Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods.
Psychologists are regulated by law to ensure that they provide safe and ethical treatments.
To read more about 'What Psychologists do' please see the APS website: www.psychology.org.au
Q. When are appointments available and how long are they?
Wendy consults at Umbrella Psychology in Mile End on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am, the last appointment of the day being at 5pm. First appointments usually offered in the morning. Appointments are generally around 50 minutes. Unfortunately if you are late for your appointment it will not be possible to extend your session time.
Q. What will happen at the first appointment?
Wendy will aim to gain an understanding of the presenting difficulty as well as family, school, social and health factors which may be impacting upon emotional health. Wendy will also begin to look at changes the young person may wish to make as well as some goal setting if appropriate.
Depending upon the age of the client Wendy will usually suggest seeing the young person on their own first, with the parent joining the session after around 35 minutes for feedback and a discussion about 'next steps' if appropriate. Some young people prefer that they see Wendy for the first time with their parent. Wendy is happy to be flexible with this and appreciates that for many people, meeting with a new person for the first time and talking about emotional matters is very difficult and that parental support can be quite important.
It can often be very helpful to involve parents in the treatment process and this is negotiated individually depending upon the age of the young person and their circumstances.
Q. What to expect in therapy?
Throughout therapy young people will generally come to a greater understanding of their difficulties as well as strategies and skills for managing them. Young people will usually find it helpful to try out some new ways of coping at home, between sessions. The enterprise is collaborative and Wendy welcomes feedback regarding how the client is finding the process.
Q. How many sessions will a young person need?
This is very difficult to predict and depends upon the complexity of the problem, how long it has been going on for, preparedness and ability to consider alternative ways of managing as well as situational factors. Some people require only 4 - 6 sessions, others may need many more.
Q. What about confidentiality?
If referred by a GP Wendy will communicate with the GP via letter after the first appointment and thereafter to request consideration of a review of the Mental Health Plan if required. Upon completion of the work with the client a summary letter will be sent to the GP. As GPs are often the first port of call if families are worried about their young person, good communication is very important.
It can sometimes be helpful for Wendy to talk with school counsellors, teachers or other people involved in a young person's life. However, Wendy will always ask permission before contacting them, unless she is very worried about their safety or that of someone else.
Other than communication with GPs as described above, Wendy does not talk with others without clients permission unless she is very worried about their safety or that of someone else.
Q. Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required to see Wendy, however if you wish to be eligible for rebated sessions under the Medicare Better Access Scheme you will need a Mental Health Plan from a GP or a Psychiatrist.
You may be eligible for a rebate from your private health insurer. Please check with them to ensure that your cover includes Psychology services.
Q. What if I need to cancel an appointment or do not attend my appointment?
Please call Umbrella Psychology on 8354 2229 or SMS on 0437 757 187 if you are unable to attend your appointment. Please note that this mobile number can only be used for SMS.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will attract a charge of $100. Appointments which are not attended without notice will incur the full fee.
Psychologists are experts in human behaviour having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods.
Psychologists are regulated by law to ensure that they provide safe and ethical treatments.
To read more about 'What Psychologists do' please see the APS website: www.psychology.org.au
Q. When are appointments available and how long are they?
Wendy consults at Umbrella Psychology in Mile End on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am, the last appointment of the day being at 5pm. First appointments usually offered in the morning. Appointments are generally around 50 minutes. Unfortunately if you are late for your appointment it will not be possible to extend your session time.
Q. What will happen at the first appointment?
Wendy will aim to gain an understanding of the presenting difficulty as well as family, school, social and health factors which may be impacting upon emotional health. Wendy will also begin to look at changes the young person may wish to make as well as some goal setting if appropriate.
Depending upon the age of the client Wendy will usually suggest seeing the young person on their own first, with the parent joining the session after around 35 minutes for feedback and a discussion about 'next steps' if appropriate. Some young people prefer that they see Wendy for the first time with their parent. Wendy is happy to be flexible with this and appreciates that for many people, meeting with a new person for the first time and talking about emotional matters is very difficult and that parental support can be quite important.
It can often be very helpful to involve parents in the treatment process and this is negotiated individually depending upon the age of the young person and their circumstances.
Q. What to expect in therapy?
Throughout therapy young people will generally come to a greater understanding of their difficulties as well as strategies and skills for managing them. Young people will usually find it helpful to try out some new ways of coping at home, between sessions. The enterprise is collaborative and Wendy welcomes feedback regarding how the client is finding the process.
Q. How many sessions will a young person need?
This is very difficult to predict and depends upon the complexity of the problem, how long it has been going on for, preparedness and ability to consider alternative ways of managing as well as situational factors. Some people require only 4 - 6 sessions, others may need many more.
Q. What about confidentiality?
If referred by a GP Wendy will communicate with the GP via letter after the first appointment and thereafter to request consideration of a review of the Mental Health Plan if required. Upon completion of the work with the client a summary letter will be sent to the GP. As GPs are often the first port of call if families are worried about their young person, good communication is very important.
It can sometimes be helpful for Wendy to talk with school counsellors, teachers or other people involved in a young person's life. However, Wendy will always ask permission before contacting them, unless she is very worried about their safety or that of someone else.
Other than communication with GPs as described above, Wendy does not talk with others without clients permission unless she is very worried about their safety or that of someone else.
Q. Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required to see Wendy, however if you wish to be eligible for rebated sessions under the Medicare Better Access Scheme you will need a Mental Health Plan from a GP or a Psychiatrist.
You may be eligible for a rebate from your private health insurer. Please check with them to ensure that your cover includes Psychology services.
Q. What if I need to cancel an appointment or do not attend my appointment?
Please call Umbrella Psychology on 8354 2229 or SMS on 0437 757 187 if you are unable to attend your appointment. Please note that this mobile number can only be used for SMS.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will attract a charge of $100. Appointments which are not attended without notice will incur the full fee.
