What to Expect
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
People come to therapy for a range of reasons. At your initial consultation you will be asked about what has been troubling you and the kind of changes you would like to make in your life.
We will explore how long you have been feeling the way you have and the situations or circumstances that are most likely causing you to act, think and feel the way you do. Many of the psychologists at the practice like to initially focus on what is happening in your life right now so that you can begin to make the kind of changes that will enhance your health, wellbeing, and relationships. Early life events may also be contributing to your current difficulties, so when relevant, you will be asked questions about family and childhood experiences to see how they may be impacting on your life. Typical childhood examples often include traumas, conflict within the family, having a parent with a long-term illness and so on. The ideas and explanations we develop about why we are the way we are and the difficulties we experience can also help to shed light on what causes your difficulties. Without realising it, our personal explanations can lock us in to a loop which, in itself, is the problem. For example, believing you are no good as a person and that is why bad things happen to you.
When working with individuals with substance issues we find it important to look beyond the substance and to see the whole person. Strategies that assist in reducing or abstaining from substance use is helpful, but when you take away your substance use, you are also potentially taking away your solution to your problems. What helps to break away from substance related problems is to learn to better manage your emotions and thoughts and know how to effectively self soothe.
The therapy approach adopted in your treatment will depend on the concerns you have and the goals you would like to work towards. Observing, recording and reflecting on experiences are a vital part of your therapy and process of change. In order to enhance the benefits of therapy, it is often helpful to set some time aside after each session to reflect on the themes we identify and read relevant materials that I provide. Keeping a brief record of events during the week that trigger problematic reactions will also help in identifying what causes you to think, feel and behave the way you do.
Confidentiality
All information and records about you are kept strictly confidential. We will not release any information about you unless you provide us with written authority to do so. Even if someone calls asking if you have an appointment, we will not disclose this information unless you give us written permission. There are, however, circumstances in which your information can be released. If you are referred by a Medical Practitioner then your psychologist will provide an initial report, and regular progress reports. This is a professional courtesy to the referring doctor and helps in providing an integrated service. In an emergency that involves your safety or the safety of others, we may be legally required to contact other agencies. In addition, Courts can subpoena psychologist’s records. If you have any concerns regarding confidentiality, then please raise it with the psychologist at your first appointment.