Seeing a psychologist can be a daunting task. The thought of opening up to a stranger about your innermost thoughts and feelings can make you feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. However, seeking help from a trained professional can be a very positive experience. We would like to assist you in making an appointment with Boutique Psychology.
Psychologists can offer a range of therapeutic approaches. Some psychologists may be more experienced in a certain area or presentation than others. It is important to research different clinicians and the services they provide to ensure they have the skills to assist you in achieving your goals. You may do this by calling the clinic they work at to ask questions or google the name of the psychologist.
What to expect when you call our clinic
Clinics may vary in their administration processes. When you contact Boutique Psychology, the administration staff will be your first point of contact. They will ask the reason for engaging with services and a bit about yourself this will help them match you with the right psychologist and assist you in making an appointment with Boutique Psychology.
They will also ask about your availability (days of the week and times that suit you). They will then discuss options of assessments and therapy; you may choose one or both options as they apply to you. Boutique Psychology currently offers individual therapy, ADHD assessments, Autism assessments, and Comprehensive assessments.
Our Reception staff will then book your appointment. After this, you will receive a welcome email, which will include intake forms. You will then receive an email confirming your appointment. Text and email reminders will be sent out 5 days and 2 days prior to the appointment to ensure attendance.
Making an appointment with Boutique Psychology
Call and explain briefly the purpose of your visit.
Book your appointment time and date.
Receive a welcome email including intake forms.
Receive confirmation email.
Receive two reminder texts or emails before your appointment.
The Therapy Process
A typical session with a psychologist starts with an introduction and initial intake session. The psychologist will ask questions about your background, current situation, and what brought you to therapy. They may also ask questions about your family history, developmental history, or mental health history, such as any previous diagnoses or medications that you have taken.
Once the intake session is complete, the therapist will typically work with you to establish goals for therapy. This could involve setting long-term goals, as well as more immediate goals for each session. During the session, the therapist will help guide the conversation, asking questions and offering insights and observations. They may also offer suggestions for coping mechanisms or ways to manage difficult emotions.
It’s important to note that seeing a psychologist is not a quick fix. It takes time and effort to work through issues, and progress may not be immediate. However, with consistent effort, therapy can be a very effective tool for improving mental health and wellbeing.
The Assessment Process
Your first session will be an initial intake session with your administrating psychologist. Questions will vary depending on the type of assessment; however, all intake sessions will typically ask questions regarding your current concerns, early development, family history, education, occupation, social relationships, and questions based on the assessment criteria.
For some assessments, you may complete the standardised assessments within the same session, for others you may return on a different day to undertake assessments. Depending on the reason for assessment this may take more than one day.
Your psychologist will then take approximately 2 weeks to interpret your results and write your report. You will then undergo a feedback session where results and recommendations are discussed. Once final payments have been made you will receive your report to then use as required.
Overall, seeing a psychologist can be a valuable experience for anyone struggling with mental health issues or simply looking to improve their wellbeing. Though it may seem intimidating at first, taking the first step towards seeking help can lead to long-term benefits and improved quality of life.