About Psychology, Psychochologists, and Psychotherapy

Who are psychologists and how do they assist clients?

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.



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

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.



Can I contact you in an emergency?

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.



Is therapy confidential?

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.



How many session will I need?

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).



Do I need to see a psychologist?

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.



 

About Fees and Rebates

What are the costs of psychology sessions?

Reset & Grow fee for an individual session is $190. After hours (before 9am & after 4pm), weekends are $200 per session, couples and family sessions are $230. Pensioners and full-time students will receive a concession with a fee of $160 per session. Please note that recommended fee for a psychology consultation recommended by the APS is $251 per a 45 to 60 minute consultation. Reset & Grow fees are significantly lower and Medicare (rebate of $126.50) or Private Health Insurance (ask your insurer) rebates may apply .



Can I only pay the 'gap fee'?

No. Medicare does not allow psychologists to only charge 'a gap fee'. Please ensure that you can pay the fee in full on the day of your session.



Can I claim both Medicare rebate and Private Health Insurance rebate?

No. You can only claim one rebate per session (either Medicare or Private Health).



What do I need to use Medicare rebate?

To receive your Medicare rebate you will need to bring to your first session: -a valid MHCP read more -a current Medicare card or Medicare number -your method of payment (card or correct amount in cash) -a debit card even if paying via different method ( Medicare rebates are only released into cheque or savings accounts)



How many session will I need?

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, the more complex and severe the 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).



How and when do I pay?

Payment for your session is required in full at the end of your session. The payment can be made using any major bank card or by cash. If you wish to pay cash please have the correct ready as there is no cash kept at the premises. When Medicare rebates are processed on the spot and transferred to your nominated bank account. To claim your private health insurance rebate you will be required to claim the rebate from your provider using a receipt.



About Preparation, First Session and Subsequent Sessions

What should I expect form my first session?

It is natural to feel nervous before your first appointment, especially if it is your first time working with a psychologist. I am committed to provide welcoming atmosphere and experienced in meeting various clients for the first time. It is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. Initially, I will ask you about any current concerns and goals you are hoping to achieve. This process is a professional, respectful one and in which your feedback is invited throughout. We will discuss your personal and clinical history to better undestand your current difficulties. We would proceed to goal planning if the time allows and we have gathered enough information. You will decide whether you would benefit from future appointments and if this is a 'one off' session. I will provide a brief overview of our session, share my observations and give you some practical strategies to implement after the session.



What do I need to prepare for my first session?

There is essential paperwork to complete before we can commence our first session. There is a lot to get through and to make a full use of your session time complete the confidentiality form, intake form and general questions form Please check that you have: -read and understood confidentiality and cancellation policies -completed and emailed the following forms to me Intake Form, & General Questions Form -read FAQ about fees, rebates and what to bring so I can process you rebate -you have my contact details and know how to get to the office -you have read the instructions of what to do when you have arrived All in order. Great. I am looking forward to working with you!



How will I find you when I arrive?

On arrival please take the lift up to the 21st floor. On the left from the lift you will find IPads, simply enter number 21 and the name of the lift will come up ( e.g 'J'). Head to the designated lift and press 21. There reception area will be on your left. I will simply come and meet you at reception at the time of your appointment. If you arrive early feel free the reception staff is likely to offer you a coffee or water. Please be punctual to get the full alocated time of your appointment.



Is there parking and/or public transport connection?

There is no parking facilities onsite for the clients. There is some limited on street parking and private parking that can be expensive. Two closest secure car parks are at 330 Collins Street and 444 Flinders Lane. Click on each for the links. We are -550m walk from Souther Cross Station -800m walk from Fliders Street Station -Trams the 11, 12, 48 and 109 on Collins Street -To find more about trams and busses visit the PTV website



How long is a session?

A session is approximately 50 minutes in duration.