0417 964 613 Suite A10 & B13 / 550 Canning Highway, Attadale 6156, Western Australia

GROW YOUR LIFE

Frequently Asked Questions What is a Clinical Psychologist? Clinical Psychologists have specialist training in the assessment and diagnosis of major mental health illnesses and psychological problems. Clinical Psychologists are trained in the delivery of a range of techniques and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. They are clinical specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to solve complex psychological problems requiring individually tailored interventions. In order to use the title “Clinical Psychologist” in Western Australia, a minimum of four years’ of University Training in Psychology, a Post-Graduate Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology plus two years of subsequent supervised professional practice is required. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registers all Clinical Psychologists in Western Australia. What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist? Clinical Psychologists are not medical practitioners. They do not prescribe medications although they usually do have good knoweldge of pharmacological treatments. They provide psychological therapy for a range of emotional, behavioural and cognitive problems. Psychiatrists are qualified medical practitioners who have obtained additional qualifications and training in the area of mental illness. Psychiatrists often prescribe medications and many have admitting rights to private psychiatric hospitals. What do I need to know to prepare for my first session? • Appointments last 50 minutes to 1 hour. • The first appointment will usually involve talking about the presenting problem and some initial therapy planning. • Clients should expect the Clinical Psychologist to estimate the number of sessions and the type of therapy that is likely to lead to an effective outcome for their problem or difficulty. It is important that you, as the client, understand the relevance of your therapy plan and raise any concerns or issues you wish to clarify. • Clinical Psychologists are trained to use a wide range of assessment and therapeutic strategies. The reason for referral and the Clinicial Psychologist’s theoretical orientation (way of working) will determine the content of the sessions, which may include discussion, testing, behavioural tasks, or other relevant activities. Clients will sometimes be asked to do tasks between visits and family may also be involved in sessions. • Clients may require multiple sessions with a Clinical Psychologist as sometimes clients require support over a longer period of time and this is not unusual as some difficulties or problems may have existed for a long period of time. What does the therapy involve? The initial session is aimed at clarifying the nature of your difficulties, whether therapy may be helpful and if so, agreeing on a therapeutic plan. Therapy is a collaborative process and successful therapy requires you to be committed to attending for sessions as agreed with Michelle and be actively involved throughout. The length of therapy depends on the nature of your difficulties and the needs of the individual. The frequency of appointments can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly and this will be discussed at the initial appointment and reviewed during the course of the therapy program. Each session lasts one hour. The ending of therapy is planned and agreed upon between you and Michelle.

0417 964 613 Suite A10 / 550 Canning Highway Attadale WA 6156

GROW YOUR LIFE

Frequently

Asked

Questions

What is a Clinical Psychologist? Clinical Psychologists have specialist training in the assessment and diagnosis of major mental health illnesses and psychological problems. Clinical Psychologists are trained in the delivery of a range of techniques and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. They are clinical specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to solve complex psychological problems requiring individually tailored interventions. In order to use the title “Clinical Psychologist” in Western Australia, a minimum of four years’ of University Training in Psychology, a Post-Graduate Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology plus two years of subsequent supervised professional practice is required. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registers all Clinical Psychologists in Western Australia. What do I need to know to prepare for my first session? • Appointments last 50 minutes to 1 hour. • The first appointment will usually involve talking about the presenting problem and some initial therapy planning. • Clients should expect the Clinical Psychologist to estimate the number of sessions and the type of therapy that is likely to lead to an effective outcome for their problem or difficulty. • Each session lasts one hour.