What to expect
The first meeting can be daunting if you have never seen a psychologist. This is not unusual in a new situation and it takes courage. I have set up a few steps to make this a better experience for. Please take time to look through my website for a better understanding of who I am as a person and how we would work together to help you reach your goals.
Free chat
Before you book your first session I am happy to have a chat with you either on the phone or skype . This is a good opportunity to ask any question you may have. We might spend about 20-30 minutes which will be free of charge (only applicable to new clients). Of course, you can straight go ahead and make a time for the first session via my contact page.
First meeting
All meetings will be 60 minutes. The purpose of the first meeting is for both of us to understand what has led you to come and what you would like to get out of our time together. I usually ask for a questionnaire to be filled it before this. We will also talk about confidentiality. Here is the essence of it and how it is also limited:
Sometimes its difficult to talk about private concerns when clients come to see me. It is absolutely up to you what you will and won't tell me. Please be assured that privacy and confidentiality are a priority. All personal information is treated confidentially and securely kept.
If you have a medical referral I will communicate with your GP or medical specialist in form of thank you, progress and update letters.
I will not disclose any information about you or anyone you might talk about to me to any other agency or person unless you have given permission. However, it is important to understand that there are exceptions under which all psychologists are forced to break confidentiality.
These are the circumstances when I have to disclose information you have provided to me.
Subsequent meetings
It is difficult to say how many sessions will be needed. If you have a 'Mental Health Care Plan' from a GP or psychiatrist the Medicare rebated number of sessions will be limited, of course. In general, depending on what you have come for, you will be able to see some progress within the first 3-6 sessions. Typically, we would meet once a week initially, then maybe once every 2 weeks. Again, this is up to you and will depend on your personal circumstances and your commitment and willingness to give some of your learning a go in your real daily life.
We will review your progress together. Sometimes, I will give you some written material or recommend books to help you make new insights solid and tangible. Life takes turns and your goals may also change. I encourage you to bring up anything that you think will help me to assist you better. I value your feedback.
Last meeting
Of course, all therapy / training ends at some point and the last session plays an important role in the whole course of meetings. We will focus on putting together what you have learnt and what you will take away. Usually, it is very important to understand the warning signs of 'relapse' and make some plan what to do when that happens.
It is a common question to ask about the number of meetings needed. In general, most people will make noticeable progress within 6 to 12 sessions. However, if what you are working with is a longstanding concern it may take longer or can be dealt with in chunks of time.
Free chat
Before you book your first session I am happy to have a chat with you either on the phone or skype . This is a good opportunity to ask any question you may have. We might spend about 20-30 minutes which will be free of charge (only applicable to new clients). Of course, you can straight go ahead and make a time for the first session via my contact page.
First meeting
All meetings will be 60 minutes. The purpose of the first meeting is for both of us to understand what has led you to come and what you would like to get out of our time together. I usually ask for a questionnaire to be filled it before this. We will also talk about confidentiality. Here is the essence of it and how it is also limited:
Sometimes its difficult to talk about private concerns when clients come to see me. It is absolutely up to you what you will and won't tell me. Please be assured that privacy and confidentiality are a priority. All personal information is treated confidentially and securely kept.
If you have a medical referral I will communicate with your GP or medical specialist in form of thank you, progress and update letters.
I will not disclose any information about you or anyone you might talk about to me to any other agency or person unless you have given permission. However, it is important to understand that there are exceptions under which all psychologists are forced to break confidentiality.
These are the circumstances when I have to disclose information you have provided to me.
- Mandated by a court of law (officially requested)
- As a psychologist it is my duty of care to be concerned for your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. If I feel your personal safety is at a serious risk or the safety of someone else, I am required by law to disclose this information. I will make every effort to discuss this with you prior to any disclosure. Please feel assured that this is a very unlikely event.
Subsequent meetings
It is difficult to say how many sessions will be needed. If you have a 'Mental Health Care Plan' from a GP or psychiatrist the Medicare rebated number of sessions will be limited, of course. In general, depending on what you have come for, you will be able to see some progress within the first 3-6 sessions. Typically, we would meet once a week initially, then maybe once every 2 weeks. Again, this is up to you and will depend on your personal circumstances and your commitment and willingness to give some of your learning a go in your real daily life.
We will review your progress together. Sometimes, I will give you some written material or recommend books to help you make new insights solid and tangible. Life takes turns and your goals may also change. I encourage you to bring up anything that you think will help me to assist you better. I value your feedback.
Last meeting
Of course, all therapy / training ends at some point and the last session plays an important role in the whole course of meetings. We will focus on putting together what you have learnt and what you will take away. Usually, it is very important to understand the warning signs of 'relapse' and make some plan what to do when that happens.
It is a common question to ask about the number of meetings needed. In general, most people will make noticeable progress within 6 to 12 sessions. However, if what you are working with is a longstanding concern it may take longer or can be dealt with in chunks of time.
