Ever wonder what having a yarn with a psych is like?
Many people actually find it really hard to make that very first appointment with a psychologist because they really don’t know what to expect. To talk to a TIACS psychologist all you have to do is call 0488 846 988 or if you want to make an appointment text the number and ask if you can have a chat. The TIACS psychologist will get back to you with 'do you want to chat now or at a later date?'
The actual phone call
The psychologist will ring you at the scheduled time from the 0488 846 988 number. The first thing that will be discussed with you is how confidentiality works. Don’t worry, nothing is off limits to talk about and everything you say stays with the psychologist. There are only two situations where the psychologist may have to break confidentiality, and these are if you are at risk of harming yourself or another person. But this will be explained to you in detail before you start. After that, you're free to talk about whatever is on your mind.
Things you might talk about:
The psychologist will ask what’s been happening in your life and put together some tools that you may help you. If you aren’t sure as to what information to share don’t worry! The psychologist will ask guiding questions to ensure that he or she gets all the information that they need to get a picture of what is happening in your life. Its like telling your best mate what’s been going on lately, with someone who will really listen to your story and won’t judge you or tell you to harden up.
In fact, the psychologist is not there to try and fix you or tell you what to do. We don’t have all the answers. You know yourself and your life better than we do. We also can’t make you forget all the tough times, but we can help you figure out what the best thing is for you to do in your life, help you deal with the stress and hurt from the past and remind you that not only is there is hope for a better life, but you are able to achieve a better life. Here at TIACS, all this is done within a safe, relaxed and confidential environment.
How long and how often will you talk for?
This really depends on what has been happening lately. You may have one chat, you may have many, the choice is up to you and every phone call no matter how many you have had is free.
Is there a downside to chatting with a Psych?
It is important to know that therapy can sometimes make things feel worse before things feel better. This is because often therapy is a place in which we begin to think and feel things that we have not wanted to think about for a long time. And thinking about these things (even though it is helpful to think about them) can in the short-term make us feel distress. But don’t worry that’s what the psych is for, your therapist’s job is to help you feel safe with these feelings and to help you with strategies so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Why should I talk to a Psych?
There are many highs found in talking to a therapist it increases overall mood, wellbeing, and life satisfaction, while also at times having positive impacts on our health! Talking with a therapist provides us with a safe space where we can talk about that hard things while feeling safe, protected and understood.
We hope that this helps with some of the questions you may have about talking to a therapist. If you would like to talk to TIACS about any concerns you have about starting therapy, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0488 846 988.
