What will my first session look like?

Generally, you will complete some paperwork and meet your psychologist in the waiting room. Your psychologist will then show you to their room and often begin with a discussion about confidentiality so that you feel you can talk freely in sessions.

 

At this point, the session can be what you need it to be. Sometimes clients feel they need to provide a background, some clients want to vent, others want to set goals or learn tools. Some clients don't know what they need or want and leave the first session up to the psychologist.

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Often a short history of your childhood and mental health will be taken, including any adverse events in childhood, your relationships with your family members, and any treatment or diagnoses you have received previously. The psychologists at Hunter Psychological Services also try to do a bit of stuff that has worked for you in the past where possible. If you haven't seen a psychologist before, this just means we get to work with you to figure out what does work.​

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What sort of problems does therapy help with?

Therapy can help many different people in a range of ways, including complex, long-standing mental health issues through to maintaining positive mental health, it's not just for people with a diagnosable mental illness. If you have felt distressed in the previous month and struggled to engage in life such as spending less time with friends, not enjoying work, or conflict in your relationship, you may be struggling with a mental health issue or simply need some support. Please reach out and we can help you find out what is the best way forward for you.

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I don't have a diagnosis, is that a problem?

Not at all. Your GP may provide you with an initial diagnosis, which your psychologist will review. They will consider whether it appears to be the best fit for your current struggles. Psychologists and clinical psychologists are able to diagnose mental health issues in Australia and can therefore consider an in-depth assessment that your GP might not have the time to undertake. 

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How long will it be before I feel better?

Unfortunately, we can't answer this question, as every client is different. However, please know within our ethical guidelines, psychologists are only allowed to see clients if it is beneficial to the client; we will only recommend you return for sessions if we feel there is a reason for you to be here and if you agree. 

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How do I know if I no longer need therapy?

Typically, clients begin to feel better over a period of time and slowly run out of things they feel they need to discuss. This is then discussed with your psychologist and it is possible to begin stretching out appointments to see how things progress. As this happens, you may get to a point where the sessions are so far apart that you feel you may not need them. 

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If you feel therapy is something you want to explore more, send us an enquiry from the homepage form or give us a call and we will endeavour to help as much as possible.