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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT WILL MY FIRST SESSION BE LIKE?

This is a great question! At Saltbush Psychology we understand that reaching out to a psychologist for the first time can be a daunting experience. Most people report that they feel somewhat apprehensive about their first appointment, but settle quickly once they get started. A typical initial session will involve discussing what it means for your treatment to be confidential, and then asking you to share the main reasons you have come to therapy and how you are currently coping. The aim of the first session is for you and your therapist to get to know each other (and make sure the psychologist is "a good fit" for you), gather relevant information to inform treatment, and present you with a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions, and you should walk away from the appointment feeling safe, respected and well informed about what future treatment will look like. 

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In the treatment of young children, parents are encouraged to attend the initial session (without their child) so they can provide details around their concerns. During the next session, the therapist will spend time with both the parents and child, and make specific recommendations in collaboration with the family about how future sessions will be structured. The structure of adolescent treatment varies according to the presentation and concerns. The psychologist will collaborate with the family to provide a safe, comfortable and positive environment for the young person. The degree to which the psychologist involves the adolescent's family will depend on many factors including the family dynamic and presentation concerns. 

HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?

The length of treatment varies according to many factors including diagnosis, severity of symptoms and treatment model. Your psychologist will review the effectiveness of treatment with you regularly and make appropriate recommendations. Some clients who are experiencing mild symptoms experience change quickly, while others are engaged in treatment over years. Michelle has many long-term clients who have significantly improved and disengaged from treatment, but choose to re-engage in therapy when they are experiencing acute stressors or difficulties in their lives. 

WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED IN MY TREATMENT?

Your psychologist will work with you to identify if there is anyone else in your treatment team who it would be beneficial to work with to maximize treatment gains (such as a psychiatrist, GP, school counsellor, occupational therapist or dietitian). While best practice often involves a collaborative approach, your confidentiality is of the upmost importance, and your psychologist will not contact anyone without your written consent. 

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