FAQs

FAQs for PSYCHOLOGY 

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. This involves both overt behaviour (the things you actually do) and covert behaviour (the things you think and feel). Psychologists generally employ a model which tries to take into account and understand all aspects of a person’s life (i.e. the biological, social, contextual and psychological aspects) in order to help them achieve desired change.

Psychological therapies are used widely in many different types of settings. Psychologists are trained to work with people individually, in couples, in group settings, with children and families and with organisations.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Their treatments are based on changing behaviour without medication.

Your treating psychologist at Alegna Solutions will assist you develop the skills to cope better and overcome difficulties you are experiencing in your life. They can also assist further, developing your potential in other areas of life, such as career and relationships.

How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?

You might consider seeing a psychologist if you are experiencing persistent emotional distress, difficulty coping with life’s challenges, relationship issues, or if you want to work on personal growth and self-improvement.

How often are therapy sessions, and how long do they last?

Session frequency and duration depend on individual needs and the therapeutic approach. Sessions typically range from 45 to 60 minutes and may occur weekly, bi-weekly, or as needed.

How do I choose the right psychologist for me?

Consider factors such as the psychologist’s expertise, therapeutic approach, and your comfort level with them. You can also seek recommendations from healthcare providers, friends, or family members.

What should I do if I feel therapy is not helping?

Communication is key. If you feel therapy is not meeting your expectations, discuss your concerns with your psychologist at Alegna Solutions. They may adjust the approach, explore new strategies, or provide referrals to other professionals if necessary.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental illnesses, particularly those such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics as part of their treatment.

Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists have usually trained for 6-8 years and can have a masters or doctorate in psychology with an arts or science background. They have special training in conducting assessments using psychometric instruments, and in providing treatments.

Psychological treatment typically involves ‘talking therapies’ designed to help people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, stress and work-related problems, life transitions and also people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depending upon what the issue is, some people will see both a psychologist and psychiatrist at the same time.                       

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychotherapist and/or a counsellor?

Psychologists have completed  extensive formal training (6-8 years) in psychology and have been trained to use scientific measures in their work. This means that they are often focussed on outcomes  using the most effective techniques for change available. Psychotherapists and counsellors have generally trained from 1-3 years and have a variety of backgrounds.

What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and any other psychologist?

The terms “clinical psychologist” and “psychologist” are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions in their scope of practice and areas of specialization.
Psychologist:
– The term “psychologist” is a broad category that encompasses professionals with expertise in the study of human behavior and mental processes.
– Psychologists can work in various settings, including research institutions, academic settings, corporate environments, and healthcare facilities.
– They may specialize in different branches of psychology, such as educational psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or sports psychology.
– Psychologists may focus on understanding and improving human behavior, cognition, and emotions in diverse contexts.
Clinical Psychologist:
– A clinical psychologist is a specific type of psychologist who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders and emotional issues.
– Clinical psychologists often work directly with individuals, providing therapy and counseling services to address a wide range of psychological challenges.
– They may work in hospitals, private practices, mental health clinics, or other healthcare settings.
– Clinical psychologists undergo extensive training, including graduate education and supervised clinical experience, to develop expertise in dealing with psychological disorders and emotional distress.

In summary, while all clinical psychologists are psychologists, not all psychologists are considered  clinical psychologists.   Clinical psychologists  specifically focus on the clinical aspect of psychology, dealing with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues.

The term “psychologist” is a broad umbrella, and individuals within this category may have diverse specializations and work in various fields.   Depending upon training and education of the individual psychologist, many  can deliver assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues as we do here at Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice.  Ultimately, a strong therapeutic relationship  wins over when needing to decide what type of psychologist  is suitable for you.  The bond of a sound  therapeutic relationship that enables  clients to feel supported, heard, and empowered enhances the likelihood of positive therapeutic outcomes.

What does seeing a psychologist involve?

Consultations with an individual psychologist usually last for 50 (fifty) minutes. Work with a psychologist usually involves a period of assessment followed by a period of treatment. The length of time taken to complete the ‘therapy process’ is different depending upon the type of problem. This will be discussed with you, generally in the first session.

In the initial assessment phase, your treating psychologist  searches to  gain a thorough understanding of the problem from your point of view. This may involve filling out questionnaires or monitoring forms. The treatment phase involves helping you to do things differently in order to help you feel better. All aspects of the process are collaborative, meaning that you participate and make active decisions about what goals you would like to achieve, and how you would like to participate.

What’s the difference between ‘Clinical psychology’ and ‘Positive Psychology’?

Traditionally clinical psychology has been about alleviating emotional distress and learning to cope with clinical disorders, for example depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse etc. In the last few years, there has been an acknowledgement by psychologists and others that happiness is not just the absence of disorder, it is about finding out about what makes us healthy, fulfilled and focussed on well-being. Positive psychology provides a scientific framework for the study of human potential and happiness.

Is therapy only for people with serious emotional problems?

Although therapy can be beneficial for people who do have serious emotional problems, it is extremely  helpful for people with everyday concerns such as life  adjustments (including grief and loss, new jobs, workplace injuries, environmental changes,  personal injuries and  limitations of executive functioning) or any phase of life issues like coping with ageing, caring for others, and or managing children and adolescents in your life.  Moving on from therapy, ongoing skill development such as communication and stress management, leads into  “self actualizing” being the best you can be. Further, steps forward from regular therapy success can lead to better versions of self and a road of  life coaching and guidance to enhance your continued success and  beyond .

To seek therapy, does it have to be a last resort?

Most of us do not think that we have to experience a heart attack before we can see a doctor; it is OK to go if we merely have a sprained ankle. The same applies to therapy – you don’t have to have the emotional equivalent of a heart attack to see a psychologist. By working with a psychologist, you can often get back on track much faster and save yourself a lot of unnecessary distress.

How do I know if the therapy is working?

Many patients and clients  notice a decrease in their symptoms within three to four weeks of therapy if they have been diligently attending sessions and applying the treatment techniques as recommended.

Once we agree on a therapy management plan, it’s  important that patients continue to prepare for subsequent sessions by evaluating and applying techniques learnt along the way to everyday life. This will be very helpful and can yield lasting results.  At Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice, part of therapy involves regular review and reflection to monitor changes ensuring change and behaviour modification is being effected.

Do you offer child/adolescent assessment/therapy?

Yes. At Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice we offer psychological counselling to all  children, adolescents and families. 

Why is it good to Talk?

The process of talking aloud, answering questions, exploring issues, describing experience and clarifying thoughts with  a trained professional  helps to clarify one’s  thinking  and feelings and increase one’s self-awareness.  Your treating psychologist can help provide a different perspective, increase  awareness of the sometimes unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns that cause  ‘being stuck’.  When we hear ourselves say what we want aloud it can also help motivate us to act.      Psychologists are trained to ask the right questions that enable you to find the right answers.

What happens in Therapy and Counselling Sessions?

Psychological therapy is a two way process which centres on moving towards specific goals. The first session is about understanding your current difficulties and agreeing on therapy goals.  It can be helpful to think about your expectations from therapy and raise any concerns that you have with your treating professional.

Research shows that therapy works best when you attend regularly and give some thought to what you want to discuss during each session. The type of therapy offered by Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice asks you to practice skills and strategies between sessions.   People who do this generally get the most progress and satisfaction out of therapy.

What should I expect from a typical therapy consultation?

Before your therapy session begins, we may ask for you  to fill out certain forms to help us assess your personal situation. We endeavour to firstly understand your personal circumstances, difficulties and challenges prior to working out a therapy treatment plan.

At Alegna Solutions we as psychologist will do  their  best to cultivate a safe, relaxed and confidential environment when working with you. We advocate evidence based principles within our consultations and like to treat all clients with compassion and respect in order to yield effective and positive change.

There is really no “typical” therapy session as there are different methods of treatment for different problems. The links below to the APS website  will give you an idea of what may be involved in the therapy based on the  problem being treated.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children
– Bipolar Disorder (formerly manic depression)
– Depression 
– Eating disorders
– Lifestyle effects on health
– Preventing suicide
– Relationship problems
– Schizophrenia
– Traumatic events

What are your Confidentiality Rules?

Psychologists are bound by the Psychologists Code of Ethics. Psychologists in Australia are regulated by The Psychology Board operated by AHPRA 

https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Standards-and-Guidelines/Code-of-conduct.aspx

All discussions with psychologists  are considered highly confidential, and are mandated by laws and ethics .  It is important to understand and appreciate that there are  exceptions legally should  any individual patient/client be  at serious risk of harm from themselves or others,  forcing  the need to break confidentiality.  Additionally, the only other limitation on confidentiality is in relation to court orders.

Should any of these situations be relevant to you, your psychologist will discuss them with you as part of your  therapy process.   At Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice we will usually discuss the limits of confidentiality during the first session.

Does Alegna Solutions psychologists write evaluations and reports?

A variety of psychological reports can be provided by your treating psychologist at Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice.   ‘As’  and ‘When’  required an Alegna Solutions psychologist can write a psychological report according to your particular needs and situation.  Psychological Reports may be required for a variety of reasons incorporating  workplaces, government departments, career assessments, family and personal litigation matters,  Work Cover and Insurance Matters.     

Psychological reports can be requested on an independent basis or be provided as part of the therapy process dependent upon the goals of the report.  They are subject to GST and generally billed separately to the therapy process.  All costings and requirements for the production of psychology reports, brief or comprehensive, will be discussed with you and most likely also require supporting direction from  formal sources such as your legal team or government agencies. The costs involved are discussed with you before the report  is written. All reports  requested at Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice require 2 weeks notice lead time and full payment prior to release.

For Your Reference, Here is our link for Court Report Requirements.
www.alegnasolutions.com.au/psychological-report-requests

Do you work after hours?

Yes. Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice operates extended working hours  and can offer appointments outside of hours on an as needs basis and by personal appointment.  Our opening hours are Monday to  Friday from 10.00am to 6.00pm, Saturdays and  Sundays by appointment only.  

How will my investment benefit me in the long term?

Once you have increased your knowledge about the issues and problems  relevant to you,  and increased your skill base you can use these tools for the rest of your life. 

Psychological tools are  versatile and can  be used forever, in many life situations.  For example your new skills may include improved ability with  emotional regulation, communication, decision making  and problem solving.   

There are many uses for your newly learned skills in all settings such as in your social, occupational and personal life. 

How much will it cost?

We offer very reasonable rates for all our  counseling,  coaching,  group and workshops.   Concessions apply for health care card holders, students  and pensioners. For further details on pricing, you can call our office during business hours on 07 5596 9090 and/or  please see our website detailing  Schedule of Fee and Our Terms & Conditions.
www.alegnasolutions.com.au/appointments/

How does Medicare apply to private psychology consultations?

From November 2006 the Australian Federal Government made provision for every Australian citizen to access rebates for private psychological consultations.

In order to use the Medicare rebate system you need to be referred by a GP, your medical doctor. This is essential as the GP (not the psychologist) has the responsibility for linking you up with the Medicare system. Your GP will complete a Mental Health Care Plan allowing this to happen.  They will  either send this completed Mental Health Care Plan to the identified psychologist or you will be given the plan to bring with you on your first  consultation.

Under the Medicare System, any Australian citizen  is permitted to access a  maximum of 10 individual psychological consultations per calendar year. There is also provision for  a maximum of 10 ‘group’ psychological consultations within one calendar year. This is in addition to the individual sessions allocated for each person.

The Medicare rebate system also applies to other health care items under Medicare so if you have received a rebate for any other allied health care issue it is important to check with Medicare to see what your eligibility for rebates is at any point in time.

For further information you can visit the Medicare website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.

Can I use my private health care to claim back money for consultations?

Yes. Many private health insurers allow for some refund for psychology services; however no two are the same. We advise you to check with your specific provider to see what your policy allows.

Please note that you cannot use your private health insurance in conjunction with claiming a Medicare rebate. However you may use your ten (10) allocated Medicare rebates firstly and then access your private health insurance.  Australian Government regulations do not allow the use of both programs at the same time.

https://www.apra.gov.au/register-of-private-health-insurers
https://psychology.org.au/psychology/medicare-rebates-psychological-services
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/better-access-initiative-supporting-mental-health-care

How many sessions will it take?

This is different for everyone.   It is very difficult to prescribe the exact number of sessions that someone may require when they need to see a psychologist.

At Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice we are committed to providing the type of intervention which best suits the needs of the individual.   Some people come for one session to talk through something on their mind, while others continue to see a psychologist for a number of years. Most people fit somewhere in between.

For the most common problems (i.e. depression and anxiety),  in my professional experience I have found that it is usual for most people to attend  anywhere between 6 and 20 sessions.

Can you provide services in any language other than English ?

At Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice we are  open to,  and can be   available to provide services using interpreters for any individuals who experience difficulties with the English  language.  This includes not only  non-english speaking persons but also applies to the individuals with hearing impairments who need sign-language interpreters.

Yes, We also  offer Italian.   As owner and operator of Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice,  being the  principal psychologist with Italian heritage and origin I am proud to offer services in Italian.  I am known as a  bilingual psychologist because I  can speak fluent Italian.  My training and heritage has provided me with the opportunity to gain substantial understanding of cultural issues within the home and  our  greater society, born in Italy and migrating to Australia when little as first generation. I have been involved in helping migrants, first, second and third  generation, understanding migration issues of  acculturation, (assimilation, separation, integration and marginalization)  when people reallocating from one country to another, it  is challenging  finding themselves and settling in our Australian multicultural society.  This process generally brings  on serious stress, high anxiety, trauma and ‘adjustment disorders’.

Multiculturalism is an important part of the Australian landscape.   I offer widespread  experience  working with  individuals from other different cultures such as Asian, Malaysian,  Arabic, Indian,  African, American, Swizz, and European cultures.

What is Telehealth?

Technically, “Telehealth is the delivery of health services using information and communication technologies”.

Telehealth is having a consultation with a healthcare provider by phone or video call.  We at Alegna Solutions Psychology Practice   along with other  healthcare specialists and  providers like your medical doctor can now offer services online via  internet access on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  We are happy to engage with your choice of technology to make this happen.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/health-tech.nologies-and-digital-health/about/telehealth
https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/telehealth

What is the APS – Australian Psychological Society?

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The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is  one of the largest professional associations  for psychologists in Australia.   The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession.   It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving scientific knowledge and community wellbeing.   It also provides resources, support, training and information to all its psychologist members.
https://psychology.org.au

What is the AAPi Australian Association of Psychologist Inc?

Australian Association of Psychologists Inc | MAAPi | Psychologists Gold Coast | Alegna Solutions
The Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) is a peak not-for-profit psychology association dedicated to promoting excellence and fostering a unified community of psychologists nationwide.
https://www.aapi.org.au

What is the A H P R A – Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency?

Psychology Board of Australia | Psychologists Alegna Solutions
AHPRA is the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.   AHPRA  is the agency that supports the National Boards to implement the National Scheme
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-Ahpra/What-We-Do/FAQ.aspx
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-Ahpra.aspx
https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/australian-health-practitioner-regulation-agency-ahpra


These are general FAQs, and the specifics may vary depending on the individual psychologists’ approaches and educational skills sets together with an individual’s needs.

It’s always a good idea to discuss any specific questions or concerns you may have directly with your treating psychologist when you are ready to start your road to recovery and ultimate journey to wellness.