Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference between the two is that a Psychiatrist has trained as a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A Psychologist is not a medical doctor and can't prescribe medication. However, there are many similarities between Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Both are trained to understand how your brain works, how you think and how you behave. Both Psychologists and Psychiatrists use various forms of therapy to help with mental health problems. They can help you develop better ways of thinking and behaving.

You might need to see a Psychiatrist if: 

• your condition is severe 
• it has lasted a long time
• or continues to come back -other treatment isn’t working 
• you are thinking about self-harm or suicide 
• your doctor believes you should see one. 

You might need to see a Psychologist if:

• you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stressful life events or any other mental health difficulty 
• you feel like life is more difficult and need support to cope 
• you would like an assessment of your mental health. 

If you have a choice between several different practitioners, questions to ask them include: 

How can you help me? 

How many sessions do will I need? 

How often do I need to see you? 

How much do you charge? 

An initial assessment relating to the nature of the problem will take place during your first session. The length of time each client spends with a therapist on an ongoing basis depends entirely on each individual’s personal need & choice. Some recommendations may be offered where requested by the client.

Apart from ensuring that your therapist has the appropriate qualifications, we recommend that you find a therapist you feel comfortable with. An essential part of ‘successful therapy’ is a strong alliance between client and therapist. As such it is important you feel a connection with your therapist. This can be discussed further via telephone or during your first session.

Therapists are ethically bound to provide confidentiality & privacy during counselling sessions. It is also a vital part of enhancing the therapeutic relationship. Should ‘you’ feel there is a need to provide information gathered during a session to an external party then this will require your written request and authorised permission. As a duty of care there are limits to confidentiality which each therapist is ethically bound to.

In rare cases a client may reveal that they wish to harm themselves or someone else. Each therapist establishes whether the client has ‘intent’ or whether they are just expressing an emotional reaction to a stressful situation. Should intent be established the therapist is bound ethically to discuss this with a colleague, supervisor or relevant authority.  This will be discussed at the initial session.

No. On rare occasions family members or partners may seek information. Should this situation occur, no identifying information will be offered. Family members, partners or spouses will only be contacted where clients request this directly from their therapist and provide written permission for this to occur. There are extremely rare occasions where client information is legally subpoenaed by the courts. Each therapist is under oath to provide this information should it be sought by legal authorities however clients will always be advised should this information be required.

If you feel overwhelmed or have the need to address an issue, a therapist can assist you in finding options to effectively deal with your concerns. We suggest contacting the practice to discuss these issues in brief prior to making an appointment.

At first, the idea of participating in group therapy might seem intimidating. Who wants to share their story with strangers? But group therapy, in which one or more psychologists lead a group of 6-10 people, can be very beneficial. In fact, participants are often surprised by how rewarding their experience can be. What’s important is to be in the right group at the right time. An acute crisis is not the best time to start group therapy because your needs are so great. Groups generally meet for 90 minutes to two hours. How much people want to reveal about themselves is very individual, but there's security in knowing that what’s said in the group, stays in the group. Here's how group therapy can help:

Groups provide support. Hearing from others with similar issues helps you see that you’re not alone in having challenges, whether you're grappling with ADHD, depression, anxiety or another mental health issue. Many people experience a sense of relief. 

Groups provide a sounding board. If for example, you talk about an argument you had with your parents or partner, group members can see things in the way you present it that you don’t. Hearing from other people about how you come across can be very powerful. You get a wider range of perspectives on your situation, and that can help you deal with your problems better.” 

Groups can propel you forward. Hearing how other members successfully overcame their shame about having ADHD or advocated for themselves can be very encouraging. Clients often push themselves harder when they see what others are doing.

Groups promote social skills. Groups not only help to ease the sense of isolation but also give the opportunity to practice re-engaging with people, a struggle common in ADHD. By participating in a group, you see that you can get along with others. 

Group therapy costs less than individual counselling. Some people believe that, because group therapy costs less, it’s not as good, but that's not the case at all Group therapy can be incredibly powerful.

Groups teach self-awareness. “Every person in the group holds up a mirror and you get to see yourself through their eyes, it’s a way of uncovering the blind spots that may be blocking your ability to overcome your issues.