What to Expect When You See a Psychologist

Deciding to seek psychological support can be an important step in identifying and improving mental health difficulties. When seeking other health support, such as attending our local GP or dentist, we may have past experience and/or a model in our head of what the process entails. If you’ve never been to counselling before you may not know what will happen in the session. Below are some common concerns and questions around commencing therapy.

What’s a psychologist’s role?

Psychologists working in private practice help individuals identify and manage mental health difficulties. People seeking therapy may want help with a wide range of difficulties ranging from diagnosable mental health conditions (such as major depression, panic disorder or PTSD), to communication difficulties, or support while going through a stressful time). Some psychologists can also be involved in diagnosing and supporting those with neurological conditions and/or developmental delays.

During therapy your psychologist will work to conceptualise:

·       Your current difficulties

·       Short and long-term factors that have contributed to these struggles

·       What keeps these problems going

·       What helps with the problem — protective factors.

Psychologists are university-trained health professionals who have knowledge about how the brain works and skills in delivering evidence-based interventions to improve your mental health. 

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists deliver talk-based therapy from a biopsychosocial framework, meaning they consider biological, psychological and social/environmental factors that contribute to mental health. Talk-therapy is a term that refers to evidence-based techniques that can treat mental health difficulties and can be an alternative or adjunct to medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have specialised in mental health. While they may also deliver talk-therapy, psychiatrists have more of a biological focus and are able to prescribe and monitor medication use.

What is the process to see a psychologist?

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, though many people seek one from their GP who may be able to give you a Mental Health Care Plan. Mental Health Care Plans enable clients to receive a rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, reducing the cost out-of-pocket per session. If you have private health this may alternatively assist with the cost of sessions.

Feelings about commencing therapy

Attending therapy can come with a variety of feelings. It is natural to have some anxiety before attending your first psychology session. Talking about our difficulties with someone we have just met can feel overwhelming, but psychologists want to provide you with support and are trained in how to listen so you will feel comfortable and supported.

Some people also have feelings of ambivalence about therapy. This can occur if you hold stigma towards the process (which unfortunately has existed within our society). You may also feel unsure about engaging in therapy again if you have had previous negative experiences in counselling. When we are struggling, feelings of hopelessness and low motivation can be present, which may also make you skeptical of how much therapy can help. Psychologists are aware these feelings may be present and can give you education around the process of therapy, as well as accept and work with mixed feelings about attendance.

Seeking help can also involve a feeling of relief and after starting the process you may feel supported and more hopeful about improving your wellbeing.

What happens in the first session?

In your first psychology session you may:

·       Be familiarised with the process of psychological therapy

·       Share your story and what has brought you to the session

·       Identify goals

·       Start to build a working relationship with the psychologist and sense if you feel comfortable with them

Initial psychology session/s tend to be focused on information gathering more than strategies. Your psychologist will want to fully understand your current difficulties and background factors, as well as gain a sense of who you are as a person and your goals.

It’s important for your therapist to have a clear conceptualisation of your mental health so they can give you an effective and tailored intervention. While you are speaking with your psychologist for the first time it is important to remember:

·       You can give your psychologist feedback and influence the pace and focus of the session

·       If you are unsure of what to talk about your psychologist can give you some prompting questions

·       You are getting a feel of how you ‘click’ with your psychologist. You can always give feedback and/or see another psychologist if you feel your therapist is not a good fit for you.

What happens in subsequent sessions?

In subsequent sessions with a psychologist you will start working towards your goals in therapy. This may often involve some discussion of your current wellbeing and any significant events, as well as time to learn a new skill/strategy.

Many clients find that talking about their difficulties and having a supportive professional listen is helpful. Psychologists rely on evidenced-based therapy models and techniques to assist you improve your wellbeing. These ideas may be conveyed throughout conversation or taught in a more didactic way, depending on what works for the client. How your therapist works with you will also be influenced by their style of therapy and personality, as well as by your unique needs.

You can take an active role in sessions, working together with your therapist and possibly completing collaboratively agreed upon between-session tasks. Giving feedback to your psychologist about your goals, your experience of therapy, and any obstacles or concerns, can help make therapy as effective as possible.

Summary

Seeing a psychologist for the first time can involve varied emotions. During an intake session your psychologist will gather information about your current difficulties, history and goals so that they can understand your therapy needs. Subsequent sessions will involve the development of a working relationship with your therapist where they will provide support and information to assist you meet your goals. While therapy may feel daunting to start with, it can be the beginning of a helpful journey towards improved mental health.




Erica South, Psychologist

Mind & Body Psychology acknowledges the Jagerra and Turrbal peoples as the first inhabitants and traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. We pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, and are committed to honouring all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, and seas, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

The Director of Mind & Body Psychology contributes 3% of her salary to: Pay the Rent (Aborignal Grassroots Intiative), IndigenousX (Indigenous owned media outlet), the Westerman Jilya Indigenous Scholarship (scholarships to support the training of more Indigenous psychologists), and Bush Heritage (a not-for-profit that purchases land and partners with traditional owners to restore and protect Country).