Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A psychologist is an expert in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning and development in order to better understand the process that determine how people think, feel, behave and react to different situations. Psychologists are different from psychiatrists. Psychiatrists receive their first training in medicine, and second in pharmacological solutions. Training in psychotherapy comes a distant third. Not surprisingly, most psychiatrists are likely to prescribe drugs. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, instead they use evidence based psychological therapies.

Each session lasts for approximately 50mins.

The number of sessions needed varies between individuals, depending on a number of factors including the nature of the difficulties someone is seeking help for. Your psychologist will provide an estimate of the number of sessions you may need once they have completed an initial assessment and have discussed your goals for therapy with you. This usually happens in the first or second session.

Initially, it is recommended that you attend for weekly appointments, as this helps to create momentum and you can being putting skills and strategies in place early on. As therapy progresses, sessions are gradually spaced out to occur fortnightly and then monthly (or longer).

Prior to your first session, you will receive information about OZ Psychological Consultancy and a consent form that outlines important information about fees, confidentiality and our privacy policy. Your psychologist will spend time trying to gain a thorough understanding of your difficulties and will also attempt to learn more about you and your personal history. This will help your psychologist to gain a holistic view from which to develop your individualised therapy plan that is based on the goal that you have for therapy. If at any stage you are uncomfortable discussion anything in any session, you are highly encouraged to raise this with your psychologist.