What can I expect from therapy?

The first appointment
The aim of the initial appointment is for you and your therapist to get to know each other and to develop a thorough understanding of the particular problem area that you would like help with. For that reason the first appointment is usually slightly longer than a standard therapy session (1-1.25 hours). A primary aim of the first session is to reach an understanding of things that may be causing or exacerbating the problem and to set clear goals for change. To help with this process your therapist will probably ask more questions than is usual and may make notes as you talk.

Subsequent sessions
The main therapy technique used by our clinic is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT is not just about talking through your problems. It is an active process of discussing and understanding why a particular problem may be occurring, and then learning specific skills to ‘fix' the problem or manage better. The main aim of CBT is to teach clients skills so that they can begin to enact change and maintain that change in the longer term. In other words, the aim is for clients to become their own expert therapists. For that reason, sessions may involve learning and practising particular skills, and you may be asked to practise skills in your daily life for ‘homework’.

Can I claim some of the session fees back?
Yes - Medicare now provides rebates for psychological services. To be eligible for the rebate you must get a ‘Medicare’ referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. For further information about Medicare rebates click here. Most private health funds also provide rebates.

How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on many factors (e.g., nature and complexity of the problem, your expectations, motivation to change, etc.). It is generally accepted that most psychological problems can be address within 6-12 sessions (hence the Medicare rebate covers 10 sessions). However, there is no true standard. Some very simple problems may only require 2-3 sessions, while more complex problems may require longer-term work. Your therapist can often provide an estimation of how long therapy should take after the initial assessment.

What should I expect to feel over the time of therapy?
Some people feel some benefits of therapy after the first session but for the majority it will take around four weeks before you feel some change. The feeling of change (be it good or bad) is usually a good sign that you are seeing things in a new light.

If you would like more information, or to book an appointment with one of our psychologists, please email or call the clinic on 0405 430 530.

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