imind

Therapeutic Approach

Treatment at our clinic is guided by two drivers:

What the evidence indicates, and
the needs of the client.

The basic framework utilised is that of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and associated approaches such as Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Therapy. Other approaches that may be used include Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Object relations therapy.

The basic principles are about providing a client-focused, supportive, non-judgemental and empowering environment for the patient with strong emphasis on time-limited, brief therapy.

The first appointment

The first appointment usually lasts longer than most of the other appointments as the therapist attempts to identify the underlying issue/s and possible reasons about its emergence. A therapist will usually aim to create a hypothesis that would guide subsequent therapy. This hypothesis will often be corrected in subsequent sessions. At this session we also tend to develop goals and agree on the treatment path. This first appointment is also crucial as you get to know the therapist and building rapport. It is not usually just the therapist that is assessing the client but also the other way around. The client would form some opinion about the therapist and the likely "match".

The first session is critical as it helps to both shape treatment but also provide the measures for assessing outcomes.

Typical Session

A typical session lasts between 55 and 60 minutes. In such a session we review progress over the past week, success of any homework set and progress towards achieving your goals. At the end of such a session we also set the following week's work.

Some therapy frameworks do not place a strong of emphasis on “homework” or homework may be lacking altogether.

How many sessions will I need?

The aim of therapy is to enable individuals to face challenges in a way that makes them feel competent and self-sufficient. It is as important that therapy does not foster dependency but it empowers one to meet the challenges of life on their own. The number of sessions required therefore is a very individual matter but something that will be discussed during the session as deemed appropriate by either yourself or the therapist.

Important variables that impact on the number of sessions are the type, severity and chronicity of the problem/s.

What if I want to stop?

The one thing to always remember is that you are in charge of the process. Going to a therapist is not different that going to any other professional. Sometimes you may feel that you do not benefit from the service you are receiving. In that case you would want to be able to change therapists, the same way that you may want to change your GP or your psychiatrist.

As I always say to my clients,

"YOU GIVE UP ON YOUR THERAPIST, NOT ON YOURSELF".

In those cases there is no additional cost nor is there any penalty. As a consumer of a service you have the right to make a decision to stop buying the service and / or try a different one.

The only thing we ask at our service is that you discuss it with the therapist. The aim would be to differentiate between a general breakdown in the therapeutic relationship, which is of no benefit to anyone, as opposed to the general uncomfortable feeling that you may get when the therapy is touching issues that go to the core inner self.

Having said that do not forget that:

YOU are always in charge of the process, and

YOU can stop at any stage.

We may also be able to assist you to identify a therapist that may meet your needs.

MEDICARE Information

Can I go directly to a psychologist and access these benefits?

Yes you can but then you will not be entitled to a rebate. You need to see a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician who will develop a Mental Health Care Plan, in order to be entitled to a rebate. That plan is subsequently registered with Medicare which is how you claim your refund. You can also see a psychologist through your Private Health Fund, but you cannot claim both rebate from Medicare and the Private Health Fund.

Can I request a referral to a specific psychologist or does my doctor have to choose?

Your doctor may allow you to request a specific psychologist or may refer you to a registered psychologist that he/she recommends. The psychologist in question must be registered and have a Medicare Provider Number for you to be able to claim the rebate.

If I am already seeing a psychologist, can I access these benefits?

You will need to see an appropriate medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician) to request a referral to your psychologist under the approved system. Your psychologist would need to have a Medicare Provider Number. Your psychologist can assist you with this process.

How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?

Eligible patients can generally receive:

Up to 10 individual services in a calendar year. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions. Provision will exist for patients to receive additional services where exceptional circumstances arise (exceptional circumstances will be identified by the referring doctor).

Up to 10 group therapy services in a calendar year where such services are available and seen as appropriate by the psychologist.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Will anyone find out what is discussed in counselling?

We understand that clients are often concerned about their privacy and confidentiality. Any information disclosed to us is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your written permission.

There are some legal limitations to confidentiality, however, that your psychologist will discuss with you during the appointment such as in the event of subpoena for legal proceedings, our information may be required by law to be released.