Follow these guidelines and give yourself the best possible outcomes.

1. Mental Health Issues are normal.

Firstly it's important to understand that seeing a mental healthcare professional is not unusual. Around 1 in 5 Australians will have a mental health challenge each year. Nearly half of all Australians will suffer from some kind of mental health issue over their lifetime. 

So a mental health challenge is a 'normal' issue most of us will have to address at some stage in our lives.

2. Avoid uneducated advice.

Understand that seeing a Registered Psychologist means you are seeing a person who has spend over 6 years studying to get his or her qualification, so you can be confident they are well experienced to help. Give yourself the best chance of getting on top of your issues by remaining focussed on what your Psychologist says. Therapy can become confusing if you listen to 'well meaning' outside uneducated advice.

3. Planning.

Plan what you want to discuss at each session. Understand that besides a high level of study, your Psychologist also has years of experience, so they would have dealt with similar issues to yours before. Be very open, better therapy outcomes come from giving your Psychologist the most information possible. Remember, your Psychologist is non judgmental.

4. 'You' space.

Give yourself time before and after each session. Avoid rushing to a session, arrive as relaxed as possible with your notes prepared for your session.

After your appointment it's equally important to reflect on what was discussed and write down the outcomes and what you would like to address at the next session.

5.Practice makes perfect.

Between sessions actively work on the things you discussed with your Psychologist. Think of it as learning, you have been given well educated, experienced ways to address your issues, now it's time to put that information into practice. Give yourself the best chance of a long term solution by working hard between sessions.

6. Is there a quick fix?

While some issues can be addressed and resolved after two or three sessions most people need more. In fact that's why the health system allows rebates for up to 10 sessions each year. 

As a client you will drive your progress by staying focussed and putting into practice everything your Psychologist directs you to do. 

7. Coming back makes sense.

Firstly, continue your sessions even if you don't think you are getting anywhere. In fact that should be your topic for the next session. Address that topic head on.

If you are happy with the outcome of your sessions but you find 6 to 12 months later you need to see your Psychologist again, do so. Cars get serviced regularly and humans are much more complicated than cars. It's not uncommon to return to your Psychologist with new issues or to get back on track.

8. Get comfortable.

You may want to see your Psychologist face to face initially but sometimes it's easier to have your sessions by phone or visually by Zoom. Whatever is the best way for you is what works. Clients who do TeleHealth can be in their favourite chair, can get up for a coffee, be with their pet, they can feel less restrained. 

The key for TeleHealth, always  have the same Psychologist, the one you know and have confidence in.

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