Anyone here seen/use a psychologist?

[Yakky Bear]

I didnt know or how to ask but anyone on here use/regularly visit a psychologist?

it's to do with the death of my father a few years ago and basically i want to know, how did you choose your psychologist and if anyone has some recommendations or names of who they use etc that would be awesome!

[thommo]

I'm pretty sure UWA have a clinic, my sister has had multiple clients through there. Ill find out more details and let you know.

[Yakky Bear]

cool thanks thommo, im kinda basing my decision on how i feel when i call them. Just looking for advice on what others do or how they found a good one. Also who they use etc... but yeah thatd be awesome if you could mate!

[thommo]

I asked basically what your first post was and this was her response.

Your GP to get mental health plan and they can refer to private psych in local area. Make sure they check psych accreditation (that they have post graduate degree)

I know she's working atm in Warwick but at a drug and alcohol place so wouldn't be able to help you with the current situation

[Halle Terry]

Elusiv on here is a psych, albeit he works for prison system.

I think his input would be helpful to try and direct you to the right type of psych.

[TJ]

Perhaps somewhere like beyond blue might be a good start man?

[Yakky Bear]

Elusiv on here is a psych, albeit he works for prison system.

I think his input would be helpful to try and direct you to the right type of psych.

oh excellent thanks terry!, ill send him a pm.

[mys1]

Mrs mother is a psychotherapist - a little different (kind of what tony soprano went to see) she deals a bit with grief etc and has a clinic out near the carousel

[cplagz]

I didnt know or how to ask but anyone on here use/regularly visit a psychologist?

it's to do with the death of my father a few years ago and basically i want to know, how did you choose your psychologist and if anyone has some recommendations or names of who they use etc that would be awesome!

My mrs is a psych :) you are looking for a clinical psychologist. I will talk to her and see what she recommends if you want. If you want to use medicare/private health I believe you need a doctors consult first to get a referral, which you can request who they refer you to.

[Tocchi]

Perhaps somewhere like beyond blue might be a good start man?
this.

[Phonat]

Go through a GP, like someone said before they can recommend you people in your area, and if medication is in order they can help. I'd recommend that, literally the only time I felt like a GP made an effort.

[Butcher]

I spent a few years with Graham Guest in Wembly. I had seen a few prior to him but did not connect with them. He played the biggest role in getting life back on track for me after after my attack at work. He had to deal with PTSD,Depression, Challenges resulting from the brain damage, Major stress resulting from the disability, inability to work, ensuing legal battle and financial problems, Saved my marriage and kept me from pulling the pin. Without that man i wouldnt be around anymore and owe everything i have now to him.

[POH73]

I've been to a couple over the years and your GP is a great start for referrals and recommendations. Which psych works for you is an extremely personal thing so who might suit some may not suit others.

Good luck with it and good on you for seeking help - many don't and that's a tragedy.

[heavyduty1340]

I didnt know or how to ask but anyone on here use/regularly visit a psychologist?

it's to do with the death of my father a few years ago and basically i want to know, how did you choose your psychologist and if anyone has some recommendations or names of who they use etc that would be awesome!

Hats of mate for stepping up and realizing you need some assistance.
Its a good feeling these days that blokes can admit that they need help and it is well received.

All the best mate.

[Yakky Bear]

Thanks for all your help guys! I did some reading. A few places suggested taking note of how you feel when you read about a certain therapist etc.. Found one I feel good about after reading their website etc. Will call tomorrow. Thanks heavy! I went through hell and back losing my old man, I'd never do it to anyone else hence why I know the only option is to seek help. Appreciate everyone's support!

[Evman]

Where abouts do you live? A few family members see the one psychologist and have all seen fantastic results. Funnily enough it came up that she was one of the team behind the one way mirror when my family was going through counselling during the parents divorce (I was about 7). Small world. Anyway, she's in the Bicton area near Freo, let me know if you're close/interested mate

[TJ]

Hats of mate for stepping up and realizing you need some assistance.
Its a good feeling these days that blokes can admit that they need help and it is well received.

All the best mate.

Anyone who considered this an opportunity to give people shit about it would be removed post haste.

Innocent "jokes" when people may be struggling seriously are not on, and people should be free to post in here without impunity.

[Yakky Bear]

Not trying to make this a full on d&m thread or anything but just trying to seek others who have found a psych they "gel" with and how they went about doing it.

[ELUSIV]

Hats of mate for stepping up and realizing you need some assistance.
Its a good feeling these days that blokes can admit that they need help and it is well received.

All the best mate.

Agreed! It is still pretty common amongst men that if they are struggling psychologically it makes them weak, or less of a man. I think it takes more balls to put your hand up and ask for a bit of help rather than doing what a lot of people do which is cope by using drugs, drinking, being abusive, etc...

I gave some advice to Yakky and will share it here for anyone else who is wanting to see a psych.

Most important thing is to find someone you have a rapport with and who is the right fit for you. There are lots of different psychs out there and all have a different style, persona and approach they use to help people. For most people they will look at seeing a psychologist be it registered, clinical or counselling. There are other types like organisational, sports, educational, etc... but those 3 would be the ones that assist with these sorts of things and have the most experience. Be careful of the title "counsellor". It is different than counselling psychologist. Anyone can use the title counsellor as it is unregulated, which means you may get someone who has done stacks of training, has loads of experience and is awesome, or you could get someone who has just quit their day job to try something different and actually may have no clue what they are doing. It can be extremely risky and a lot of people fall into that trap.

If you want to check someone's registration status go to AHPRA's website - http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx
Can search any medical practitioners there.

Don't be afraid to shop around too. We don't take offence when people don't find they like our style or technique that is being used. The most important part is having a good working relationship otherwise you won't get much out of it. Before you go, try to start thinking about some goals, or what you want to get out of it, or what you'd like to be different. It helps both you and the psych to come up with a plan for what you'll be working on.

If anyone wants to know anything else happy to field any questions people have.

Oh and get behind Movember as they support BeyondBlue who have saved countless lives. Men have higher suicide completion rates than women and most of it can be attributed to the fact the use more lethal means, and are less likely to seek help. If anyone feels they are in a rut, ask for some help there is plenty of it out there! :)

[Kilma]

+1 good on you for taking the first step and getting help. It's not failing. It's getting help. Took me a long time to get over this barrier.

If you go to a GP, they can draw up a mental health plan (I think that's what it is called) and you get up to 10 visits a year subsidised (still expect to be out of pocket a bit).

Take your time. The first couple of sessions are getting to know you and working out the methods that will work best for you. If you doctor hop (for lack of a better term) it will always take a couple of sessions with each new one.

Be patient, take on board what they say and think about it and how you will work the methods into everyday life when these issues pop up. You'll only get out what you put in.

Good luck.

[joshg123]

I cant help with a reccomendation, but big ups for tackling it! Well done mate

[180SXTCY]

on ya Jase! go look at some helicopters man, that shit always makes you happy!

[protecon]

If you go to a GP, they can draw up a mental health plan (I think that's what it is called) and you get up to 10 visits a year subsidised (still expect to be out of pocket a bit).
I was under the impression that if you go down the subsidised route, your doctor has to declare you clinically depressed (not 100% on the terminology needed) which means you must declare this on any future job applications?

[Yakky Bear]

Booked in for the 19th

[Yarms]

I used BSS phsycology in west Perth, i saw Pauline and recommend her . Covers all areas from my old mans death to bad relationship break up and problems at work etc.

Well done on taking the step into realizing you need help. Took me years to do the same but it was the best thing i ever did.

Good Luck mate

[Yakky Bear]

Well had my appointment today, all I can say is why the fuck didn't I go earlier. Best thing I have ever done for myself.

[[Jacek]]

Well done!

[Klutch]

I was under the impression that if you go down the subsidised route, your doctor has to declare you clinically depressed (not 100% on the terminology needed) which means you must declare this on any future job applications?
Not as far as im aware. My doctor never said anything along those lines.

[Gleeso]

+1 good on you for taking the first step and getting help. It's not failing. It's getting help. Took me a long time to get over this barrier.

If you go to a GP, they can draw up a mental health plan (I think that's what it is called) and you get up to 10 visits a year subsidised (still expect to be out of pocket a bit).

Good on you for making the right move. I realised I had some issues after trying to get into Amry Reserve and had sit the recommended session with their psychiatrist. It brought up some issues that I had thoroughly repressed and brought some current issues into light, so I went and asked my GP about seeing one to sort out my issues. Have had quite a few sessions now, and I can honestly say, I haven't felt so on track with life, and goals and decisions and just general well-being than I do now.

Goodluck with it all.

Edit: Also, I got my GP to organise a Mental Health Plan, and make sure to have Medicare (which you most likely do), because you get back a bucket-load of cash.

[Yakky Bear]

Good on you for making the right move. I realised I had some issues after trying to get into Amry Reserve and had sit the recommended session with their psychiatrist. It brought up some issues that I had thoroughly repressed and brought some current issues into light, so I went and asked my GP about seeing one to sort out my issues. Have had quite a few sessions now, and I can honestly say, I haven't felt so on track with life, and goals and decisions and just general well-being than I do now.

Goodluck with it all.

Edit: Also, I got my GP to organise a Mental Health Plan, and make sure to have Medicare (which you most likely do), because you get back a bucket-load of cash.

Yeah she suggested the same, so will do that.