Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychologist?
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. In order to achieve this, they are required to undergo a rigorous program of undergraduate and post-graduate education and supervised training
What should I expect on my first visit?
During your initial session, your psychologist will discuss your concerns and help you identify treatment goals. As part of this process, they will assess each area of difficulty and work with you to devise an optimal treatment plan based on empirical study. This means we only practice psychological treatments that are known to be of benefit. Your psychologist will also advise you on the estimated number of sessions required to increase your quality of life, vitality and wellbeing. It can also be helpful to think about your expectations from therapy prior to your appointment and raise any concerns that you have with your psychologist.
How long is a session?
Individual consultations with a psychologist are between 50 and 60 mins. The initial consultation for couples is usually 90 mins, with subsequent sessions approximately 60 mins in length.
How many sessions will I need?
At Seed Psychology we are committed to ensuring that the intervention provided is specifically tailored to your needs. You may want to improve your relationships or overcome feelings of sadness related to depression. Perhaps you want to learn how to cope with worries or more successfully adjust to life’s difficulties. This means there are no hard and fast rules regarding length of treatment, and will largely be determined by the nature of difficulty. It is common though, for most people to attend between 6 and 18 sessions. Some people however may require less, and others more. Your psychologist will discuss the estimated length of treatment with you following your initial assessment session.
What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undergone further training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and severe emotional disturbance. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication as part of their treatment.
Clinical Psychologists have 6 to 8 years of formal training in the study of human behaviour. This includes specialist training in conducting assessments, and in providing psychological treatment. Often, psychologists assist people with everyday problems such as stress and relationship difficulties. They help people develop the skills needed for more effective coping and prevention of ongoing difficulties. At Seed Psychology we also help individuals recognise their own unique strengths and help build on these.
Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Depending upon the nature of difficulty, it may be appropriate to see both a psychologist and psychiatrist however.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist?
All psychologists must meet minimum standards of formal university qualifications and training in order to practice as a psychologist. They are also required to register with the registration board in their state or territory in order to legally practice as a psychologist. Registration boards have an important role in ensuring minimum standards of practice are adhered to and may impose disciplinary measures if those standards are not met. Minimum standards also include strict adherence to a code of ethics. You may access this via the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria and/or the Australian Psychological Society.
Counsellors and psychotherapists do not have to register their practice and there are no minimum requirements for study and training.
