Generally, psychology is the science of the conscious and unconscious mind, studying how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours impact our sense of self, wellbeing, and interactions with others. It also includes what it means to be human such as: development, attention, memory, performance, intelligence, habits, and responses.

Generally, a psychologist has studied behavioural science, then specializes into different areas such as Clinical, Educational, Organisational, Developmental, Sport and Health. Psychologists do not prescribe medications. They use other evidence-based treatments to manage common psychological problems and to help people achieve their potential.

Psychiatrists study medicine, then specialise into mental health. They are often involved more in assessment of mental illness and the pharmacological management of it. They use medications such as mood stabilisers or anti-depressants to affect a chemical change in the brain, as well as therapy tools.

Evidence based therapy is using techniques, strategies and processes that are specifically designed to help people deal with the issues and concerns that may be affecting them emotionally or mentally. These techniques and strategies have been evaluated in a scientific manner. 

Your therapist may request you to complete questionnaires, at times, to provide an evidence-based measure, to track progress in therapy, in a structured and quantitative way.

Working with a psychologist:

• Can provide insight and new perspectives into life’s challenges. 
• Help create solutions to difficult problems and experiences. 
• Particularly helpful when a person is experiencing clinically significant mental health problems (for example trauma, depression, and anxiety).
• Assist in developing healthier ways to cope, rather than ways that lead to more problems (substances, gambling, shopping, internet)
• Enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life.
• Those who come to therapy report an overall improvement in their sense of self, quality of life, decrease in symptoms and the resolution of specific issues/concerns.

You are welcome to see our psychologists without a referral, and full fee. 

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate for the session fee. Please check with your insurer to find out your level of cover.

If you are referred by your GP through on a Mental Health Care Plan or referred by your psychiatrist, you may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for both individual and group sessions per calendar year.

If you are referred by a third-party (insurance or legal request), referral information must be made available at the time of making the appointment.

Any information disclosed to your psychologist in sessions remains confidential. The bounds of confidentiality will be explained in your first session and follow the guidelines contained in the Australia Psychological Society Code of Ethics.

The only time we would release information is if we are subpoenaed by a court or you report specific information that places you or another person at serious risk of harm. However, we would always discuss our need to disclose with you, the client first.

If you attend under a third-party referral (insurance or legal request), please check the level of information your referrer will require.

What to expect:

You will be provided with documents at time of booking your first appointment via email, to complete and return at your first appointment. If you do not understand what is required, that’s okay we can discuss at your first appointment.

The first appointment will involve a gentle introduction to therapy, with an explanation of how therapy works, confidentiality, fees and cancellations, and return of pre- therapy forms. You may be asked to complete different questionnaires.  You will be encouraged to tell your story, and current concerns. This is your therapy, and while we encourage sharing, do understand, you may not be ready to share all of it in the initial session — and that’s okay. Please allow up to 90minutes for your first session.

Appointments are generally 50 minutes in duration and commence weekly and will then go to fortnightly, and at times monthly. This allows us to “get to know” each other and identify meaningful goals for your therapeutic journey. It is preferable if a block of appointments can be booked at the first session.

In collaboration with you:

• We will develop a shared understanding of your concerns.
• Work together to provide support to manage with current experiences. 
• Utilise the therapeutic relationship to enhance or learn new coping strategies. 

Clients must be comfortable with their psychologist, to feel safe to disclose and “do the work” of therapy. At Wills Key Psychology we understand that sometimes two people do not “click” — it is nobody’s fault, it just is.

If this occurs for you, please tell your psychologist they will understand, and are happy to assist you find someone you may feel more comfortable to work with.