What is Psychology?
(see below for the most common reasons why you might see a Psychologist)
Psychological therapy provides a safe place to seek guidance and support through life's many curvy corners.
No one is immune to life's ups and downs - no matter your age, gender, race, wisdom, education,
family background, or other life circumstances. Those who seek therapeutic support come from many
varied walks of life and occupations. Emotional distress does not discriminate.
Emotional distress can strike anyone, at any age, at any time...
Psychological therapy is an active-talking therapy, aimed at helping you better understand your various life experiences, how these impacted you at the time, and how these may be impacting your emotions, relationships and enjoyment of life today. With this knowledge we can then begin to explore and discover the many ways in which we can work together to improve your relationship with yourself, your relationships with others, and your experience of life generally.
Psychological therapy can teach you ways to take on life at an entirely new and empowering level!
Many people express their surprise at just how much they learn through the course of their therapy encounter.
Clinical Psychologists are typically trained for 6-9 years in the origins and understanding of human behaviour,
emotional and psychological distress, and the many varied psychological therapy approaches
which may be utilised to treat the types of emotional concerns we so often face in our lives.
Continued annual training and professional development ensures that this knowledge remains up to date with
the latest research findings and understandings about the causes and treatment of emotional distress,
interpersonal & relationship concerns, and psychological difficulties.
This extensive training enables a Clinical Psychologist to tailor their therapeutic approach
to your individual needs and circumstances - to aid you in coping with and
overcoming whatever life difficulties you may be facing.
Clinical Psychologists are extensively trained in the treatment of specific psychological 'disorders' such as :
Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Eating Disorders, Social Anxiety/Phobia etc (see below for a more comprehensive list),
as well as traditional counselling.
Counselling provides a supportive and listening ear, and a guiding hand,
to aid you at times when you might be struggling to adjust to life's many and varied circumstances.
Clinical Psychologists also work with those who are experiencing longer-term
and more entrenched emotional, psychological or relational difficulties.
Clinical Psychologists therefore work with the broad and varied spectrum of emotional,
relational and psychological difficulties encountered in life.
Note: Many people understandably confuse Psychologists and Psychiatrists, as the names sound very similar.
They are however very different specialties, and will offer very different approaches.
Psychologists offer active 'talking' and 'active' therapy approaches to support and guide you in managing and overcoming any emotional health or psychological/psychiatric conditions - as has been described on this website.
Psychiatrists offer medical/pharmacological approaches (medications) to address those psychiatric disorders which respond well to medication, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Major Depression (of either biological origin or a prolonged Reactive Depression), Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis (Schizophrenia) or severe Obsessive Compulsive and other Anxiety Disorders that are resistant to psychological therapy treatment.
Psychiatrists have completed Medical training and additional specialist training in
understanding and pharmacologically treating mental health and neurobiological concerns.
Some psychiatrists also offer psychological therapy approaches in addition to medication.
Psychologists and Psychiatrists work independently with individuals, and we also often collaborate and
make referrals to each other when needed. Some concerns for which you might typically first come to see a psychologist and then receive an additional referral to a Psychiatrist for medication support if considered appropriate, include concerns such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
treatment resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
and treatment resistant Depression or Anxiety.
In these instances, the two approaches in tandem can work very well together.
GPs might also manage the pharmacological side of treating significant depression and anxiety.
Some of the difficulties for which you might first see a Psychiatrist and might then be referred to a Psychologist for further support, include Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Psychosis or Schizophrenia.
Reasons Why You Might See a Clinical Psychologist
Following are some of the more common difficulties
for which you might see a Clinical Psychologist at Brisbane City Psychology :
• Depression, low mood or mood swings
• Anxiety, fear, phobias & panic attacks
• Marital, family and relationship issues
• Childhood abuse/neglect experiences
• Physical and/or sexual assault
• Difficult childhood experiences
• Difficult past relationship experiences
• Abusive relationship experiences
• Trauma, grief and loss
• Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Identity Concerns - including gender and sexual identity
• Obsessive Compulsive problems
• Social Anxiety and Social Isolation
• Anger Management
• Workplace stress or burnout
• Sleep Disorders
• Bullying: school, workplace, family
• ADD/ADHD (Children and Adults)
• Childhood anxiety / depression
• Child behavioural problems
• Adolescent issues
• Self Harm
• Parenting Skills-Building
• Life Adjustment
• Stress management
• Personal Growth
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Assessment of memory and attention
• Intellectual assessments
• Neuropsychological assessment
(for example, subsequent to brain injury or stroke,
or to assess for cognitive decline related to
organic illnesses such as dementia)
