Yes, many clients start psychological consultation after their GP has prescribed medication to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychological consultation can take place with or without medication. It is important to note that medication for depression and anxiety typically starts showing positive effects after 6 weeks, and by then some work can be done in psychological consultation sessions as well.

Yes, Older Adults who suffer distress can gain from psychological consultation regardless of experiencing some decline in cognitive performance and memory. Consultation will be adjusted to suit the pace and memory capacity of the client. Whether the distress is relates to the decline in cognitive performance, or relates to other issues, psychological consultation can be effective.

Psychological consultation sessions of 50-55 minutes are held in consulting rooms in Highett. In the sessions we talk, listen, and think, in a calm, safe environment. We actively explore your current perspectives on yourself and your life and sometimes a change in perspective can be discussed.

In psychological consultation we may work together to identify your personal patterns of thought, feeling, and behaviour, patterns of roles played out in relationships, as well as getting a better understanding of personal vulnerabilities and strengths, needs, and motivations.

As we progress, you may be introduced to relaxation techniques, or specific principles for better sleep, or better communication. In sessions we may talk about your memories and dreams in order to learn more about your subconscious, and help you get unstuck. In some cases we may use self paced tasks at home to promote further progress. A different blend of approaches may be useful for different clients at different times. Years of learning from experience taught me to listen carefully to the client, and keep an open mind as to what works for them.

The first session or two are allocated to gathering the relevant information for assessment. At the end of the first two sessions the proposed process is discussed with the client, and we start our work together. The full length of the process can be assessed after a few more sessions.

In most cases psychological sessions are held weekly, though for some clients fortnightly sessions may be a suitable option.

The psychological consultation will typically require a minimum of 12-18 sessions, though some clients may experience improvement after 6 sessions. For many clients the process will go over 6 months and up to a year. Some clients choose to continue to come to see me occasionally to facilitate the maintenance of their progress or to discuss new issues.

In complex cases, or with clients who have a special interest in self-knowledge, and long term personal development, sessions may continue longer.

The psychological consultation ends as the client feels that further sessions will not add much value to the process, or as they feel ready to go. The client may choose to end consultation at any point in time.  For many clients, the thought of ending the consultations comes up before they are sure that they want to end it at that particular time. We may discuss the ending of consultation, and can plan it ahead.

When consultation is ended, most clients will have experienced improvement with issues that were discussed, and new directions will be set for further progress. Many clients notice a better understanding of self, and find a sense of confidence to go on with life and handle hurdles sensibly. Sometimes ending of consultation brings self doubt to the surface and the client may wonder: “Can I keep feeling better without my sessions?”  This is discussed in the closure of the process, and if necessary, additional sessions are available to help safe separation.