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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a psychotherapist, counsellor, social worker, psychologist and psychiatrist?

Psychotherapist: Psychotherapy provides long lasting change and resolution of the pervasive, underlying issues. Clients often report healthy lifestyle changes occurring after just a few sessions and many see a significant difference in their lives within the first three to six months. 

If the psychotherapist has had a rigorous training, they have trained for at least 4 years and perhaps up to 8 years. They are also required to have a significant amount of their own personal therapy per year and usually group therapy throughout the duration of their training. This means that they have 'walked the path' similar to that which the client will be journeying along.  A psychotherapist with this kind of training is able to work at depth with the issues that the client brings.

By building a safe and nurturing therapeutic relationship, clients are able to (re)connect with the heights and depths of their being and build healthy relationship with self and others. Therapy is considered a 'sacred space' where the client can, over time, blossom and become whoever it is they were meant to be. Recent scientific studies show that it is the power of the therapeutic relationship that helps to heal and contributes to growth and change. It is therefore essential that the client finds a psychotherapist that they feel comfortable and 'click' with.

Psychotherapy sessions might involve the following:

• Exploring how your past is impacting on the issue in the here and now
• Connecting with a sense of value, meaning and purpose in life
• Finding and building upon your existing strengths
• Building a tool-box of coping and life skills
• Meditation and visualization
• Mindfulness techniques
• Making healthy changes
• Changing thought patterns
• Journaling
• Symbolic artwork
• Dreamwork
• Psycho-education

Counsellor: Counselling normally focuses on a specific issue and tends to be more short-term work (6 sessions to 6 months). Sessions might involve the following:

• Exploring how your past is impacting on the issue in the here and now
• Connecting with a sense of value, meaning and purpose in life
• Finding and building upon your existing strengths
• Building a tool-box of coping and life skills
• Meditation and visualization
• Mindfulness techniques
• Making healthy changes
• Changing thought patterns
• Journaling
• Symbolic artwork
• Dreamwork
• Psycho-education

Social Worker: Social work's primary focus is on the social determinants of health. This means that the social worker takes a holistic view of health and well-being.  They work towards maximizing human potential and they advocate for social change (AASW). If you are seeking a social worker for psychotherapy, be sure to check that they have post qualification training in psychotherapy.

Psychologist: Psychology uses scientific methods to study the mind and human behaviour  - it is a medically orientated model. Psychologists work in many fields: health and welfare services, government departments, academic institutions, education, corporations, community agencies, training and development and in private practice (APS). If you are seeking psychotherapy with a psychologist, be sure to check that they have post qualification training such as a psychotherapy or clinical psychology.

Psychiatrist: Psychiatry involves the study of medicine and then training in mental and psychiatric illness. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Counselling and/or psychotherapy sessions are recommended alongside medication to help to get to the root of the problem.

NB: As a matter of psychological safety, be sure that the person advertising themselves as a counsellor or psychotherapist has the relevant post qualifications in 'counselling' or 'psychotherapy' through a reputable organisation. Unfortunately, some people advertise as such when they have had little or no training in these specific disciplines.

What should I look for when seeking a counsellor or psychotherapist?

• Is the counsellor or psychotherapist registered and accredited with a professional association? See PACFA  
• Does the counsellor or psychotherapist have specific qualifications in counselling or psychotherapy?
• Has the counsellor or psychotherapist participated significantly in their own counselling or psychotherapy throughout their training and/or afterwards? It is perfectly acceptable to ask if he/she has done so.
• Does the counsellor or psychotherapist participate in continued professional development?
• What is the counsellor or psychotherapist's theoretical approach and philosophy? Many therapists provide this information on their website and/or will provide this to you on the first session. If not, feel free to ask the therapist.
• Does the therapist work with individuals, couples or families?
• How long has the therapist been in practice?
• Does the therapist have experience in the issues that you are going to them for?

Why is it important that the counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist has had their own therapy?

Click here to read: Can we be in the counsellor or psychotherapist's chair when we have not been in the client's chair?

What happens in the first session?

Psychosynthesis is a 'talk therapy'. In the first session you might feel awkward or nervous - this is normal!  You may also experience some emotional pain throughout your therapy as you work through painful experiences - most people find this cathartic. The first session should be used as a way of getting to know the therapist and to see if it is the right person and therapeutic modality for you. It is also a time for the therapist to get to know you. He/she will usually discuss therapeutic boundaries, confidentiality, the fee structure, social media policy, cancellations and how the therapist works. At the end of the session, perhaps wonder:

• Is this someone you could come to trust?
• Did the therapist genuinely care?
• Did the therapist put you at ease?

It is perfectly acceptable to 'shop around' to find a therapist that you feel you can trust and work with.

How many sessions will I need?

The Psychosynthesis Centre offers short and long term therapy. The length depends on the individual or the couple. After the first few sessions, many people feel 'better' from having talked about a problem for the first time. Often people come to therapy to work on problems that have been there for a long time. For others, they notice patterns emerging in their lives that they wish to change. Some people come to therapy not because they feel as though they have a problem but because they want to get to know themselves better. So... it really depends on the level of change you wish to achieve and how deep you wish to go.

Does The Psychosynthesis Centre offer a sliding fee scale?

Yes, the Psychosynthesis Centre offers a sliding fee scale to those experiencing genuine financial difficulty. This is limited to two clients a week at any one time.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

A referral is not required to book an appointment at the Psychosynthesis Centre. A referral is also not required for rebates from private health insurance companies.

Medicare and Private Health Fund Rebates

Sessions at The Psychosynthesis Centre are covered by Medibank Private. For more information on how to claim click here

Before using your Medicare, Private Health Insurance or Employee Assistance Program, read about rebates and your privacy:
Why Pay Out of Pocket for Your Counselling and Psychotherapy Rather Than Using Medicare, Private Health Insurance or Employee Assistance Programs?

© 2010 Jodie Gale