood?
No. No one, including a psychologist can ‘make you’
talk about anything that you don’t want to talk about. Neither
can any psychologist ‘read your mind’ or ‘guess
what your problem is’. I will ask you for some personal history
in the fist session, and this will include brief questions about
your family life, as well as many other questions. Many psychologists
(myself included) are interested in the past only from the point
of view of how it affects your current situation and how it may
affect the future that you want to have.
Many
people find themselves thinking about past issues and/or their childhood
during the course of therapy, probably because they are striving
to make sense of their present situation. Often this can be a positive
experience of increased self- understanding.
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Questions
What
is your opinion on medication?
I am often asked this question- what do I think about antidepressant
medication. I am neither ‘for’ nor ‘against’
medication to treat depression or anxiety.
I do,
however, find that many clients have concerns or questions about
antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication and possible side effects.
Although as a psychologist I cannot prescribe medication (see the
difference between psychologists and psychiatrists below) I can
certainly advise about their use and talk to clients about their
concerns, questions and experiences.
If you
are taking antidepressant medication, or would like to try them,
I will offer you my full support.
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Questions
What
about complementary (‘alternative’) therapies?
Again, many clients ask me what my opinion is on complementary therapies
such as naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture etc for the treatment
of depression and anxiety. I am supportive of, and interested in
the use of complementary therapies for depression and am happy to
discuss this further with you if this area also interests you.
Back to Questions
What
is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
The most basic difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist
is that a psychiatrist is medically trained (as a doctor) before
their studies in emotional and mental health. Both psychologists
and psychiatrists study intensely to receive the qualifications
that allow them to practice. Psychologists have generally studied
for at least 6 years before they can practice. While psychologists
do not study medicine as such, they do study human behaviour, including
the way people think, feel, act and interact with each other.
There may be some differences in the way psychologists and psychiatrists
view and treat some mental and emotional difficulties, and this
is largely because of the differences in their training.
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but most do know quite
a lot about medications for depression and anxiety, and will be
able to talk with you about whether or not medication may help in
your situation.
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Questions
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