How to get Help
What exactly are psychologists?
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour who can help people change the way they think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists study the brain, memory, learning and processes around human development. Psychological treatments can be used to help individuals, families, groups and organisations.
*Information quoted from – Psychology. (2021, October 27). Allied Health Professions Australia. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions/psychology/
Why would I see a psychologist?
You might visit a psychologist for help with problems such as:
- depression, anxiety or stress
- drug and alcohol abuse
- eating disorders
- fears and phobias
- low self-esteem
- post-traumatic stress disorder
A psychologist can also help you deal with challenges you may face in life such as:
*Information quoted from – Psychiatrists and psychologists. (n.d.). Healthdirect. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists
What will happen during a psychology session?
The First Appointment
You will be asked to come in 10 to 15 minutes early for your first appointment to fill out some paperwork (similar to the stuff you fill out at the doctors). When it’s time for your appointment, your Psychologist will come out and take you into at the consulting room. This room should be nice and comfortable and usually has a desk, couch (yep it’s true!) and consulting chair.
TIP: If at this point you are worried about anything regarding the room (such as being in a room with a closed door or sitting with your back to the door), please let your Psychologist know as they will be able to make provisions for this.
Now, just some notes on the first appointment (we call it the initial appointment). It’s structured a bit differently to the other (we call them subsequent) appointments you will attend In this session, your Psychologist will get a lot of information from you about what brought you to the appointment, what sort of things you might get up to day-to-day, a bit about yourself, your interests and hobbies. They will also ask you the nitty gritty essentials, how you are feeling, what’s going wrong and any history which could be related to how you are feeling. This is their chance to get to know you better and to find out all the things which are impacting on you feeling the way you are feeling.
What to do after the initial session…
After your initial session with a Psychologist, you may feel mentally exhausted. It can be really hard to go through everything that has been going on over the last few weeks, months and sometimes even years in one 50 minute session! Because of this, make sure you look after yourself. If you can it a good idea to do the following:
- Take the rest of the afternoon off work if you can. When we are emotionally exhausted we don’t often perform well!
- Do something that looks after you – this might be going and having a cup of tea or coffee, having a shower or taking the dog for a walk. Whatever helps you to feel better – do it! (As long as its helpful!).
- If you have someone you can have a de-brief with – do this. This could be a close friend, a family member or partner. It can sometimes be helpful to go through how you felt after the appointment and having someone there for support can be helpful.
- Rest and recuperate – take the time out to rest and recover.
*Information quoted from –What actually happens in your First Session with a Psychologist? Tips to Help you Prepare. (n.d.-b). The Psych Professionals. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://psychprofessionals.com.au/actually-happens-psychology-session/
What’s the difference between counselling, psychology and psychiatry?
Counsellors
Counselling, including psychotherapy, are professional activities that utilise an interpersonal relationship to enable people to develop self-understanding and to make changes in their lives. While you don’t need a referral from a GP to see a counsellor, you can speak to your doctor to help find a therapist.
Psychologists
Psychologists can provide a range of therapies (eg. talking therapy, art therapy) to deal with problems like depression, anxiety, stress and grief. Psychologists have a tertiary qualification in their field and must be registered to work with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Psychiatrists
While psychologists and psychiatrists are pretty similar, the major difference is that psychiatrists specialise in the biological causes of mental illness, while psychologists focus more on the cognitive and behavioural aspects. Also, psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialist qualifications in psychiatry and can prescribe medications and admit people to hospital (psychologists can’t do this).
Hospital services
Both public and private hospitals provide mental health services. People are usually referred to a hospital for these types of services through an emergency department, community mental health team or a GP.
*Information quoted from -What’s the difference between counselling, psychology and psychiatry? (n.d.). AHM. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://help.ahm.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/360001850556-What-s-the-difference-between-counselling-psychology-and-psychiatry-
If someone is unresponsive or is in immediate danger,
call Triple Zero (000) immediately!
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