Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if should visit a psychologist?"]
There are many reasons why clients choose to see a psychologist. Sometimes the most helpful question to ask yourself is, “Am I experiencing any mental obstacles to a happy, fulfilling life?” For some of you, the answer may be “yes.” Perhaps old issues, despite your best efforts, continue to plague you; you might be experiencing emotions that are out of control; or you may simply feel that something is not quite right. Some of the most common disorders that people experience are anxiety and depression. Other conditions include stress, chronic worry, obsessions and compulsions, panic attacks, perfectionism, phobias, trauma, and
many more.
Whatever you are struggling with, you don’t have to deal with it alone, and asking for help from professionals may be the kindest and most courageous gift you can give yourself. The skilled and sympathetic help of a therapist may provide the life skill or change in perspective that will lead you to the life you desire. We at Angus Munro Psychology will walk alongside you with support and guidance to a better life.
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What factors should I consider in selecting a psychologist?"]
There are two main factors: compatibility and expertise. You can determine compatibility by noticing if your psychologist is listening and seems to understand you are saying; and whether there is a feeling of safety and trust. Expertise includes educational background and experience: General psychologists must have, in addition to a university degree, two years of supervised experience. Clinical Psychologists, on the other hand, are specialists who have received in-depth training in treating complex psychological issues, and have received a Master’s Degree and/or Doctoral Degree in addition to an Honours Degree in Psychology. A good psychologist should be continually developing their skills and staying current on new developments in evidence based treatments. Meeting your counsellor in person is extremely important to find out if you are compatible, but you can visit their websites or blogs to gain insight into whether they might be a good fit for you.
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How much is the rebate from Medicare if I have a referral?"] See our main
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How do I make an appointment?"]
When you find a clinical psychologist that might be right for you, call or email to check for availability and to schedule an initial appointment. Appointments are usually scheduled based on your availability and counsellor can often adapt their hours to yours. At Angus Munro Psychology, we do offer appointments beyond normal office hours.
Call us today on 0290 561 779 to see us in person in Sydney or on Skype from anywhere in the world. [/expand] [expand title="
What kind of psychological treatment methods should I expect?"]
Angus Munro Psychology specialises in a comprehensive array of therapies, such as
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT),
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),
Schema Therapy, Mindfulness based therapies, and
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), to name just a few. Upon your initial consultation, you will work in conjunction with your therapist to create a psychological treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, in terms of methodology and time frame. Most clients have weekly or fortnightly sessions initially, and during each 50-minute treatment session, your therapist will gently guide you through a process of self-discovery and help you learn new ways of thinking about or approaching the issues that are confronting you.
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How do I know if my psychological treatment is working?"]
Every client is different. Some clients experience some relief within a few sessions. Others find that talking about their issues is a painful or uncomfortable experience, and their symptoms may temporarily worsen before they get better. Normally the first goal is to provide treatment for the most acute symptoms so that you have the freedom to go deeper, into self-discovery, finding solutions to your issues, or developing life skills. There is no one path in therapy, however. The goal is to challenge oneself without being overwhelmed; and to take each step in your own time, when you are ready. Your psychologist will be able to guide the speed at which the
psychological treatment takes place, in order for your mind and emotions to process the changes that are occurring. Sometimes these changes are obvious; and sometimes the changes are happening under the surface.
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What is the difference between a psychological problem and a psychological diagnosis or disorder?"]
While psychologists do make distinctions between disorders and problems, the reality is that in each disorder or problem, there is an enormous spectrum in degree of severity and in what particular symptoms come to the surface. In general, a psychological disorder is considered more severe than a psychological problem. Disorders tend to have clusters of symptoms that have a sizeable impact upon your life, while psychological problems may be have only one or two symptoms that are less severe. You can do a brief screening of your Mental Health by clicking
here, but we highly recommend seeing a professional, who will be better equipped to help you understand what factors are involved and what kind of treatment would best suit you. Whether you have a disorder or a problem, keep hope, for both are treatable with therapy.
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How long does psychological treatment take?"]
Whether you are diagnosed with a psychological disorder or problem, treatment can differ according to the nature of your condition, the length and severity of your symptoms, and what your goals are. People with severe or chronic problems tend to need longer-term therapy, while acute symptoms may require shorter, more targeted treatment. Long-term therapy can mean anything from six months to several years, and may benefit from medication. Ultimately, though, you are in charge of your therapy, and you should feel free to tell your psychologist what your goals and time frame are.
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Will therapy be confidential?"]
Yes. Your confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of psychological treatment.
Your ability to trust your therapist is key to your well-being, and in addition, psychologists are bound by professional ethics to keep your information, and even the fact that you are in treatment, confidential. The only exceptions to the rules of confidentiality are in very specific situations when a therapist can break confidentiality. The main examples are when there are clear signs of imminent harm to another person or yourself, or in the case of a court order.
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