WHAT CAN PSYCHOLOGISTS HELP WITH?

Psychologists have studied human behavior and the brain (including how people think, feel, learn and behave) and have been trained to assist people who are having challenges coping with emotions, thoughts and actions. This can include those experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders. Psychologists use evidence-based approaches that are tailored to suit each client and circumstance and they assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of clients and areas of concern.

DO I NEED A THERAPIST?

Here are some signs that you (or your child/teen) should see a mental health professional:

- You feel like you can’t manage the problem anymore without help
- You feel like you need more coping strategies then you have currently
- You’re struggling with intense emotions
- A big life change has happened and you’re struggling with it
- You don’t feel like you have other people to talk to
- You’ve been through something traumatic and can’t move past it
- You’re using substances or unhealthy behaviours and are worried       

   about it
- You can’t seem to communicate well with loved ones or colleagues
- You don’t enjoy things like you used to
- You’re consistently sick and run down
- People have suggested you need some help

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PSYCHIATRIST?

Psychologists are university trained and registered practitioners who assist people with challenges they are facing in their life including depression, anxiety, stress and relationship difficulties, as well as mental health issues. Their focus is on tailoring plans to help their clients develop skills and techniques to cope with difficulties and to prevent on-going issues and they often use a combination of therapies appropriate to the situation.

Psychiatrists are specialist medical doctors who have obtained additional qualifications to practice in the specialty of psychiatry. They specialise in the diagnosis and medical treatment of mental illness and can prescribe medication as well as using other therapies.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM ANOTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

We don't require referrals.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO MY APPOINTMENT?

If you must cancel or move an appointment it is important to notify us as soon as possible. 

Except under certain extenuating circumstances, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged for appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

It’s very normal to feel anxious, nervous, or unsure about your first therapy session. We will provide a private, comfortable, safe, respectful and non-judgmental place for you to discuss anything you need to.

In the first few sessions, the psychologists will typically ask you questions about yourself, your life, and any presenting problems you would like to work on. Together, you will create a plan of how therapy can assist you with these problems, how many sessions it may take, and how frequently you should meet. Prior to your first session it can be helpful for you to ask yourself what changes you would like to make in your life. The aim of therapy is for us to then work together to help you achieve those changes.

WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF MEDICAL AID FUNDS?

We check to make sure that you have sufficient funds available before each session by verifying your available funds with the medical aid prior to your appointment. In rare occasions there might be a short payment when the claim is submitted. In this event we will notify you as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

MY CHILD NEEDS A PSYCHOLOGIST. HOW DOES THAT WORK? 

Therapy for children under the age of 16 years old starts with an intake session with parents. In the first session with your child, both you and your child will often be invited into the session at the beginning, then you will be asked to leave so the child can be seen by themselves. There will be total of three sessions, after which you will be invited back for a Parental feedback session. Here we will discuss with you the most appropriate structure of future counselling sessions with your child.

In the case of adolescents, depending on the age of your teenager they may wish to be seen without their parent present. However, it is recommended that a parent is always available to attend the sessions if needed.

HOW LONG DO I NEED?

Each individual therapy session is 50 minutes in length. How many sessions you need depends on your situation and can be discussed. After the first 1-2 sessions, we will discuss what we think is an appropriate amount of sessions to help you address the presenting problem. This way you can set goals and work together on achieving them.

Many factors can influence the length of therapy including the issues you are seeking help with, the coping strategies you already use, your support network and previous counselling you may have had.