Clinical psychologists’ knowledge and skills centre on helping clients having problems with different aspects of human experience. These include mood/emotions (e.g., depression, inappropriate anger), thoughts/beliefs (e.g., worry), behaviours/actions (e.g., being perfectionistic, routinely putting others first), or problems with physical states (e.g., stress, injury, or ill-health).
Sometimes, problems in any one or more of the above areas can stem from people’s social environment (e.g., in intimate relationships or friendships) or work environment (e.g., a difficult supervisor or colleague). Clinical psychologists recognise inter-relationships between all of these aspects of human life.
Fortunately, we live in a time when a great deal is known about what is effective in helping people with these problems. The field of clinical psychology is founded on the principles of scientific investigation - meaning that therapeutic approaches can only be endorsed if they meet the standards of rigorous evaluation. CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) is just one example of a therapeutic approach that meets those standards.
As your clinical psychologist, Phil only engages in evidence-based practice (as described above) when working with clients. He also recognises that therapeutic approaches can’t be used in exactly the same way for all people. Accordingly, he tailors these to each client as a distinct and unique individual.
Apart from the above, Phil understands that a good therapeutic relationship is another vital element of the helping process. Phil is compassionate, non-judgemental, empathic, and respectful of his clients. He places much importance on working collaboratively with his clients.
Phil will carefully seek to understand the nature of your problem(s) and to settle on therapeutic goals. For each problem, he will then work to identify – with you – the triggers, the specific causal factors, and any factors that are maintaining the problems. Based on this, he will provide guidance on how to best address these problems, and provide you with skills in doing so. He regularly invites feedback on whether the appointments are resulting in progress towards the goals.
In addition to using psychological interventions in his work with clients, Phil places importance on the significant role of exercise and nutrition in mental health. Whilst he encourages clients to give due attention to these factors, he refers clients to exercise physiologists and nutritionists as needed. Clients who have difficulty in beginning (or maintaining) an exercise or nutrition program can be helped by Phil because motivation and behaviour change are part of the domain of psychologists.
After booking your first appointment, you will be sent an Information Sheet via text message from OHL, which describes what you can expect from your appointments with Phil. This includes information on the therapeutic approaches he uses, presenting problems he works with, and other topics such as confidentiality.
There are two main pathways to seeing a psychologist. One is for clients to ‘self-refer’ and pay the consultation fees from their own funds, or with assistance from private insurance (if covered).
More commonly, clients see their GP and ask for a referral to a psychologist through the Federal Government’s Better Access scheme. This will enable you to receive a Medicare rebate on the consultation fees for 10 appointments per calendar year. You might also qualify for a referral via a Chronic Condition Disease Management (CCDM) program.
Approved TAC or WorkCover claims often include cover for psychologist appointments, but sometimes require clients to first have a referral from their GP.
Phil is a registered provider with Medicare, TAC, WorkCover/WorkSafe, and with most private health insurance funds. Please bring to your first appointment any referral from your GP, or documentation from TAC or WorkCover indicating that psychology appointments are covered.
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