Sessions typically last for 50-55 minutes (longer sessions can be arranged if required.
Sessions will vary from client to client and can fluctuate over the course of time. Therapy is not an easy undertaking and one would expect some level of discomfort as we attempt to navigate “uncharted waters” which stir up feelings that may lay way below the surface. Obviously this will not be the case for all clients and certainly not in all sessions. Typically we seek to create a warm and safe environment where you will be able to explore and navigate at your own pace.
The kind of group therapy we practice in our clinic is commonly knows as the Yalom Style. It is an interpersonal, here and now focus process group (see Irving Yalom). Quite a mouthful, right?. Essentially the role of the facilitator is to provide an unstructured environment whereby an individual's more problematic styles of interaction can be uncovered and adjusted/amended in real time in a safe and supportive, though often challenging environment.
Skype sessions may be appropriate for some clients.
We tend to work with a little more focus on our mutual relationship, which essentially means we believe our relationship with you and our ability to create safety and trust is integral to our coming to understand you and how you operate in your world. From here, we seek to support you to reach your therapy goals. We would typically be interested in understanding your past and how it may have shaped you and your current concerns. Other kinds of therapy may tend to be more structured and solution focused, perhaps less concerned with the therapeutic relationship and with your history. We also work closely with other professionals and it is not uncommon for us to work collaboratively with other therapists/organisations for the benefit of our clients.
Just as all therapists won’t suit all clients, not all kinds of therapy will best address all issues or suit all clients. Our initial phone assessment should make this clearer. If not, based on your requirements and our expertise, we will quickly assess during therapy whether it’s a “good fit” all round. Then we can either make adjustments in the room or seek an appropriate referral.
Cost
Session fees are in line with the current APS recommended rate. Please see the Australian Psychological Website for current rates.
With a referral from a health practitioner (typically a GP or a psychiatrist), you can receive a rebate from Medicare. The number of claimable sessions is usually 10 sessions per year but is up to 30 sessions for the treatment of eating disorders.
Depending on your level of cover most health funds will provide rebates for a limited number of sessions.
General
Generally, clients will attend individual therapy once a week. However, depending on a number of factors more sessions per week may be required. For some individuals, a fortnightly session may be the preferred option.
This is a very difficult question. Some people present with issues that may be fairly well addressed in a handful of sessions, whilst other more entrenched conditions or complex circumstances may require years of treatment.
A Psychologist is “a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn “ (www.psychology.org.au). We are psychologists who practice psychotherapy. “A psychotherapist engages with a person or a group in a process of working together to build understanding and acceptance of how the person makes meaning of their life” (pacfa.org.au). Psychiatrists are Doctors who later specialise in psychiatric medicine. They have the ability to prescribe and manage medications. Some psychiatrists do practice therapy but the vast majority do not.
People often attend therapy because they are struggling with certain (or many) aspects of their life, whilst others may come to enrich their lives.
Not all people will relate or gel well with all therapists. If, after a couple of sessions, you don't feel that the fit is right for you, we will absolutely support you to find appropriate care.
