What is a Psychologist?
A Psychologist is a university educated professional whose training focuses on the human mind and behaviour. It includes the study of normal development as well as difficulties in mental health. Psychologists complete a minimum of four years of university training and two years of workplace-based training. Clinical Psychologists have at least six years of university training and membership of the Clinical College of the APS requires an additional year of further training or study.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Treatment by Psychologists consists of talking therapy such as CBT that is designed to modify thoughts and behaviours that are causing difficulty. They do not prescribe medication but frequently work with people who have been prescribed medication by a GP or Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists have a medical degree and are skilled at the use of medication to assist people with mental health problems. Some Psychiatrists have further training in talking therapies and include this in their practice.
Who should see a Psychologist?
You can benefit from seeing a Psychologist if you are experiencing a current problem with your emotional well- being. Some people come to see a Psychologist when they have experienced a past event such as abuse or a period of depression. Psychologists can help with recovery from such experiences and can help people relapse prevention for previous periods of difficulty. In addition, psychologists can help with problems such as weight loss and life direction.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the nature of your difficulties and what you would like to achieve. You will be given a guideline for the number of sessions that you are likely to need following the initial assessment. The aim is always to achieve change as quickly as possible. Your rate of progress will also depend on how much time you spend on working towards your therapeutic goals between sessions. You may be given ideas for specific exercises that can be used to increase your rate of progress between sessions.
How can Psychologists assist with weight loss?
Recent research suggests that CBT-based treatments are effective for assisting people with weight-loss and long term maintenance of weight-loss. CBT-based treatments identify and address the thoughts and behaviours that are preventing weight-loss. This treatment works well alongside support from GPs, Dieticians and fitness professionals.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
If you would think you might me covered by the Medicare subsidy scheme, then a GP assessment is necessary. You can telephone Bernadette for further information if you are not sure if this applies to you. A GP assessment of your general health can also be useful to rule out any physical causes of your difficulties. Otherwise, a GP referral is not necessary before making an appointment.
I may have difficulties with food or substances but am not sure that I am ready to change. I am concerned that a Psychologist will expect me to be motivated to change.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy is useful for people who would like more information about their difficulty with food or substances and help to think about the impact it is having on them. It does not require a readiness to change to benefit from this type of therapy.
How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?
Part of the assessment process is to get a better understanding of you and your difficulties and to provide you with information about the types of therapy that might be useful for you. Only therapies that have been shown to have proven benefit by research are offered.
What is CBT?
CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an active therapy aimed at understanding and addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that are contributing to difficulty. It is based on the interconnection of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. CBT focuses on current circumstances and on the development of skills that lead to change. Skills can include problem-solving techniques or thought challenging. These skills are accompanied by mini ‘experiments’ to test out new ways of behaving. In some cases it may be useful to understand the origin of how early life experiences have contributed to the development of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. CBT has been well researched and has been shown to be useful for a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and weight-loss.
