How often would I come to therapy?
How long would therapy last? That depends on your reason for coming to therapy. We want you to come as often, or as rarely, as is best for your situation. Some clients come every week, and others come less frequently. Very occasionally, some clients come twice in a week if they have had a particular issue such as a break-up or some other reason they need extra support that week. We don’t want to rush the therapeutic process, but we also don’t want to keep you in therapy for longer than you need or want. If you would like more information about your particular situation, please feel free to ask how long your therapy is expected to take. You will be able to get a more precise answer once we understand your personal history and reasons for seeking therapy.
What About Confidentiality?
Links For Life Psychology abides by a strict Code of Ethics and guidelines that are set by law for psychologists regarding confidentiality, ethics, privacy, professional conduct and responsibility to clients.
All information that you disclose to a psychologist is confidential and will not be revealed to any other person without your written permission to do so. The only exceptions to this general rule are when:
- The file is subpoenaed by a court of law
- Failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk
- The psychologist believes a child or adolescent may be or have been subject to some form of abuse. By law, psychologists are mandated to report this information to the appropriate authorities
- You give written consent for written information to be released to a designated agent
This information is part of the legal requirement to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide relevant and informed psychological services. At any stage you may request to see the information keep on file.
Who do I call in an emergency?
If you are in a life threatening situation or you need help urgently please refer to the following CRISIS CONTACTS or emergency services on 000
What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?
Psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the area of mental health and often work together to assist people improve their lives. However; there are significant differences between the two professions in the services they provide, their training and their treatment approach.Psychologists have extensive University training and experience in the understanding of human behaviour and may specialise in various aspects of psychology.
Psychiatrists in contrast have a medical degree and specialist qualifications in psychiatry. Psychiatrists mainly treat people with a mental illness such as schizophrenia, whereas the majority of psychologist clientele are quite healthy people who want to function better in a particular area of their lives.
Psychologists with specialist training in Clinical Psychology also treat people suffering from a mental illness providing scientifically validated psychological treatment that does not include the use of medication.
Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication and some combine this with other forms of therapy. Psychologists are not able to prescribe medication.
