Psyched out
Monday, 12 November 2007 Melanie Hearse
IF YOU'RE making some major transitions in life, trying to work out a new routine or just need some objective straight talking, seeking the objective, trained ear and advice of a professional can offer huge benefits. But with so many different qualifications out there, where do you start?
Counsellors, psychotherapists, life coaches and psychologists all have a great deal in common – they are trained to help you work through problems by talking them through, and can help you develop stronger personal skills to deal with issues in the future. The training they undertake has certain parallels, and many work from similar theories.
Making the choice is really about narrowing down why you want to see one, what you hope to gain from the experience and then looking for a therapist that makes you feel comfortable, supported, and respected.
Counsellors and psychotherapists
There is no difference between counsellors and psychotherapists other than what they choose to call themselves. Either is ideal if you want to talk through emotional issues.
You might see a counsellor or psychotherapist for:
Relationship issues
Grief
Stress
Work related issues (including concerns about making the transition to retirement)
Counselling and psychotherapy are self regulated industries – so be warned, anyone can hang a shingle, regardless or training or experience. Counsellors and psychotherapists will range from the barely qualified to highly trained psychologists who may go and complete further training in counselling or psychotherapy as a specialty.
Look for a counsellor or therapist who's a member of either the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapist and Counsellors Federation of Australia. There are other bodies, and many will belong to more than one, but at least one of these is a must.
It's very hard to put a price on counselling and psychotherapy – many charge on a sliding scale, and it is possible to access free counselling (check out your local women's or men's health services, for example).
Psychologists
Clinical psychologists undergo rigorous training, with six years at university and a two year supervised training period.
They are trained to talk to people about a wide range of concerns including relationships, families, school, and drug and alcohol issues. Psychologists can help you develop strong problem solving skills.
Clinical psychologists have received specialised training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health problems. They often specialise in particular areas, such as drugs and alcohol or anxiety disorders.
You might visit a psychologist for:
Relationship issues (including family)
Drug and alcohol issues
Workplace stress
Diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, anxiety or mood disorder, schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder.
A psychologist must have a university level degree, training with a professional and formal registration to the Psychological board in their state. A clinical psychologist must be registered with the Australian Psychological Society.
Cost wise, if you have a referral from your GP, you may be almost fully covered by Medicare (this will vary, psychologists have no set fee, and only a limited range of issues are covered, so talk to your GP). Expect to pay from $120 upwards for a one hour session.
Life Coaching
If you're feeling in a bit of a rut, or you are having trouble achieving a goal, then a life coach might be the solution to your problem.
Life coaches basically assist and empower using a mix of practical solutions, accountability (it's much harder to procrastinate if you have to meet your coach in two days!) and challenge you to think in new ways. They'll also provide encouragement and support, and teach valuable life skills like planning and prioritising.
Things you might see a life coach for:
Achieving a troublesome goal (relationships, professional or personal)
Visualising new challenges and directions
Building self esteem or improving self confidence
Life coaches encourage pro-active visits, you don't have to be down in the dumps, just keen for some change!
Also a self regulated industry, look for a life coach that has a Certificate IV or Diploma in Life Coaching, and relevant experience (including corporate sector background, many of the skills gathered in this kind of work are transferable, especially in conjunction with the above qualifications).
Expect to pay anything from $100 for a one hour phone consult to $250 for a face to face session. You'll find signing up for several sessions more cost effective, and highly recommended to see real change.
Things to consider when choosing your therapist:
What are you looking for? If you're just looking for a bit of motivation, life coaching might be your bag. If you are looking to sort through some baggage or are not 'ready for action' then you're in the market for a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist.
Do you 'click'? If you want to develop a strong, honest and open relationship, then the chemistry has to be right. If it feels off, then try again – it's not uncommon to try a couple of therapists before finding the one that fits.
What are their qualifications? Counsellors, psychotherapists and life coaches belong to self regulated industries, so look for those that belong to the relevant (and well known) professional bodies.
Do you feel listened to, supported and respected? (You should.)
Where to find out more
For more information before making your choice, visit:
Send to Friend
Printable Version
