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Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. This involves both overt behaviour (the things you actually do) and covert behaviour (the things you think and feel). Psychologists generally employ a model which tries to take into account and understand all aspects of a person’s life (i.e. the biological, social, contextual and psychological aspects) in order to help them achieve desired change.

Psychological therapies are used widely in many different types of settings. Psychologists are trained to work with people individually, in couples, in group settings, with children and families and with organisations.

Psychologists endeavour to assist people develop the skills to cope better and overcome difficulties they are experiencing in their life. They can also assist people to develop their potential further in areas of their life, such as career and relationships.

Every person has a different journey through therapy. This is largely dependent on the nature of why they are coming in and what it is that they are hoping to get out of sessions. Some people come to see a psychologist to develop coping strategies to reduce or manage symptoms of mental illness. This type of work can be short to medium term, but might also involve checking in less frequently over the longer-term to deal with setbacks or prevent relapse.

Other people come to therapy to understand long-standing patterns (such as relationship issues) that stem from experiences during their childhood, or to receive ongoing support. This type of work tends to happen over an extended period of time, although again, this is dependent on client preferences.

Sometimes people come to therapy for a one off session or just a handful of sessions to speak about a specific issue in their life or to talk through a particular concern. Although problems and challenges are typically what bring people to a psychologist (at least initially), therapy can also be a space for self-development and growth.

Work with a psychologist usually involves a period of assessment followed by a period of treatment. The length of time taken to complete the ‘therapy process’ is different depending upon the type of problem. This will be discussed with you.

In the initial assessment phase, psychologists try to gain a thorough understanding of the problem from your point of view. This may involve filling out questionnaires or monitoring forms. The treatment phase involves helping you to do things differently in order to help you feel better. All aspects of the process are collaborative, meaning that you participate and make active decisions about what goals you would like to achieve and how you would like to participate.

The first session is about understanding your current difficulties and agreeing on treatment targets with your therapist. For example you may want to overcome feelings of sadness and a lack of enjoyment related to depression. Perhaps you would like to feel in control of your life rather than be consumed by worry. It can be helpful to think about your expectations from therapy and raise any concerns that you have with your therapist.

Research shows that therapy works best when you attend regularly and give some thought to what you want to discuss during each session. The type of therapy offered asks you to practice skills and strategies between sessions. People who do this generally get more out of therapy.

The procedure for a first appointment varies from practice to practice, but here is an overview of how things tend to work at Building Stability Psychology:

Prior to your first session your psychologist will briefly run through important paperwork with you. This will include completing a form with basic personal information and a consent form that cover issues such as confidentiality, fees and other important information about sessions. If you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, we will discuss the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan at this point.

After completing paperwork the remainder of the session is usually spent discussing the issues that have brought you into therapy. As well as developing a thorough understanding of your concerns, your psychologist will explore relevant background history, for example, information about your family, social relationships, work history and any past counselling that you have done. Based on this information we will begin to help you to understand more about what might be triggering and maintaining your current issues. If time allows we will also work with you to develop a collaborative and flexible plan for future therapy sessions.

Psychologists are health professionals who work in a range of areas including clinical, health, neuropsychology, sports, forensic, organisational and community settings. To become a fully registered psychologist you must undertake an undergraduate degree, an Honours degree and and at least two years of supervised training and further education in the field of psychology (either a Masters or Doctorate degree).

Psychologists assist people with everyday concerns such as stress and relationship difficulties, as well as mental health issues. Psychologists use “talk therapies” to help people to develop skills to cope with difficulties and to prevent on-going issues. There are a large number of research studies supporting the effectiveness of psychological therapy.

Psychiatrists have completed a medical degree and further training and study related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists combine medication with therapy.

Medicare
If you have a referral from a GP or a psychiatrist for a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $88.25 (for a general psychologist) per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling as extras cover you may be eligible for a partial rebate. It is recommended that you contact your individual insurance provider for further information about your individual coverage.

Appointments are approximately 50 mins long.

Psychologists are highly qualified, uniquely trained, and very experienced. Depending on your needs and preferences psychologists integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches to help you improve your mental health and well-being. Below are some of the therapeutic approaches used:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Mindfulness
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Solution-focused therapy
• Client-centred therapy
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Positive psychology
• Narrative therapy
• Psychodynamic approaches
• Play therapy for children with trauma
• Schema Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Care

It is normal for kids to be nervous about coming to see a psychologist because they don’t know what to expect and may worry they are ‘bad’ or there is something ‘wrong’ with them. It may be helpful to explain that coming to see a psychologist is like seeing a doctor for your physical health; a psychologist can help with our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I see lots of children for all sorts of reasons.

Usually after the first visit, children will look forward to sessions and understand that they are in a safe place where they can enjoy being themselves, and talk about things they may find difficult.

In order to use the Medicare rebate system you need to be referred by a GP. This is essential as the GP (not the psychologist) has the responsibility for linking you up with the Medicare system. Your GP will complete a Mental Health Care Plan which will be either sent to the identified psychologist or you will be given the plan to bring with you on your first visit. In one calendar year each person can be funded for a rebate on a maximum of 10 individual psychological consultations. They can also receive a rebate in relation to a maximum of 10 group psychological consultations within one calendar year. This is in addition to the individual sessions.

This rebate system also applies to other health care items under Medicare so if you have received a rebate for any other allied health care issue it is important to check with Medicare to see what your eligibility for rebates is at any point in time.For further information you can visit the Medicare website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.

Yes. Many private health insurers allow for some refund for psychology services; however no two are the same. We advise you to check with your specific provider to see what your policy allows.

Please note that you cannot use your private health insurance in conjunction with claiming a Medicare rebate. However you may use your 10 Medicare rebates and then claim against your health insurance for further sessions.

Once you have increased your knowledge about the issues relevant to you and increased your skill base you can use these tools for the rest of your life. Psychological tools are very versatile and can often be used in many situations. For example there are many uses for things such as communication skills, emotional regulation skills and problem-solving.

CBT is changing the way you feel by changing the way you think. It is a type of therapy that was pioneered by Aaron T. Beck and has been shown to be a very effective treatment for many types of problems. For more see www.beckinstitute.org.

There is a lot of research published about the effectiveness of CBT for many psychological issues, in particular depression and anxiety.

Although therapy can be beneficial for people who do have serious emotional problems, it is also helpful for people with everyday concerns such as adjustment or phase of life issues.

Most of us do not think that we have to experience a heart attack before we can see a doctor; it is OK to go if we merely have a sprained ankle. The same applies to therapy – you don’t have to have the emotional equivalent of a heart attack to see a psychologist. By working with a psychologist you can often get back on track much faster and save yourself a lot of unnecessary distress.

Traditionally clinical psychology has been about alleviating misery and learning to cope with clinical disorders, for example: depression, anxiety, substance abuse etc. In the last few years, there has been an acknowledgement by psychologists and others that happiness is not just the absence of disorder, it is about finding out what makes us healthy, fulfilled and focussed on well-being. Positive psychology provides a scientific framework for the study of human potential and happiness.

Better Access To Mental Health Care; This Medicare initiative is available for individuals with an assessed mental condition that is being managed by a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist under a Mental Health Care Plan. Eligible individuals can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and/or group sessions per calendar year.

Chronic Disease Management; This initiative assists people living with a chronic or complex medical illness. Medicare rebates are available for up to five visits (in total) within a calendar year, to certain allied health professionals assisting in the care and management of a chronic disease. Your GP is required to prepare a chronic disease management plan (or Team Care Arrangement).

Pregnancy Support Counselling; This scheme is available for women with a current or recent pregnancy (within the last 12 months) who have any concerns, such as decisions about the future, adjustment following the pregnancy, or general issues related to a pregnancy. The partner of the client can also attend the counselling session, if appropriate. Medicare rebates are available for up to 3 visits per pregnancy, following a GP referral.

Helping Children with Autism (HCWA);This Medicare program assists in the early diagnosis and treatment of children with autism or any other pervasive developmental disorder. Under this program up to four diagnostic/assessment services and up to 20 treatment services provided by psychologists and other allied health professionals are available, to assist the referring practitioner with diagnosis or to contribute to a child’s treatment and management plan.

Better Start for Children with Disability; This Medicare scheme aims to provide early intervention to children with a range of disabilities and developmental delays. Under this program, up to four diagnostic/assessment sessions and up to 20 treatment sessions provided by psychologists and other allied health professionals are available to assist the referring practitioner with diagnosis, or to contribute to a child’s treatment and management plan. People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent; Medicare rebates are available for up to an extra five allied health services in total per calendar year for indigenous people who have had a health assessment from their GP and require follow-up allied health services. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS); The NDIS aims to provide community linking and individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. Individuals with an NDIA approved plan can use their funding for psychological therapy when it has been identified as a needed support. We are a registered provider. For more information on NDIS click here www.ndis.gov.au

Eating Disorders; This scheme is available for individuals with an assessed eating disorder that is being managed by a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist under an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP). Eligible individuals can receive Medicare rebates for up to 40 sessions in a 12-month period. Bushfire Recovery Access; This Initiative offers up to 10 Medicare rebatable services available in each calendar year for two years (2020 and 2021), for those affected by the bushfires of 2019-2020. No referral required.

When appropriate, psychology services can be fully funded by organisations such as Workcover or DVA.

Yes. Telehealth is available on request. Medicare rebates apply.