Question 1

Who are psychologists and how do they assist clients?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists are professional who are trained in how people think, feel, behave and learn. In Australia, it is a regulated profession and psychologists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to keep their registraction.   To become a registered psychologist a professional must complete at least 6 years of university training and gaining practical skills. There are many types of psychologists which are often described as areas of endorsement. All psychologists hold general registration. Psychologists with an area of endorsement have 8 years of university training and supervised practice in their spefic type of psychology.   I am a clinical psychologist which means that I completed a masters degree in clinical psychology and that I am trained in assisting individuals across the lifespan, and assess and treat mild to severe conditions, including complex and persistent conditions.   Psychologists assist you in understanding your concerns, learn skills to manage life's challenges, difficulties in relationships and to become generally healthier.

Question 2

Do I need to see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

According to World Health Organisation 1 in 4 people will develop a mental health condition within their lifetime. In Australia it is estimated that 1 in 5 people will stuggle with a mental health problem. Psychologists are trained to use their knowledge and skills to assist individuals, couples and families in resolving every day issues to managing complex mental health conditions.    Are concerned about particular feelings or behaviours? Did these get worse in the past few weeks and your attemps to reduce these feelings and behaviours are less successful than usual?Do people you trust (i.e. family, friends, health professionals) tell you are worried about what is troubling you and you find it more difficult to cope than usual it is a good indication that you would benefit from psychotherapy.   Some of my clients choose to use psychotherapy as a tool for building resilience, personal growth or simply want to learn how to have more fullfilling relationships with people they care about (i.e. being better parents or partners). In my profesional experience, clients can benefit from therapy in any circumstances and attain more fullfilling lives, especially when decide to engage with the therapeutic process fully.

Question 3

How many session will I need?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to estimate a number of sessions needed as they may be multiple factors involved ( e.g. the complexity of the presenting issues, how often do you attend your appointments, factors such as unexpected comlications and/or major life events). We will collaboratively discuss your goals in the initial sessions, consequently we will review the effectiveness of our work together and any new/changing goals that you would like to achieve.   Some clients choose to have one to 3 sessions to address current or acute concerns,others decide to work on more complex aspects of their experience. Generally, more complex and severe problems require more sessions to attain recovery.   Research suggests that approximately 30% of clients reported that 3 session to notice benefits of attending, 50% of clients reported worthwile benefits after 8 sessions, and 75% after 14 ( Lambert, 2013).

Question 4

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Information that you share with Reset & Grow Psychology is strictly confidential except in following circumstances:   -legal obligations to disclose (e.g. our file is subpeaned by court) -failure to disclose would put you or others at serious risk of harm -communication is necessary to comply with conditions of your funding (e.g. Medicare, WorkSafe, your employer)   This applies to information shared via phone, email, social media and/or in person and complies with requirements of the APS (Australian Psychological Society) Code of Ethics, mandatory reporting requirements of APHRA ( the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), and state and federaral Govenment regulations.

Question 5

Can I contact you in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Reset & Grow is not an emergency service and timely responses to phone, email, or social media messages is not guaranteed.    If you require urgent assistance and are not able to speak to me in real time-call 000, go to nearest Emergency Department or a hospital,or call Lifeline on 131114.

Question 6

Therapy did not work for me before. How will this be different?

Accepted Answer

In the initial sessions, we will discuss your previous therapeutic experiences. I will seek your feedback throughout our working together and ensure you receive high quality care. Please, do not hesitate to bring this to my attention.   As a psychologist, I am aware that at times our work with be challenging and you may feel uncomfortable and can assure you your feedback will be received in a professional and non-judgemental manner.