Clinical Psychologists have completed a 4 year undergraduate psychology program at university followed by at least 2 years of postgraduate university studies. They are then required to complete two years of supervised practice under an experienced Clinical Psychologist before they are qualified.

Psychologists complete a 4 year undergraduate psychology program at university followed by 2 years of supervised practice.

All Psychologists are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and use of the term Psychologist is governed by AHPRA.

There is currently no governance over the use of the terms ‘counsellor’ or ‘life coach’ and anyone, including those without any formal training at all, can call themselves these titles.

Psychiatrists are Doctors who have completed a medical degree and further training and study to specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication.

Source: Institute of Clinical Psychologists

Typically, the goal of psychotherapy is change and a Psychologist can help you with this. Change is hard. Staying the same is often also hard but it is more familiar and the familiar often feels more comfortable. Psychotherapy can feel uncomfortable at times because it invites you to confront issues that may relate to your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, past experiences, belief systems, relationships, parenting etc and this can trigger a number of strong emotional reactions that, in the short term, make you feel worse before things get better.

Change also involves learning new skills, learning new things about yourself and new ways of relating to yourself and others. This can at times feel like a slow burn and your motivation and commitment to change can wax and wane. However, psychotherapy can be a powerful and transformative experience that supports you to cultivate more self-worth, self-compassion, connection, resiliency, authenticity, confidence and joy. This is what makes the work worthwhile.

A Psychologist’s role is to develop a therapeutic partnership with you that supports you to confront your issues and manage uncomfortable feelings that inevitably show up along the way to living a more rich and meaningful life with greater levels of satisfaction and contentment.

Information discussed remains strictly confidential in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society guidelines. There are however limits to confidentiality where failure to disclose information places you or another person at serious risk of harm. Courts can also subpoena psychologist’s notes.

cci.health.wa.gov.au        

General information about various mental health problems and some self-help resources with techniques that focus on a cognitive behavioural approach.

Moodgym.com.au

An interactive online self-help program that provides cognitive behaviour therapy training to help with depression and anxiety.

Blackdoginstitue.org.au   

Offers online tools and apps for mental health at no cost.

Circleofsecurityinternational.com    

Resources for parents to understand what Circle of Security parenting is about. Has video animations on the website.

Aaimh.org.au                 

Australian Association for Infant Mental Health have position statements to help us keep the experiences and needs of infants in mind.

Phone helplines:

Lifeline (for crisis support and suicide prevention): 13 11 14

Kids Helpline (phone counselling for young people): 1800 551 800

PANDA (Post & Ante-Natal Depression Association) 1300 726 306

Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321

Ngala Parenting Line WA (8am – 8pm; 7 days/week) 1800 111 546

White Ribbon Australia (national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line) 1800 737 732

Mensline Australia (supports men dealing with family and relationship difficulties) 1300 789 978

Fox Clinical Psychology provides telehealth services to clients residing in the Perth Metropolitan area. Telehealth for clients living in other areas of WA will be considered upon request. Fox Clinical Psychology does not currently provide telehealth services to interstate clients.

Medicare has temporarily funded clinical psychology services delivered via telehealth to help reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid-19. Currently this funding is due to end 31st December 2022. Most private health providers also provide rebates for clinical psychology services delivered via telehealth (check with your provider).

Face to face psychological therapy is always the preference however in instances such as Covid-19 related lockdowns or quarantine then video-based telehealth provides an excellent alternative to face-to-face therapy.

Research has shown that psychology services delivered via video-based telehealth are equally as effective as face-to-face therapy (Batastini, Paprzycki, Jones & MacLean, 2021).

*Please note: Telehealth is not suitable for clients when there are concerns about risk or safety issues.