Frequently Asked Questions

• Psychologists-in-Training: Postgraduate students completing supervised placements, who provide therapy under the guidance of senior clinicians.
• Clinical Psychologists: Specialists in assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. They complete advanced university training and are registered with professional boards.
• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and may also offer psychotherapy.

The unconscious does not need to be a mysterious thing. For example, you have probably met people who seem to annoy you, and make you stand-offish, but you cannot work out why. It may be that this person reminds you of someone but you consciously do not realise it. The person whom he or she reminds you of is often resonating with a disowned part of yourself, so you find yourself taking it out on the person at hand. Unless you integrate the uncomfortable parts of yourself, it can be hard to get over your feelings of annoyance. In this case, becoming aware of what is unconscious involves remembering and recognising the parts of yourself that don’t sit easy. Sometimes it can take an awful lot of work to find this out.

When we are not aware of the reason for a strong feeling like this, a therapist might say this is unconscious. By becoming aware of the underlying reasons for our anger with someone, we can treat them on a more realistic basis. It is the therapist’s job to help you recognise when the feelings you have towards someone seem to be motivated by unconscious processes and to learn to understand the real issues within.

When you start treatment, you will find that some of the people closest to you, who have encouraged you to get help, may change their minds and decide that therapy is not helping you. This is often an indication that you are changing and that these changes are puzzling and trouble some of those close to you. You should know that almost always when in treatment some of the people around you will be convinced that you are getting worse – often just at the time when you feel you are really improving. And you yourself might also at times feel worse and discouraged at some stages of therapy. You might feel you are not getting anywhere, your therapist does not know what he or she is doing and there seems to be no point in this, and so on. These uncomfortable feelings are often good indications that you are working on difficult problems. It is very important that you do not give in to these temporary feelings when they come up. You will find yourself making good progress if you attend when you least feel like it.

What might also happen, as you talk about more difficult things, is that you may find yourself having trouble keeping your appointments. You won’t be able to get away from work, there will suddenly be necessary overtime just at the time of the appointment, your car will break down, your family will need your help at home for something, and so on. All of these things seem quite unrelated to therapy. The important point is that these problems suddenly seem to crop up at the same time you are getting down to something difficult and important in the therapy. These are the most important times to make sure you come to the therapy sessions. The only way to protect yourself is not to allow yourself to judge how important any given therapy session will be, but instead to decide beforehand that you are going to be there, no matter what comes up.

In other words, if you make an appointment, you will keep the appointment regularly. This does not mean that you cannot postpone a session for good reason, if you discuss it with your therapist beforehand. For example, if you know three or four weeks in advance that you have a business trip, and you know it is something you have to do.

Another thing – in treatment you will often find yourself feeling uncomfortable. For one thing, your therapist won’t say a great deal, and you will find yourself trying to make decisions about what you say. You will be encouraged to speak about whatever comes to mind, which is not something we are used to. If you think your boss is an idiot, and you told him or her this, you might lose your job. In general, we have to make a distinction between what we think and what we say. In treatment this is not so. In therapy you should say whatever comes to your mind, even if you think it is trivial or unimportant. It does not matter. It is still important to say it. And if you think it is going to bother your therapist, that does not matter either: you should still say it. In contrast to your boss, if you think that your therapist is an idiot, you need to tell him or her about it. You will find this is very hard to do and yet it is one of the most important things to learn in therapy – to talk about whatever comes to your mind. Often what you think is trivial and unimportant is really the key to something very important. For example, you might suddenly become aware that the room is hot, or the therapist’s clothes are awful, or something like that, which seems both trivial and even perhaps a little rude to bring up. Yet, in treatment, if you think of it, say it. Often such things turn out to be very important. So just like the appointments, we make an absolute rule that you should not think ahead about what you will say and therefore protect yourself from facing important things. Say whatever is on your mind, no matter what.

After some time in therapy you will start to feel like you have achieved your goals and that you feel a lot better. It is best for you to discuss these feelings with your therapist. It is important for you to set aside a number of sessions at the end of therapy to check your feelings before you do finish. This will help to make the ending between you and your therapist a good one. It is best if you do not suddenly leave therapy, as just the act of bringing up important material and leaving it unresolved can be quite damaging. Therapy can be a wonderfully enriching experience. Remember to discuss any problems or things you do not understand with your therapist. They are there to help you.

(adapted from: 1995- Brin Grenyer, NDARC & University of Wollongong, Australia; first published by Orne & Wender 1968, American Journal of Psychiatry)

Psychotherapy is like a conversation where the therapist listens a lot. Often you may talk about your needs and wishes both now and in the past. Usually people are not used to talking about a lot of things because they are too personal, or because they would hurt other people’s feelings, or for some other reason. You will find that with your therapist you need to be able to talk about anything that comes to your mind. He or she won’t have any preconceived notions about what is right, or what is wrong for you, or what the best solution would be. Talking is very important because the therapist wants to help you find out what you really want. The problem most people have in making decisions, is not that they do not know enough, but that they never have had the opportunity of talking things over with someone who does not try to make their decisions for them. The therapist’s job is to help you make the right decisions for yourself.

Many a time we are confused or conflicted about ourselves. The therapist is not going to try and tell you what he or she thinks you should do, but may point out to you how things you are saying do not seem to fit together. The job of your therapist is to help you keep in mind all of the important facts and feelings, so that you can come to a solution that takes all of the facts into account. This is sometimes hard because these feelings may often conflict with each other, and you may be afraid to face your own truth.

Fees normally reflect the qualifications and experience of the practitioner. Occasionally, therapists will negotiate fees since it is understood that therapy usually involves regular sessions over a period of time. Frequent sessions might be advantageous if affordable. But if fees are felt to be expensive it is better to have regular sessions with a greater interval between appointments (such as once per fortnight) than not to have any.

The cost of therapy should not create a greater burden than that which brings someone to therapy in the first place. Usually psychotherapy is open – ended such that the time to complete the process is mutually discussed and agreed. Many clients still find it useful to return in the future.

Medicare rebates only cover 10 sessions per calendar year. If you need to be bulk billed (i.e. pay no gap fee), then some therapists offer this between 10 am – 2 pm.

Psychotherapists often train privately rather than or in addition to university programmes. This is because psychotherapy is not, strictly, an academic subject. Training involves more than learning a body of knowledge or clinical techniques. Psychotherapists are required to undergo extensive personal therapy themselves in addition to normally a minimum of 3 years of professional training and supervised practice. Currently psychotherapists are not required to be registered in most states. There are, however, professional associations that determine rules and guidelines and provide a code of Ethics of professional conduct to which members are required to adhere. It is perfectly appropriate to ask therapists about their training, qualifications and membership of professional associations.

Psychotherapy is largely a process of self – discovery and personal development occasioned by an atmosphere of open communication. The therapeutic situation should be conducive to self – revelation in a way that is not unduly intrusive or coercive. Psychotherapy aims to encourage emotional maturation, a greater sense of autonomy and effectiveness. Ultimately, such development inspires a feeling of purpose and aliveness, the basis for satisfaction and fulfilment. While psychotherapy is especially important for those in acute distress, deep disturbance or frequent dysfunction, one doesn’t have to be in a specifically pathological mental state to have psychotherapy. It is also appropriate for practically anyone who would like to improve the quality of their way of living, working and being with others.

…Usually non – prescriptive and non – directive.

Psychotherapy is not normally a form of crisis intervention. Yet, for people who are already having psychotherapy when a crisis befalls them, the therapist is in a good position to assist. It makes a difference to know someone when things go wrong. But in extreme situations psychotherapy should not be considered a substitute for hospital care, medical attention or as a type of repair shop for the mind.

Psychotherapy can help with:

• Anxiety, depression, and mood difficulties
• Relationship problems
• Family and parenting issues
• Loss, trauma, and adjustment to change
• Personal growth, identity, and self-understanding

It is usually non-prescriptive and non-directive—it’s not about advice-giving, but about exploring and understanding your own mind.

Psychotherapy is not normally a form of crisis intervention. In extreme situations, hospital care or medical treatment may be necessary. But if you are already in therapy, your therapist can be an important support when crises occur.

Psychotherapy works with both the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind. The unconscious does not need to be mysterious: often it simply refers to thoughts, feelings, and memories that influence us without our full awareness.

For example, you may find yourself strongly disliking someone without knowing why. Later, you might realise they remind you of another person from your past, or reflect an aspect of yourself you struggle to accept. Until you become aware of these patterns, your reactions may feel confusing or out of proportion.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy helps you to recognise, understand, and integrate these hidden influences, so you can relate to yourself and others in more balanced ways.

How Does Psychotherapy Work?

• Exploring the unconscious: By paying attention to feelings, associations, and even seemingly trivial thoughts, deeper issues often surface.
• Talking freely: In therapy, you are encouraged to say whatever comes to mind—without censoring or planning ahead. What seems unimportant often leads to key insights.
• Working through difficulties: Therapy can sometimes feel uncomfortable. You may doubt its value, or feel worse before you feel better. This is often a sign that you are working through challenging but important issues.
• Keeping regular appointments: It is common to face obstacles or excuses when difficult material arises. Attending consistently—even when you least feel like it—is one of the most important commitments you can make.
• Ending well: When you begin to feel better, it is best to plan the ending together with your therapist, rather than leaving suddenly. This allows space to consolidate gains and bring a healthy closure.