Hi All,
Looking to hear from anyone that has perhaps had any therapy sessions without a strong underlying reason - perhaps to better understand yourself or get more out of life.
I have read numerous articles suggesting the benefit of psychology sessions for the general populations so eager to hear of any positive or negative experiences :)
Like you, this is something I have wanted to do for a while now.
In the meantime I have been trying to read Nathaniel Brandens work, in his books he has workbooks you can do yourself.
I've actually held off on doing them , , I think I am scared as to what I may find.
I didn't read the caption as I think you intended… Every psychologist I have ever met has had significant mental health issues.
Seeing a Psychologist without Mental Health Issues
This could pose a problem, IME all Psychologists seem to have some sort of personality disorder! :P
A lot of them can be very expensive, but there are good ones out there that let you claim a good portion on medicare and only have to pay ~$40 a session. It can take several sessions to see any real benefit for a lot of people and you might need to find one that you get on well with.
Obviously if you are mentally ill you can get 10 free sessions a year with a mental health plan.But you better get in quick because the new system will have a psychologist as the last resort. You have to go through "online surveys" to determine the severity.
it is not necessary to have mental issue to see a clinical psychologist. We all have ups and downs, there would be difficult times at some stage in life that anyone can feel overwhelmed or just want someone to listen. Exploring help is not a weakness but shows of strength to face reality.
If you are in doubt, just do it - talk to your GP and get a referral letter.
Even without any issue, people can still find out a lot about life and themselves in their cognitive behaviour. The ability and style of psychologists vary so you may need few visits to find a right one for you or by word of mouth:
A typical consult paid was $130-160 per hour.
Like @juicedpixel said, some corporates offer free scheme to support staff - not necessary mental issue also to learn skills to cope.
Or see a GP who may be able to assist you to prepare a health plan for entitlement of 4 visits FOC but discuss with your GP for pros and cons.
Or extra private health fund may cover some as well.
Most people have 1 to 4 sessions. I had 16 partly because of the freebies - the conclusion after all these is - I am too nice. It is addictive so would pay even out of pocket. The first session is more to take notes about you. in my opinion, very helpful and money well spent if you can find the right clinician. Sometimes it is just to certain things, sometimes to find out about yourself, to learn new skill to cope with situation or/and to deal with people.
As an ozb, I really buy books but borrow. This one I actually bought because it was that good.
"Change your thinking" by Sarah Edelmab. ABC books. Also found in library.
Google book
PM me if need.
"Thanks for helping me with my mental health issues, buddy!"
A typical consult paid was $130-160 per hour.
"Actually, you just gave me another mental health issue."
You should discuss it with your GP. You don't need a mental illness to see a psychologist. There may also be other community counselling options that your GP can refer you to.
Be wary… a lot of specialists, particularly psychologists / psychiatrists are $ motivated and can stretch out your treatment for their benefit with little consideration for yours.
While a diploma hanging on the wall may say they are qualified it does not mean they are good at their profession.
Such a talent is a gift and cannot be taught or learnt.
Someone with a lot of life experience can be as good or better in giving guidance.
Most people these days have lost the art of listening and or caring … professional or amateur.
Do you have any friends or relatives that you trust and respect? They might be of value to you?
Alternatively try your GP first.. as mentioned above…
Good luck.
I would imagine this would make even more sense given OP's situation as there is no solid objective.
There is a saying
"you don't know what you don't know until you know it"
There are always few rotten apples on an "organic" tree.
Just for your interest -
Who is the most popular doctor in your area nowadays?
Dr Internet.
For s laugh, doctors suggest that patient who goes to them for second opinion after seeing Dr Internet, should be charged double for their consults. Because doctors take twice as longer than norm to unexplain things people read on the Internet,
Information is power, but often people read then get anxious about their conditions. Personally I trust my GP otherwise don't go there.
hi, I'm completing post grad psych this year (thesis). I'd suggest you buy a general psychology textbook and just read those parts for which you'd like to gain benefit.
you don't need the latest editions (abebooks or amazon are pretty good, otherwise public library)
From what you have described I'd recommend reading about:
(1) mindfulness
(2) solution focused therapy
(3) cognitive behavioural therapy
(1) mindfulness - examines how you focus on "the now", which essentially comes down to looking at the positives of the present time regardless of how shitty they maybe. e.g. I'm writing this and am engaged in an "intellectual" experience which stimulates me to recall my previous psych knowledge which has lain dormant in my food and booze addled brain over the holiday period. so that memory refreshment is good. Plus i get to assist you in a quasi-psychologist role which is good practice for when I graduate and start work as a psych, etc etc etc. mindfulness is similar to the protestant work ethic concept (google it).
(2) solution focused therapy - is the cognitive concept/process of setting goals and focusing on what steps are required to achieve those goals (and identifying things that may distract you along the way).
(3) cognitive behavioral therapy - sort of the opposite of auto pilot living. you examine your actions and how they impact upon you and others and your life. This is achieved by looking at your own mental processes and monitoring it. sort of the angel on your right shoulder/ devil on the left.
of course those are very simplistic explanations of concepts that are covered by entire books but it's something to start with.
With Medicare, what is the typical rebate with private psychologists?
think it is zero rebate unless you have a health plan from GP but check.
Yes it is zero unless you get the 10 free sessions a year via the mental health care plan (6 sessions at first, then additional approval for the final 4 sessions).
Private health will help a bit - my sessions are $180, and PHI returns $105 (top extras cover).
We had a lecturer at uni whose area of research was positive psychology. It is designed to help people without mental health problems to get more enjoyment out of life. Might be the kind of thing you're looking for.
You could try a uni psychology clinic if there is one near you and see if they do it there.
Otherwise try here for some links/resources
http://www.positivepsychology.org/
You could also look at a life coach or personal coach?
Seeing a "Psychologist without Mental Health Issues"
There aren't any :)
I used one in the past for mental health issues and occasionally revisit her for dealing with tough issues like family fallouts etc.
I wouldn't say you need mental health issues but you should have some goal or resolution you seek otherwise you'll probably waste your money.
Without mental health issues you won't receive any Medicare assistance so you can either try private health insurance or some employers have employee assistance programmes but generally they're more for when people have work related issues, although your employer won't know what you discuss.