Frequently Asked Questions
During the process your psychologist may help you to identify and initiate positive changes to address your problems, or teach you ways to accept a difficult situation that you are unable to change. People often access counselling to help them to lead a happier and more meaningful life.
Common personal issues that prompt people to access counselling include: emotional difficulties, such as depression and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, and difficulties adjusting to a change in life circumstances, such as a new job or family commitments. Counselling can provide you with the skills to successfully negotiate all of these issues and give you a happier and more fulfilling life to look forward to.
It is important to note that there are some limitations to this guarantee of confidentiality and your psychologist will discuss these with you at the beginning of your first appointment. Such limitations include disclosures about you or someone else being at risk of serious harm, (in which case your psychologist has a duty of care and is required to ensure your safety and the safety of others); or when a file is subpoenaed by a court of law.
It is a common misunderstanding that you must be “crazy” to see a psychologist. In fact psychologists assess and treat people with a wide range of issues. While these do include emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and stress, they also help people with many other issues including: relationship difficulties, addictions, anger management, parenting, managing the effects of a chronic illness or even short-term problems, like feeling overwhelmed by a new job or grieving the death of a family member.
Most psychologists are trained in a range of therapy styles and design treatments based on the most up-to-date research, while taking into consideration a person’s unique values, characteristics, circumstances and goals. Psychological treatments usually improve the emotional health by helping people to develop more insight into their feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
At TG Psychology our psychologists are fully registered with the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have completed a minimum of 4 years university study. In addition they have completed an additional two years of either clinical supervision from a registered psychologist, or further university study.
Psychologists are not medically trained and are not able to prescribe medications. However many liaise closely with medical professionals involved in an individual’s care, such as doctor.
When you first present to TG Psychology, your psychologist will ask you to complete a brief registration form and will provide you with important information about privacy and confidentiality. They will also explain what you should expect from your treatment.
While everyone’s individual needs are different, it is unlikely that attending just one session will be sufficient for you to experience sustainable long-term gains. The first appointment is an assessment session, in which your psychologist will get to know you and gain an understanding of your presenting issues.
While you are likely to experience some relief from ‘venting” bottled up thoughts and feelings in your first session, such relief is likely to be brief. You are more likely to experience longer lasting, sustainable emotional gains by attending regular follow-up sessions, in which you develop a treatment plan with your psychologist and learn helpful ways of coping with your presenting issues.
Mondays from 10.30am until 6.30pm
Tuesdays from 10.00am until 8.00pm
Wednesdays from 10.30am until 8.30pm
Thursdays from 9.00am until 8.30pm
Fridays from 10.30am until 4.30pm
Saturdays from 9am until 2pm.
We are proud to be able to offer minimal waiting times, including next day appointments on some days. To book an appointment, please contact our friendly Booking team on 02 8089 2667. They are available to take your call from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, or outside of business hours please leave them a message and they will return your call as soon as they reopen.
To access Medicare rebates you must first acquire a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP. Please note that, unfortunately, we are not able to claim Medicare rebates for couples sessions, as this presenting issue is not covered under Medicare’s “Better Access to Mental Health Care” scheme.
We are able to process most Medicare and Private Health insurance rebates at the end of each counselling session. This enables the funds to be paid directly into your bank account and saves you from the inconvenience of visiting their offices yourself. For more information about Medicare and Private Health insurance rebates please read our Medicare Rebates page.
If you are not in immediate danger, but you would like to speak with someone right away, you may find the following contact numbers useful:
- NSW Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- After Hours GP Helpline 1800 022 222
- Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 656 463
- Rape Crisis Line 1800 424 017
- Men’s Helpline 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Veteran and Veteran Families Counselling Service 1800 011 046
- Nepean and Blue Mountains Drug and Alcohol Intake 1300 661 050
- NSW Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
