PSYCHOLOGY & DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPY

A psychologist studies the mind, how it works, and the behavioural symptoms it can result in. They use this knowledge and understanding to support people with mental health conditions. They can specialise in specific fields of study related to different emotional, behavioural or cognitive mental health areas. 

Psychologists assist patients in addressing their mental health challenges through different therapeutic approaches, management strategies, and coping mechanisms. Their main aim is to equip patients with management skills and a deeper understanding of how their mental health conditions manifest so that they can lead more involved and fulfilling lives.

Psychologists are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat a broad range of mental conditions and psychological disorders. Their training and knowledge ensure they’re well-equipped to help with many mental health challenges.

While psychologists cannot prescribe medications, they can help patients through therapeutic strategies and coping mechanisms. They’ll assist patients in challenging automatic behaviours and thoughts through various approaches. These include therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT).

This can often be combined with mindfulness practices and effective, more immediate coping mechanisms when a client is experiencing heightened distress.

Psychologists can treat and provide therapy for a range of mental health and neurodivergent conditions, mood and personality disorders. These can include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• PTSD and complex PTSD
• Neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD
• Paranoia and schizophrenia, including related personality disorders
• Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder
• A range of personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder

There are, of course, many other conditions psychologists treat, but the above are some of the common ones for which they’ll provide therapy.

Psychologists can help patients with anxiety and/or depression in several ways, and the approach will usually differ between therapists.

A common treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on helping patients challenge and overcome automatic thoughts and beliefs that hold them back. It explores the link between thoughts, emotions, and resulting behaviours. 

Other strategies may include the introduction of mindfulness techniques, meditation, and grounding techniques when a certain line of thought pulls patients away from the present moment.

They’ll often educate patients on the links between physical health and mental health, encouraging patients to integrate more exercise, healthy eating and better sleep schedules into their daily lives. They’ll adjust these strategies according to the client’s disability - be it mental, physical, or both.

This is just a short overview of the various ways in which psychologists may assist patients manage depression and anxiety in their daily lives.

While psychologists and psychiatrists both offer mental health support and psychotherapy, the key difference lies in the fact that psychiatrists train as medical doctors. As a result, psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of their treatment.

Psychologists, by contrast, focus on mental health therapy and the implementation of mental health management strategies, coping mechanisms, and behavioural therapies. These therapies include CBT, psychoanalytic therapy, and DBT.

While psychiatrists do offer psychotherapy as part of their services, they may place a greater focus on treatment through medication rather than therapy itself. 

Because psychologists focus on therapeutic solutions, they can be a better option for people with mental and physical disabilities or those who have a psychosocial disability as a result of disruptive mental health conditions. Psychologists can teach patients about effective therapies, strategies, and coping mechanisms that are better suited to individuals with disabilities.

If a psychologist thinks a medication could help a client in their mental health journey, they may recommend the client speak with their doctor to explore potential medicinal treatments.

Most psychologists will have a broad knowledge of common mental health conditions, with specialisations in specific fields. These could include specialisations in child-focused therapy, trauma, neurodivergent conditions, personality disorders, and so on.

The ideal approach will be to go with a psychologist who’s specialising in a field related to your specific mental health needs. That said, the dynamic and rapport you develop with your psychologist also matters.

Sometimes, a psychologist just won’t be the right fit for your personality or concerns, and you may need to consider a few psychologists until you find the one who’s right for you.

Yes, they can. Whether your relationship issue is with a spouse, family member or friend, there are psychologists who specialise in relationship conflict resolution. 

Keep in mind that therapy for relationship issues, such as couples therapy, may not be covered under NDIS unless a mental or physical disability is playing a role in these specific issues. Otherwise, you can receive treatment as a private patient.

The first session you have with a psychologist is usually focused on laying the groundwork for your broader treatment goals. Your psychologist will typically ask you what issues you’re facing and gauge your mental and emotional state.

This allows them to assess what mental health conditions or psychological disorders you may be dealing with and begin to map out a treatment plan that can be employed across sessions. If there’s time in your first session after the preliminary discussion, your psychologist will likely start discussing strategies for you to try until your second session.

Most psychotherapy sessions will be carried out in 1-hour sessions or what’s known as the ‘therapeutic hour’ - a 50-minute session with 10 minutes allotted for the psychologist at the end to make notes, handle admin, and go to the bathroom.

Sessions may be offered in shorter timeframes (30 minutes, 45 minutes) or longer sessions (1 hour+)  if more appropriate and logistically possible.

In terms of how long psychological therapy takes overall, this depends on the patient and their needs. Some may require ongoing therapy over the years, whereas others may only need a few sessions at first to develop the necessary strategies. 

As mental health can be complex, some patients may eventually need to return to therapy if life circumstances change.

If you’re in need of mental health therapy and you live in Adelaide, Conscious Healthcare SA is here for you. Along with our two clinics located in North and South Adelaide, we provide in-home support in key metro areas, including Gawler, Aldinga, and Mt Barker. Our psychologists also offer telehealth (phone and video calls) throughout Australia.

We are a registered NDIS provider and offer psychological services for children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly.

To get started with Conscious Healthcare SA, you can submit a referral, call (08) 8166 4700 or email enquiries@chcsa.com.au today.