FAQS

1 

What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn.

In Australia, psychology is a regulated profession. This means that people who call themselves a psychologist or say they are practising as a psychologist must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Registered psychologists are required to have a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience, and to engage in ongoing professional development to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

They must also adhere to certain strict standards to keep their registration, and must provide professional services according to a strict code of ethics, written by the APS.

2

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Registered Psychologists in Australia have undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Psychology. To become registered they undertake more than a year of supervision in clinical practice. Psychologists work with clients to develop skills that assist in recovery. They do not have a medical degree so they therefore cannot prescribe medications, but frequently work with people who have been prescribed medication by a GP or Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medically trained to diagnose and prescribe medications for mental disorders or psychiatric conditions.

3

What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?

Counsellors can come from a broad range of training and backgrounds. Currently in Australia the term “counsellor” is not protected. This means that anyone can refer to themselves as a counsellor. Having said this many counsellors have undertaken training and education in educational settings, ranging from a Diploma up to a Masters degree. An organisation called the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) has also been set up to protect the standards and ethical training of the counselling profession.

4

Who should see a Psychologist?

Everyone has challenges – it’s a normal part of life. Psychologists are trained to help you work through any issues you may be experiencing in your life, no matter how big or small.

You can benefit from seeing a Psychologist if you are experiencing a current problem with your emotional wellbeing. This could include depression, anxiety, anger, difficulty in relationships with others and many others. Some people come to see a Psychologist when they have experienced a past event such as abuse or a period of depression. Psychologists can help with recovery from such experiences and can help people with relapse prevention to reduce the impact of those difficulties in the future. In addition, psychologists can help with problems such as adjustment to major life transitions, life direction and stress management.

5

How is seeing a psychologist different to talking to a close friend?

The therapeutic relationship is different from other relationships. Whilst it is beneficial to feel supported, cared about and understood like you would with a close friend. Psychologists have skills and expertise in evidence-based therapies, which have been shown to be effective treatments. You will therefore learn skills designed to address your specific concerns and goals.

6

How many sessions will I need?

Every person has a different journey through therapy. This is largely dependent on the nature of your issues and challenges and what you would like to achieve.

Some people like to develop coping strategies to reduce or manage their symptoms. This type of work can be short to medium term, but might also involve checking in less frequently over the longer-term to deal with setbacks or prevent relapse. Whilst others come to therapy to understand long-standing patterns (such as relationship issues) that stem from experiences during their childhood, or to receive ongoing support. This type of work tends to happen over an extended period of time, although again, this is dependent on client preferences.

Sometimes people come to therapy for a one off session or just a handful of sessions to speak about a specific issue in their life or to talk through a particular concern. Although problems and challenges are typically what bring people to see a psychologist (at least initially), therapy can also be a space for self-development and growth.

7

How do I make a booking with Jenny?

You can call our Barangaroo clinic on 02 9078 8189 or CBD Clinic on 02 8197 3388 during clinic hours to speak with our friendly team.

For any other enquiries, you can use the contact form on this website or email jenny@mindfulpsychologypractice.com.au.

8

How long is a session?

At Mindful Psychology Practice sessions are approximately 50 minutes long.

9

Do you receive a Medicare or a private health insurance rebate for your sessions?

Medicare
If you have a referral from a GP or a psychiatrist for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you will be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate of $87.45 per session for up to 20 sessions per calendar year. You will need to make an appointment with your GP who will assess whether you are eligible for a MHCP.

To be able to claim the Medicare rebate for your session you will need to bring a copy of your MHCP to your first appointment. In most cases, you can claim your Medicare rebate on the spot.

Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling as extras cover you may be eligible for a partial rebate. Contact your individual insurance provider for further information about your individual coverage.

10

Do I need a referral to make a booking?

A GP referral (MHCP) is not necessary unless you wish to claim a rebate from Medicare, which means your appointment is only a phone call away.

11

Will my details be kept confidential?

Psychologists are bound by a professional code of ethics. All data collected by the psychologist will be securely stored and is not accessible by anyone other than the psychologist and the client. Disclosure will only occur if your records are subpoenaed by Court, failure to disclose information would place you or others at risk, or with your prior written approval.