Why see a psychologist?
People work with Psychologists for a variety of reasons. Often we come to a point where we feel completely overwhelmed with the effects of a past or current event, or possibly an event we are anxious about occurring in the future. This can impact and distract us mentally, emotionally, and physically as we go about our lives. People utilise a psychologist when they recognise that it’s time to partner with someone to help facilitate change. Often they have had enough with the way their life, and their relationships with others, is being impacted by their particular concern.
Working in collaboration with a psychologist assists people in gaining clarity, perspective, valuable coping skills and behaviour strategies. Having professional support can be the point of difference to successfully achieve the change you are hoping for.
What can I expect in my first session?
Seeing a Psychologist for the first time can be quite daunting, at Best Life Psychology we aim to provide a safe, caring environment where you are able to explore your concerns. Your initial session is an assessment session; it’s a time for us to understand your presenting concerns and to assess the barriers preventing you from moving towards your goals. By the end of this session we will let you know what we think will be helpful in moving you forward and you can decide how that sounds for you.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed is dependent on the issue/s you are presenting with. For most people session numbers are usually kept within the Medicare coverage of 10 sessions (per calendar year). Further sessions may be needed in some cases particularly if the client is interested in more of a therapy journey.
Can I claim on Medicare?
Medicare rebates are now available following a referral for counselling from your doctor. Medicare Benefits Scheme attracts a rebate of $96.65 from the consultation fee. Under the medicate rebate scheme, clients are able to receive up to 10 sessions per calendar year. For more information please refer to the below Medicare fact sheet, consult your doctor, or call us on 0402 340 737 to discuss.
What is the difference between therapy and counselling?
Counselling provides a forum for the exploration of current issues and concerns with a focus primarily on providing strategies and tools to help you manage day to day while addressing the barriers that prevent you from reaching your goals. A therapy journey often follows counselling and focuses more on emotional and behavioural patterns that occur in our lives which impact our way of being and relating these patterns develop in childhood and form the basis of how we respond in the world. Therapy addresses the underlying belief systems helping us understand and change destructive patterns of relating therefore enabling us to live and relate more freely.
Who is the APS and what does it mean for me?
Your psychologist is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), which is the largest professional association of psychologists in Australia, with a comprehensive Code of Ethics and complementary series of Ethical Guidelines.
As a client of an APS psychologist, you have a right to expect that:
- You will be treated with respect
- You will receive a clear explanation of the service you will receive
- Your consent for any service will be sought by the psychologist prior to the service commencing and as it progresses
- You will receive an explanation about the nature and limits of confidentiality surrounding the service
- You will be clear about the goals that you and the psychologist are working toward
- You will receive competent and professional service
- You will receive a clear statement about fees
- An estimate of the number of sessions required to achieve your goals will be discussed
- You will receive a service free from sexual harassment
- You will be shown respect for your cultural background and language tradition
Where are you located?
Our Address is Suite 20/19-21 Central Road, Miranda – The Psychology Collective.
Parking: Parking is available either on the street, in Westfields or at Parkside Plaza.
Public Transport: Our office is a 5 minute walk from Miranda Train station.
How can I pay?
We take several forms of payment. Cash, or Eftpos. Credit card payments attract a 1.5% processing fee – we accept Visa & MasterCard.
