Tips to Find the Best Psychologist for You, Without Spending all day Searching the Internet
Choosing a psychologist is an important decision, and with the myriad of amazing mental health professionals in Melbourne it can seem quite daunting. Outlined below is information about the different types of mental health professionals and therapies to help simplify and demystify this process. By understanding specifically what you are looking for, you'll be able to score each psychologist, or other mental health professional based on criteria specifically relevant to your needs. Hopefully, the process will then become a quick, tick the boxes exercise. The psychologists with the most ticks will then become your short-list and a brief chat with each of them will help you get an idea for whether you would be comfortable working with them. In the end, it might just come down to your gut feeling. Whatever you do, don't stay stuck going from website to website trying to find the absolute best psychologist in Melbourne. Find the best support for you, right now, based on your individual needs and circumstances today. Here's a few things to consider:
1. Do i need a specialist?
Yes and no. Yes, if you are struggling with a significant mental disorder. It might be best to speak to your doctor and get a referral to see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. For example, if you are struggling with a particular mental health issue such as severe depression, or anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction, or eating disorders it is very important that you see a psychologist who specialises in that particular area. There are a number of evidence-based protocols specifically used to successfully treat each of these issues. However, in most cases, the answer is no. It is important that you find a psychologist who at least has considerable experience in treating your concern. For instance, if you are struggling with personal, or relationship concerns look for a psychologist with experience in those areas. Practice makes perfect. Seeing a psychologist with no experience or training in your area of concern, might not only be a waste of your time, energy, and money, it may leave you feel worse than before you began therapy. Also, be mindful of a psychologist who claims to be an expert in everything as they are likely to be an expert in nothing. Realistically speaking, the field of mental health is just too broad for any one psychologist to make such a claim.
2. what's the difference between mental health professionals?
PSYCHIATRISTS
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have done extra training to become specialists in mental health. Therefore, psychiatrists can also provide medical care, prescribe medications, and admit people to hospital if needed. To become a psychiatrist in Australia, a doctor must study for at lest another 6 years after finishing medical school, Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including private and public clinics, community health services, or hospitals. Psychiatrists may also be involved in teaching and research. If you choose to see a psychiatrist you will need a referral from your doctor. Be sure to check if they offer psychological treatment along with medication management.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour and emotion, with practical skills and research skills that can be applied to a wide variety of fields that include health, education and management. You do not need a referral from your doctor to see a psychologist.
In Australia, in order to be eligible for registration as a psychologist you must complete a minimum of six years of training. General psychologists typically complete an undergraduate degree and a graduate diploma or honours (4 year degree) and have completed at least two years of supervised practice. Specialist psychologists, on the other hand, hold post-graduate qualifications - either a Masters (2 year degree) or Doctorate degree (3 year research degree). Post-graduate psychologists specialise in one or more speciality areas:
Clinical Psychology – Clinical psychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness across the lifespan with a stronger focus on helping people with psychosis or other serious mental illness. Clinical psychologists typically work in hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres, mental health services, or private practices. Clinical psychologists may also be involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs.
Counselling Psychology – Counselling psychologists specialise in the provision of psychological therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups with a stronger focus on healthy individuals, who have fewer pathological mental problems. Counselling psychologists tailor a variety of evidence-based therapeutic strategies to meet the specific and varying needs of their clients. Counselling psychologists pay particular attention to the meanings, beliefs, contexts, and processes that affect psychological health with a focus on building psychological strengths and well-being. Counselling psychologists teach clients to think in new ways, and manage difficult emotional experiences more effectively. Counselling psychologists typically work in private practice, government and non-government organisations, hospitals and educational institutions.
Organisational Psychology – Organisational psychology is the science of people at work. Organisational psychologists specialize in analyzing organisationa nd their people, and devising strategies to recruit, motivate, develop, change and inspire. Organisational psychologists typically work in organisations with individual employees and teams to improve their motivation, effectiveness and productivity.
Forensic Psychology – Forensic psychologists apply psychological skills and theory to understand the functioning of the legal and criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists typically work in criminal, civil and family legal contexts and provide services for perpetrators, victims and justice personnel.
Educational and Developmental Psychology – Educational and developmental psychologists assist children and adults with learning and developmental issues by providing assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Educational and developmental psychologists work in a schools, health and welfare services, care facilities, and within business and corporate environments.
Clinical Neuropsychology – Clinical neuropsychology is concerned with the applied science of brain-based behaviour. A clinical neuropsychologist use this knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat or rehabilitate, patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopment and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.Sports Psychology - Sports psychologists most often work with athletes and sports coaches, but can also help artists, dancers, and even musicians. The focus is on the mental aspects of the performance itself (such as pre-competition preparation, decision-making, motivation, confidence, nerves, concentration, performing under pressure, team cohesion and so on).
Research Psychology - Research psychologists have generally completed a Research PhD and work primarily in research, studying human behaviour. Research psychologists are not typically clinicians, although a mix of both research and clinical practice is becoming more commonplace.
COUNSELLORS
Currently in Australia, counsellors are not regulated. Training can range from a Masters degree, to a Bachelor’s degree, or even a 3 day course. While there are some excellent counsellors in Brisbane, if you are considering seeing a counsellor, I urge you to enquire about their level of training and professional registration. Well intentioned, but inadequately trained counsellors can cause immeasurable harm.
COACHES
Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes, and managing personal change. Coaching is distinct from counselling because therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction, and conflict within an individual or their relationships. In counselling, the focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways. Coaching, on the other hand, supports personal and professional growth based on self-initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. Coaching is future-focused. As will counsellors, the coaching profession in not regulated in Australia. Be mindful to check qualifications and experience.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have done extra training to become specialists in mental health. Therefore, psychiatrists can also provide medical care, prescribe medications, and admit people to hospital if needed. To become a psychiatrist in Australia, a doctor must study for at lest another 6 years after finishing medical school, Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including private and public clinics, community health services, or hospitals. Psychiatrists may also be involved in teaching and research. If you choose to see a psychiatrist you will need a referral from your doctor. Be sure to check if they offer psychological treatment along with medication management.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour and emotion, with practical skills and research skills that can be applied to a wide variety of fields that include health, education and management. You do not need a referral from your doctor to see a psychologist.
In Australia, in order to be eligible for registration as a psychologist you must complete a minimum of six years of training. General psychologists typically complete an undergraduate degree and a graduate diploma or honours (4 year degree) and have completed at least two years of supervised practice. Specialist psychologists, on the other hand, hold post-graduate qualifications - either a Masters (2 year degree) or Doctorate degree (3 year research degree). Post-graduate psychologists specialise in one or more speciality areas:
Clinical Psychology – Clinical psychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness across the lifespan with a stronger focus on helping people with psychosis or other serious mental illness. Clinical psychologists typically work in hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres, mental health services, or private practices. Clinical psychologists may also be involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs.
Counselling Psychology – Counselling psychologists specialise in the provision of psychological therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups with a stronger focus on healthy individuals, who have fewer pathological mental problems. Counselling psychologists tailor a variety of evidence-based therapeutic strategies to meet the specific and varying needs of their clients. Counselling psychologists pay particular attention to the meanings, beliefs, contexts, and processes that affect psychological health with a focus on building psychological strengths and well-being. Counselling psychologists teach clients to think in new ways, and manage difficult emotional experiences more effectively. Counselling psychologists typically work in private practice, government and non-government organisations, hospitals and educational institutions.
Organisational Psychology – Organisational psychology is the science of people at work. Organisational psychologists specialize in analyzing organisationa nd their people, and devising strategies to recruit, motivate, develop, change and inspire. Organisational psychologists typically work in organisations with individual employees and teams to improve their motivation, effectiveness and productivity.
Forensic Psychology – Forensic psychologists apply psychological skills and theory to understand the functioning of the legal and criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists typically work in criminal, civil and family legal contexts and provide services for perpetrators, victims and justice personnel.
Educational and Developmental Psychology – Educational and developmental psychologists assist children and adults with learning and developmental issues by providing assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Educational and developmental psychologists work in a schools, health and welfare services, care facilities, and within business and corporate environments.
Clinical Neuropsychology – Clinical neuropsychology is concerned with the applied science of brain-based behaviour. A clinical neuropsychologist use this knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat or rehabilitate, patients across the lifespan with neurological, medical, neurodevelopment and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.Sports Psychology - Sports psychologists most often work with athletes and sports coaches, but can also help artists, dancers, and even musicians. The focus is on the mental aspects of the performance itself (such as pre-competition preparation, decision-making, motivation, confidence, nerves, concentration, performing under pressure, team cohesion and so on).
Research Psychology - Research psychologists have generally completed a Research PhD and work primarily in research, studying human behaviour. Research psychologists are not typically clinicians, although a mix of both research and clinical practice is becoming more commonplace.
COUNSELLORS
Currently in Australia, counsellors are not regulated. Training can range from a Masters degree, to a Bachelor’s degree, or even a 3 day course. While there are some excellent counsellors in Brisbane, if you are considering seeing a counsellor, I urge you to enquire about their level of training and professional registration. Well intentioned, but inadequately trained counsellors can cause immeasurable harm.
COACHES
Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes, and managing personal change. Coaching is distinct from counselling because therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction, and conflict within an individual or their relationships. In counselling, the focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways. Coaching, on the other hand, supports personal and professional growth based on self-initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. Coaching is future-focused. As will counsellors, the coaching profession in not regulated in Australia. Be mindful to check qualifications and experience.
3. Which type of therapy works best?
With so many different types of therapies on offer, this part can seem the most confusing and unfortunately there is no easy answer. While research does show that some therapies are more helpful for some problems and some issues, the most important factors are the therapeutic relationship and skill of the clinician. In the hands of a skilled clinician, with a willing client, in a trusting therapeutic relationship, a number of therapies will produce great results. I have VERY briefly outlined some of the more widely-used therapies should you wish to familiarize yourself with them. However, my advice to you is to discuss your concern with any potential psychologist and ask about their approach to see if it feels right for you. A skilled psychologist will be able to select the right ‘tool’ for your particular concern , but have others available if that one isn’t producing the desired results.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behaviour therapy is based on the premise that thoughts influence feelings and feelings influence behaviours, which in turn influence future thoughts and so on. Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive restructuring and self-instructional training are aimed at replacing these dysfunctional thoughts with more helpful ones, which ultimately breaking the cycle. Skills training (e.g., stress management, social skills training, parent training, and anger management), is another important component of CBT.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a brief, structured approach that addresses interpersonal issues. The underlying assumption of IPT is that mental health problems and interpersonal problems are interrelated. The goal of IPT is to help clients understand how these problems, operating in their current life situation, lead them to become distressed, and put them at risk of mental health problems. Specific interpersonal problems include interpersonal disputes, role transitions, grief, and interpersonal deficits. IPT explores individuals’ perceptions and expectations of relationships, and aims to improve communication and interpersonal skills.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is based on understanding the ‘stories’ that people use to describe their lives. The therapist listens to how people describe their problems as stories and helps them consider how those ‘stories’ may restrict them from overcoming their present difficulties. Narrative therapy reframes the ‘stories’ people tell about their lives and puts a major emphasis on identifying people’s strengths, particularly those that they have used successfully in the past.
Family Therapy and Family- Based Interventions
Family therapy may be defined as any psychotherapeutic endeavour that explicitly focuses on altering interactions between, or among, family members and seeks to improve the functioning of the family as a unit, and/or the functioning of the individual members of the family. There are several family-oriented treatment methodologies including psychoeducational, behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, solution-focused, and narrative therapy amongst others.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a group or individual treatment that emphasises mindfulness meditation as the primary therapeutic technique. MBCT was developed to interrupt patterns of unhelpful thinking that can lead to depression. The emphasis is on changing your relationship to thoughts, rather than challenging the thoughts themselves.
Acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps individuals increase their acceptance of the full range of experiences, including distressing thoughts, beliefs, sensations, and feelings, in an effort to promote a desired behaviour change that will lead to improved quality of life. A key principle is that, attempts to control unwanted subjective experiences (e.g., anxiety) are often ineffective and even counterproductive and only increase your distress. Consequently, individuals are encouraged to sit with their experiences fully and without defence, while moving toward valued goals. ACT also helps individuals indentify their values and translate them into specific behavioural goals.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution-focused brief therapy is a brief resource-oriented and goal-focused approach that helps individuals change by constructing solutions. The technique includes the search for pre-session change, miracle and scaling questions, and exploration of exceptions. Rather than getting stuck in the problem, this therapy focuses on finding solutions to enable you to move forward.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
The overall goal of DBT is to reduce ineffective actions linked with negative emotions. DBT involves traditional talk therapy, skills training (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness) and integration strategies.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is an emotional healing technique which contends that the cause of negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system. Essentially, EFT is a form of “psychological acupressure” (without needles). The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved. The memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and accompanied by positive changes in thinking.
Hypnotherapy
Traditionally, hypnotherapy involves: education about hypnosis and discussion of common misconceptions; an induction procedure, such as eye fixation; deepening techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation; therapeutic suggestion, such as guided imagery, anchoring techniques and ego-strengthening; and an alerting phase that involves orienting the individual to the surroundings.
Neurolingistic Programming (NLP)
Is a method of influencing brain behaviour (the "neuro" part of the phrase) through the use of language (the "linguistic" part) and other types of communication to enable a person to "recode" the way the brain responds to stimuli (that's the "programming" part) to manifest new and better behaviours. Being a qualified psychologist, trained in a range of different modalities, it was easy for draw connections between traditional therapies and neuro-linguistic programming techniques. Through by-passing the conscious mind, nlp techniques produce faster, more reliable results.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behaviour therapy is based on the premise that thoughts influence feelings and feelings influence behaviours, which in turn influence future thoughts and so on. Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive restructuring and self-instructional training are aimed at replacing these dysfunctional thoughts with more helpful ones, which ultimately breaking the cycle. Skills training (e.g., stress management, social skills training, parent training, and anger management), is another important component of CBT.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a brief, structured approach that addresses interpersonal issues. The underlying assumption of IPT is that mental health problems and interpersonal problems are interrelated. The goal of IPT is to help clients understand how these problems, operating in their current life situation, lead them to become distressed, and put them at risk of mental health problems. Specific interpersonal problems include interpersonal disputes, role transitions, grief, and interpersonal deficits. IPT explores individuals’ perceptions and expectations of relationships, and aims to improve communication and interpersonal skills.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is based on understanding the ‘stories’ that people use to describe their lives. The therapist listens to how people describe their problems as stories and helps them consider how those ‘stories’ may restrict them from overcoming their present difficulties. Narrative therapy reframes the ‘stories’ people tell about their lives and puts a major emphasis on identifying people’s strengths, particularly those that they have used successfully in the past.
Family Therapy and Family- Based Interventions
Family therapy may be defined as any psychotherapeutic endeavour that explicitly focuses on altering interactions between, or among, family members and seeks to improve the functioning of the family as a unit, and/or the functioning of the individual members of the family. There are several family-oriented treatment methodologies including psychoeducational, behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, solution-focused, and narrative therapy amongst others.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a group or individual treatment that emphasises mindfulness meditation as the primary therapeutic technique. MBCT was developed to interrupt patterns of unhelpful thinking that can lead to depression. The emphasis is on changing your relationship to thoughts, rather than challenging the thoughts themselves.
Acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps individuals increase their acceptance of the full range of experiences, including distressing thoughts, beliefs, sensations, and feelings, in an effort to promote a desired behaviour change that will lead to improved quality of life. A key principle is that, attempts to control unwanted subjective experiences (e.g., anxiety) are often ineffective and even counterproductive and only increase your distress. Consequently, individuals are encouraged to sit with their experiences fully and without defence, while moving toward valued goals. ACT also helps individuals indentify their values and translate them into specific behavioural goals.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution-focused brief therapy is a brief resource-oriented and goal-focused approach that helps individuals change by constructing solutions. The technique includes the search for pre-session change, miracle and scaling questions, and exploration of exceptions. Rather than getting stuck in the problem, this therapy focuses on finding solutions to enable you to move forward.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
The overall goal of DBT is to reduce ineffective actions linked with negative emotions. DBT involves traditional talk therapy, skills training (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness) and integration strategies.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is an emotional healing technique which contends that the cause of negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system. Essentially, EFT is a form of “psychological acupressure” (without needles). The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved. The memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and accompanied by positive changes in thinking.
Hypnotherapy
Traditionally, hypnotherapy involves: education about hypnosis and discussion of common misconceptions; an induction procedure, such as eye fixation; deepening techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation; therapeutic suggestion, such as guided imagery, anchoring techniques and ego-strengthening; and an alerting phase that involves orienting the individual to the surroundings.
Neurolingistic Programming (NLP)
Is a method of influencing brain behaviour (the "neuro" part of the phrase) through the use of language (the "linguistic" part) and other types of communication to enable a person to "recode" the way the brain responds to stimuli (that's the "programming" part) to manifest new and better behaviours. Being a qualified psychologist, trained in a range of different modalities, it was easy for draw connections between traditional therapies and neuro-linguistic programming techniques. Through by-passing the conscious mind, nlp techniques produce faster, more reliable results.
4. Are psychological services covered by medicare or private health insurance?
You may be able to claim a rebate for psychological services through Medicare or your private health insurance depending on your eligibility as outlined below. You cannot, however use your private health insurance to top up the Medicare rebate. You will need to decide if you will claim the rebate from Medicare or your private health insurance (if you have the applicable cover). It might also be wise to double check with your therapist or counsellor that they have a current provider number.
Medicare Rebates
A referral is not necessary to make an appointment with a psychologist, however under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, Medicare rebates are only available for clients with a referral from their doctor or psychiatrist.
Currently, the medicare rebate is $84.80 (counselling psychologist) or $124.65 (clinical psychologist) per standard session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Under the MHCI, Medicare rebates are available for psychological assistance with:
Private Health Insurance Rebates
Private health insurance rebates are available for clients with appropriate ancillary cover and usually apply to a broader range of psychological assistance than those eligible for Medicare rebates. The value and conditions of private health insurance rebates vary quite considerably between insurers, so please check directly with your insurance provider for information specific to your personal circumstances. Typically, the rebate will also be determined by the item number billed. These are the most common:
Please note: Some private health insurers only provide a rebate for psychological services in excess of those covered by Medicare under the Better Mental Health Access Initiative.
Medicare Rebates
A referral is not necessary to make an appointment with a psychologist, however under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, Medicare rebates are only available for clients with a referral from their doctor or psychiatrist.
- MBS items 2700, 2701, 2715 or 2717 - Preparation of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan
- MBS item 2712 - Review of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan; and
- MBS item 2713 - GP Mental Health Treatment Consultation.
Currently, the medicare rebate is $84.80 (counselling psychologist) or $124.65 (clinical psychologist) per standard session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Under the MHCI, Medicare rebates are available for psychological assistance with:
- Alcohol Dependency
- Anxiety
- Adjustment
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Bereavement
- Bipolar Disorder
- Conduct Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders /Weight Loss
- OCD
- Panic
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Sleep Problems
Private Health Insurance Rebates
Private health insurance rebates are available for clients with appropriate ancillary cover and usually apply to a broader range of psychological assistance than those eligible for Medicare rebates. The value and conditions of private health insurance rebates vary quite considerably between insurers, so please check directly with your insurance provider for information specific to your personal circumstances. Typically, the rebate will also be determined by the item number billed. These are the most common:
- Item 100 - Initial consultation
- Item 200 - Standard consultation; and
- Item 300 - Couple's consultation.
Please note: Some private health insurers only provide a rebate for psychological services in excess of those covered by Medicare under the Better Mental Health Access Initiative.
5. What else should I consider?
Accolades Aren't Everything
While qualifications and accomplishments are very important, don't let them be the only deciding factor. To practice in Australia, all psychologists must meet strict guidelines in relation to training to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Just because a psychologist has written several books, been featured in the media or has a busy public speaking schedule does not automatically mean they are the right choice for you. A significant body of research has shown that the most important ingredient in successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. The most effective psychologists build strong therapeutic relationships with their clients and have highly developed interpersonal skills including warmth, acceptance, empathy, and the ability to accurately identify how a client is feeling. Ensure your psychologist is registered with AHPRA, is trained and experienced in the area of your concern, and makes you feel comfortable and emotionally safe - irrespective of accolades.
Take Personal Preferences and Circumstances into Consideration
Consider if things like gender, location, public transport, parking, and orientation are important. These things may seem unimportant or irrelevant and if so, that's great. If not, set yourself up for success by factoring them in to your decision making process. For instance, there is no point looking at the profiles of male psychologists if you know you'd be much more comfortable talking to a female psychologist and vice versa. Also, you are not likely to attend appointments regularly if their offices are inconveniently located - too far from your home or work, or isn't accessible by public transport, or has no parking nearby. Similarly, if they don't offer appointments on days and times that are convenient for you, and so on.
While qualifications and accomplishments are very important, don't let them be the only deciding factor. To practice in Australia, all psychologists must meet strict guidelines in relation to training to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Just because a psychologist has written several books, been featured in the media or has a busy public speaking schedule does not automatically mean they are the right choice for you. A significant body of research has shown that the most important ingredient in successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. The most effective psychologists build strong therapeutic relationships with their clients and have highly developed interpersonal skills including warmth, acceptance, empathy, and the ability to accurately identify how a client is feeling. Ensure your psychologist is registered with AHPRA, is trained and experienced in the area of your concern, and makes you feel comfortable and emotionally safe - irrespective of accolades.
Take Personal Preferences and Circumstances into Consideration
Consider if things like gender, location, public transport, parking, and orientation are important. These things may seem unimportant or irrelevant and if so, that's great. If not, set yourself up for success by factoring them in to your decision making process. For instance, there is no point looking at the profiles of male psychologists if you know you'd be much more comfortable talking to a female psychologist and vice versa. Also, you are not likely to attend appointments regularly if their offices are inconveniently located - too far from your home or work, or isn't accessible by public transport, or has no parking nearby. Similarly, if they don't offer appointments on days and times that are convenient for you, and so on.
Questions to ask potential candidates
Once you have narrowed down your list of potentials, try giving them a call. Get a feel for what they are like on the phone. Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested and empathetic? Was it hard to get to speak to them? Keep the call simple and be respectful of their time. This is not supposed to be a free counselling session. You might like to say something like "Hi, I've been [feeling quite depressed lately/ having relationship problems/wanting to change my life, etc] and was wondering... ":
a/ "... if you have much experience in this area?"
b/ "Can you tell me a little about your particular approach ". This is very important, no matter how skilled the psychologist is, his or her style just might not gel with you. Try to get a sense of what it would be like to be in the room. Are they active and engaged, or will you be doing most of the talking? Is that okay with you? Will they be giving you homework or between session tasks? Is that okay with you? Do they take a very client-centred approach and acknowledge and adapt your preferences?
c/ "What is your theoretical approach?" Each therapist approaches a problem differently, depending on their training, experience and theoretical orientation. For instance, a psychodynamic therapist might focus on childhood history, dreams, and the unconscious roots of your behaviour. A cognitive-behavioural therapist will help you identify and shift problematic thoughts. A narrative therapist will focus on the 'story' of the problem. There are many different ways to approach the same issue, and while you may not be sure about what would work best for you, you probably know what wouldn't. Make sure that what the therapist is proposing sounds aligned to your personality and needs.
d/ "How long will I need to wait to see you?" If you need to book six weeks in advance for each appointment, it's going to take a long time to resolve your concerns.
e/ Any question that is on your mind.
a/ "... if you have much experience in this area?"
b/ "Can you tell me a little about your particular approach ". This is very important, no matter how skilled the psychologist is, his or her style just might not gel with you. Try to get a sense of what it would be like to be in the room. Are they active and engaged, or will you be doing most of the talking? Is that okay with you? Will they be giving you homework or between session tasks? Is that okay with you? Do they take a very client-centred approach and acknowledge and adapt your preferences?
c/ "What is your theoretical approach?" Each therapist approaches a problem differently, depending on their training, experience and theoretical orientation. For instance, a psychodynamic therapist might focus on childhood history, dreams, and the unconscious roots of your behaviour. A cognitive-behavioural therapist will help you identify and shift problematic thoughts. A narrative therapist will focus on the 'story' of the problem. There are many different ways to approach the same issue, and while you may not be sure about what would work best for you, you probably know what wouldn't. Make sure that what the therapist is proposing sounds aligned to your personality and needs.
d/ "How long will I need to wait to see you?" If you need to book six weeks in advance for each appointment, it's going to take a long time to resolve your concerns.
e/ Any question that is on your mind.
Now that you're armed with a little more information, I wish you all the best with your search. I hope you find the therapeutic experience not only rewarding, but wonderfully life altering.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Have a pleasant day and happy hunting!
Deborah.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Have a pleasant day and happy hunting!
Deborah.