Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychologist?
As described on the website of the Australian Psychological Society:
"Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. Psychological therapies are widely used to treat individuals and families and can also be applied to groups and organisations."
What can a psychologist help me with?
Psychologists can assist people with many issues or concerns that are adversely affecting their well-being and functioning. They can teach you skills to manage things such as marital, family and relationship problems, work stress, fears, phobias, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss issues, depression, sleep difficulties, eating and weight control issues, addictions, child behaviour problems, and coping with illness. Psychologists can also assist clients to develop skills to prevent future problems.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both assist people to achieve good mental health and well-being, and often work together to help clients reach the best outcomes. However, there are important differences between the two professions. Psychologists study human behaviour in an undergradute degree followed by a postgraduate degree specialising in a specific field of psychology (such as clinical, health, forensic etc); they do not have a medical degree and focus on assisting people through changing thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In contrast, psychiatrists complete a medical degree before doing further study in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems including pharmacology. Therefore, they are able to prescribe medications where psychologists cannot.
What happens when I see a psychologist?
You will find a reception area similar to a doctor’s waiting room. You will be given a personal details form and a consent form which outlines some of the conditions under which a psychologist has to work (such as confidentiality). When you meet your psychologist, you will have the opportunity to tell them why you have come, what you would like help with and to ask any questions. Together, you will discuss the issue you want assistance with and any relevant history, and develop and agree upon your goals and a plan to achieve them including how often you should attend and what change you might expect to see.
What does confidentiality mean?
When you attend a psychologist you have the right to expect that what you say to them will not be told to/shared with any other people without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to this:
Every person and situation is different and so the number of sessions needed may vary widely. Some issues may improve after a small number of sessions while others may take longer. The number of sessions, how frequently you attend and your progress are things you should discuss with your psychologist.
This Page Updated: December 30th 2011
As described on the website of the Australian Psychological Society:
"Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. Psychological therapies are widely used to treat individuals and families and can also be applied to groups and organisations."
What can a psychologist help me with?
Psychologists can assist people with many issues or concerns that are adversely affecting their well-being and functioning. They can teach you skills to manage things such as marital, family and relationship problems, work stress, fears, phobias, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss issues, depression, sleep difficulties, eating and weight control issues, addictions, child behaviour problems, and coping with illness. Psychologists can also assist clients to develop skills to prevent future problems.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both assist people to achieve good mental health and well-being, and often work together to help clients reach the best outcomes. However, there are important differences between the two professions. Psychologists study human behaviour in an undergradute degree followed by a postgraduate degree specialising in a specific field of psychology (such as clinical, health, forensic etc); they do not have a medical degree and focus on assisting people through changing thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In contrast, psychiatrists complete a medical degree before doing further study in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems including pharmacology. Therefore, they are able to prescribe medications where psychologists cannot.
What happens when I see a psychologist?
You will find a reception area similar to a doctor’s waiting room. You will be given a personal details form and a consent form which outlines some of the conditions under which a psychologist has to work (such as confidentiality). When you meet your psychologist, you will have the opportunity to tell them why you have come, what you would like help with and to ask any questions. Together, you will discuss the issue you want assistance with and any relevant history, and develop and agree upon your goals and a plan to achieve them including how often you should attend and what change you might expect to see.
What does confidentiality mean?
When you attend a psychologist you have the right to expect that what you say to them will not be told to/shared with any other people without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to this:
- By law, a psychologist must seek the help of a third party if you tell them that you are going to a) harm yourself, b) harm someone else, or c) engage in an activity which threatens to harm your wellbeing.
- Your psychologist will usually keep notes/files from your sessions together, and if you are involved in a legal matter, their notes/file can be subpoenaed by the court.
- If you are referred through the Medicare system your psychologist is required to consult with and provide feedback to your GP.
- Psychologists also engage in regular supervision with other psychologists to improve their practice, and they might raise your case with their supervisor to receive feedback about the treatment approach they are using.
Every person and situation is different and so the number of sessions needed may vary widely. Some issues may improve after a small number of sessions while others may take longer. The number of sessions, how frequently you attend and your progress are things you should discuss with your psychologist.
This Page Updated: December 30th 2011
