What is psychological treatment?

Psychological treatment is sometimes called ‘psychotherapy’ or ‘talking therapy’. It involves talking about your thoughts with a professional to better understand your own thinking and behaviour, resolve your problems and improve your quality of life. We offer both female and male psychologists.

Preparing for therapy

Preparing for psychological therapy involves several steps. Firstly, it is important to identify the reason why you are seeking therapy and the goals you hope to achieve. This can help you to articulate what you want to get out of therapy and what you want to work on with your therapist. Additionally, it is important to choose a therapist that is a good fit for you, taking into consideration their training, expertise, and approach to therapy. Once you have found a therapist you feel comfortable with, it is important to attend sessions regularly and actively participate in the therapy process.

During therapy, you can expect to discuss your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours with your therapist. Your therapist will help you to identify patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to your difficulties and work with you to develop new coping strategies and ways of thinking. Depending on the approach used by your therapist, therapy may involve a variety of techniques, such as talking, writing, or practicing new behaviours in real-life situations. You may also be given assignments to complete between sessions. It is important to approach therapy with an open mind and a willingness to engage in the process, as this can lead to the best outcomes.

Common myths of therapy

1. Myth: Only people with severe mental illness need therapy. Reality: Therapy can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. It can help individuals improve their relationships, cope with stress, and achieve personal growth.
2. Myth: Therapy is only for “crazy” people. Reality: Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and self-care. It is a way to take control of your mental health and work towards improving your overall well-being.
3. Myth: Therapy is just talking and won’t actually help. Reality: Therapy involves evidence-based techniques and interventions that have been shown to be effective in improving mental health. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship between the individual and therapist can be a powerful source of support and healing.
4. Myth: Therapy is a quick fix and should provide immediate results. Reality: Therapy is a process that takes time and effort. While some individuals may experience significant improvement quickly, others may need to attend therapy for an extended period of time to see the full benefits. It is important to approach therapy with patience and a willingness to commit to the process.

What is Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify negative or distorted thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive ones, ultimately changing negative emotions and behaviours.

In CBT therapy, a trained therapist works with the individual to identify patterns of negative thoughts and behaviours that are contributing to their distress. The therapist then guides the individual through the process of challenging and changing those patterns, often through a variety of techniques such as journaling, role-playing, and behavioural experiments. CBT is often considered a practical, solution-focused therapy that empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing process, and has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and overall functioning.

Medicare

Medicare offers rebated psychological sessions to eligible individuals. To learn about Mental Health Care Plans, please follow this link. *Medicare does not provide any rebate for couples counselling currently.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to a videoconference session between you and your psychologist using both a video and audio connection, allowing you to access therapy sessions from the comfort of your home. For clients unable to access video-conferencing technology, telephone sessions can be offered instead.

Where can I have Telehealth video sessions from?

You will need access to a private space with no or minimal distractions. Choose a room that is quiet, where you can sit comfortably for the entire session and the door can be closed.  Ensure there is good lighting in the room and try to choose a location and time where your session cannot be overheard.

What equipment do I need to access Telehealth sessions?

You will need a device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. We strongly recommend the use of headphones for privacy purposes and clearer communication. We utilise software inbuilt to the Powerdiary platform. No account creation or software download is necessary for use. Your clinician will send you a unique and secure link to you via email prior to your session.

What about privacy and security of my information?

It is important that you are able to ensure privacy and confidentiality at your end and protect against unauthorised access to your information relating to Telehealth sessions. This includes practical considerations such as using a private electronic device e.g. your own computer rather than a shared or work computer and keeping your device’s operating system, internet browser and anti-virus up-to-date to protect your data from malware. Information and education on how to protect privacy online can be found in the Australian Government’s Attorney-General’s Department booklet ‘Protecting yourself online: What everyone needs to know’.

Telehealth Tips: Before Your Session Starts

1. Allow plenty of time before your scheduled Telehealth appointment, to set up the room where you will be during the session.
2. Ensure you have thoroughly read, completed and submitted the Telehealth Consent Form in plenty of time before your session.
3. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and have some water handy.
4. Complete and submit any forms your psychologist may have requested.
5. Ensure there is good lighting in the room.
6. Set up your camera so that you are sitting squarely in front of the camera lens. Your psychologist may ask you to adjust your position so you can see each others’ faces clearly.
7. Ensure your device and internet connection are functioning ahead of the appointment time.
8. Ensure your device is fully charged and/or plugged to avoid communication disruption due to devices running out of battery.
9. Set your mobile phone to silent and keep it nearby as your psychologist will call you if there are video connection issues. Turn off other distractions such as radio or television and ensure you are not interrupted by other people, children, phones ringing or visitors.

Telehealth Tips: During Your Session

1. Try to look at the camera lens, not just the screen of your device.
2. Try to make hand movements visible so that communication can feel more natural.
3. Provide clear and accurate information to your psychologist regarding your location, at the commencement of your session so your psychologist can get you help if needed.
4. Discuss with your psychologist what will happen if there is an interruption to the session, including if technology fails or if someone walks in.
5. If technical issues arise during the session, remember to take a deep breath and don’t panic. Your psychologist will have your contact numbers so they can reach you on the phone.
6. Speak naturally and try to relax. You may need to speak more slowly than face-to-face.
7. Ensure no-one can overhear the session, and no-one else is present in the room without first seeking permission from your psychologist.
8. Be aware of the volume of your session and who else is in the house or office. Again, ensure no-one can overhear.