When you first call to make an appointment
When you call Ros to discuss your situation, she'll take a few minutes to ask you some information. It might take around 10 to 15 minutes and the reason for this is so that she can find out how she can help you.
She might ask you some standard questions about your psychological history (such as if you have had some challenges in the past, and if so, what kind), and some more personal questions about your current circumstances. Remember that all Ros wants to do is help you find the best strategy to reach your goals, so try and be as honest as you can.
Remember that during this time, you can ask anything you want. There are no silly questions!
The purpose of this brief phone consultation is to ensure that you have a good understanding of what therapy involves. It also gives you the opportunity to gain a sense of whether you will feel comfortable working together, as the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is essential for a good outcome.
When you call Ros to discuss your situation, she'll take a few minutes to ask you some information. It might take around 10 to 15 minutes and the reason for this is so that she can find out how she can help you.
She might ask you some standard questions about your psychological history (such as if you have had some challenges in the past, and if so, what kind), and some more personal questions about your current circumstances. Remember that all Ros wants to do is help you find the best strategy to reach your goals, so try and be as honest as you can.
Remember that during this time, you can ask anything you want. There are no silly questions!
The purpose of this brief phone consultation is to ensure that you have a good understanding of what therapy involves. It also gives you the opportunity to gain a sense of whether you will feel comfortable working together, as the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist is essential for a good outcome.
When you come for your first session
Seeing a psychologist or counsellor for the first time can feel really overwhelming. Sometimes you can feel like you're in an exam because you have to answer a bunch of questions and sometimes remembering difficult and emotional memories can make you feel vulnerable or afraid.
These are all very normal feelings and reactions - remember this is the first time you've talked to someone like Ros about your situation, so take your time and remember your going to work together as a team to reach your goals.
Here are a few things that you'll probably need to know when you have your first appointment with Ros. The more prepared you can be, the more relaxed you'll feel and this will really help Ros find the best approach to help you.
At the beginning, Ros will ask you some questions and go through what therapy involves. She will tailor her approach to ensure that treatment is specific to your needs and will also discuss practical things like payment, fees and rebates. Your discussion might include things like:
The whole point of the first session is to create a clear picture of you and the difficulties that you've been experiencing; determine the therapeutic approach(es) that are most likely to benefit you and time to explain how these approaches might work for you.
Session times and other information
Sessions are usually 55 minutes in duration. When you come for your first visit, we will discuss the number of sessions you may need and this will depend on your individual situation.
It is difficult to determine how long therapy will take as each individual differs in their circumstances, personality and challenges they are facing. However, at the end of the first session, Ros will have some understanding of your situation and will discuss an approximate timeframe with you. It is usual to do a review at the 6th session when the need for further treatment will be discussed.
The best thing you can do is keep an open mind to finding a solution to your situation and remember that Ros will always discuss your progress with you.
Psychometric assessments take around 2 to 4 hours depending on the referral question and the tests that are required. Assessment fees will be discussed with you at referral.
Seeing a psychologist or counsellor for the first time can feel really overwhelming. Sometimes you can feel like you're in an exam because you have to answer a bunch of questions and sometimes remembering difficult and emotional memories can make you feel vulnerable or afraid.
These are all very normal feelings and reactions - remember this is the first time you've talked to someone like Ros about your situation, so take your time and remember your going to work together as a team to reach your goals.
Here are a few things that you'll probably need to know when you have your first appointment with Ros. The more prepared you can be, the more relaxed you'll feel and this will really help Ros find the best approach to help you.
At the beginning, Ros will ask you some questions and go through what therapy involves. She will tailor her approach to ensure that treatment is specific to your needs and will also discuss practical things like payment, fees and rebates. Your discussion might include things like:
- Why have you come to see a psychologist? Remember that you had a brief phone conversation, but this is when you can share more detail, so share what you feel comfortable with. The more you can tell Ros in this session, the more effectively she can begin helping you.
- Questions about your current life and your history. Understanding the history of previous challenges can really help Ros determine a clear course of action.
- What symptoms have you been experiencing? This is not to make you feel bad, but to fine tune the potential reasons for why you are experiencing them.
- How is your health? Are you facing any stress at home, work or in general that might be contributing to this situation? How are you sleeping? Are you eating well? These questions can really help if there are external pressures contributing to your situation.
- What have you have already tried to improve the situation? Again, another way for Ros to fine tune your treatment options as well as iron out any approaches that you've already tried.
The whole point of the first session is to create a clear picture of you and the difficulties that you've been experiencing; determine the therapeutic approach(es) that are most likely to benefit you and time to explain how these approaches might work for you.
Session times and other information
Sessions are usually 55 minutes in duration. When you come for your first visit, we will discuss the number of sessions you may need and this will depend on your individual situation.
It is difficult to determine how long therapy will take as each individual differs in their circumstances, personality and challenges they are facing. However, at the end of the first session, Ros will have some understanding of your situation and will discuss an approximate timeframe with you. It is usual to do a review at the 6th session when the need for further treatment will be discussed.
The best thing you can do is keep an open mind to finding a solution to your situation and remember that Ros will always discuss your progress with you.
Psychometric assessments take around 2 to 4 hours depending on the referral question and the tests that are required. Assessment fees will be discussed with you at referral.