Questions

Below are some of the questions that people ask before making an appointment. If you have any questions that aren’t covered here feel free to contact me by phone or email. 

WHAT IS A COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST?

Counselling psychologists are specialists in the provision of counselling and psychotherapy. Click here for more detail.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST & A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST?

These two fields of psychological speciality are in many ways similar - and there is a good deal of overlap between them. The University of Queensland, School of Psychology provides a good explanation as follows:

Counselling Psychologists

Clinical Psychologists

For an interesting article on counselling psychology and clinical psychology click here

WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO A PSYCHOLOGIST?

People seek counselling for many different reasons. Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgemental place in which they can safely explore concerns.

The list below indicates some of the concerns that bring people to counselling:

CAN I COME TO COUNSELLING IF I DON'T HAVE AN IDENTIFIED PROBLEM?

Many people feel confused about why and what they are feeling.  Simply being listened to, putting things into words or letting off steam in a safe, impartial environment is often very helpful.  

AM I NORMAL TO WANT COUNSELLING?

Yes. Normal people come to and benefit from counselling. For some its just to find a neutral, supportive space to voice what they’re experiencing, for others its to work through significant concerns they’ve been struggling with for a long time.

WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

All personal information gathered during the counselling will remain confidential and secure except when:

I WORK FULL-TIME. WHEN CAN I SEE YOU?

Most appointments are during the day. However, I am available for some after-hours appointments by negotiation.

HOW LONG DOES EACH COUNSELLING SESSION LAST?

Sessions last approximately 50 minutes although the first one usually goes a bit longer.

HOW LONG DOES THE COUNSELLING GO ON FOR & HOW OFTEN WOULD I ATTEND?

That depends on your needs and circumstances. Some people come for only one or two counselling sessions while others come for months or even years.  The average is about 6 – 10 sessions.  Some people come weekly and others fortnightly or monthly. In addition, it's not unusual for people to return to counselling after a long break when some consolidation of the work may be helpful, or where compounding factors have arisen which would benefit from attention.

WHAT IS WALK AND TALK COUNSELLING?

Walk and talk counselling is becoming more common. It can be beneficial as it involves both exercise and psychotherapy. It is similar to sessions in the counselling room but is conducted outdoors whilst walking – usually in local park. The first appointment is conducted in-office or via telehealth to take a full history and to assess whether walking therapy is appropriate. The walking pace varies depending on what you are comfortable with, and rest breaks can be used as required. As with in-office counselling sessions, confidentiality is maintained.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?

Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia 

Approved Area of Practice Endorsement in Counselling Psychology. Counselling psychologists are specialists in the provision of counselling and psychotherapy. Click here for more detail.

Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists

Formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology at the University of Melbourne; a Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology at Monash University, a Masters Degree in Psychoanalytic Studies at Deakin University. 

Rod is also a qualified Critical Incident Stress Debriefer and is trained in clinical hypnosis. Rod is also actively involved in regular and ongoing professional development.