Finding a psychologist can be tough at times. Despite the increased awareness, many people still struggle to discuss their mental health with others. As if this alone wasn’t enough, societal pressure and social media add fuel to their misery, thus taking a toll on one’s self-esteem. Nonetheless, true recovery begins with recognizing that none of us is perfect, and we all need someone from time to time to help us recover from our trauma.
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Why seeing a psychologist is important?
Did you know that almost 50% of all adults need some sort of mental health support at some point in their lives? According to a 2017 study, one in five Australians above the age of 16 suffer from mental health or behavioral conditions.
In fact, mental illness is the leading cause of non-fatal diseases and the 3rd leading cause of total disease burden in Australia. Given the severity of the issue, the government has taken actionable steps to curb the situation, but this alone isn’t enough. We ourselves must also put our mental health above everything else.
Taking the first step
Congratulations! Realizing that you need a professional to help you improve your mental health is the first step on the road to recovery. Surely, seeking therapy from a professional psychologist can be exhausting and painful, especially since it involves pulling down the barriers, confronting those uncomfortable emotions and accepting your fallacies.
But just like there’s light at the end of the tunnel, the only way to heal those old wounds is by fully exposing them and giving them time to heal. The good part about working on improving your mental health with your psychologist is that he will equip you with all the tools you need to get past these rough times. Thus leading you to live a happier and content life!
Tips on finding a psychologist in Australia
Finding a psychologist in Australia can be tough, especially since this is no one shoe fits all situation. However, there are ways to get around it. The following tips will help you narrow down and refine your search to find a psychologist that best meets your individual needs.
1.Setting appropriate goals and objectives
While searching for a psychologist in Australia, one of the first and foremost things one should do is ask themselves what they wish to get out of the therapy. Studies indicate that when you walk into a therapy session fully aware of what you want to gain, you have increased chances of aligning your goals with your psychologist—as a result; you end up one step closer to getting better.
2.Asking friends and family
While it’s true that many people aren’t comfortable talking to their friends or family about their mental health issues or sharing them with their peers – getting referrals from someone you already know is a great place to start when trying a psychologist
However, it is important to realize that while your friend’s referral might be a great psychologist. They might even have tons of certifications or have helped your friend recover, but everyone’s needs and goals are different at the end of the day. What worked for them may not be the best course of therapy for you.
3.Considering your physician’s referrals
General Practitioners or physicians are the first ones we call when we feel unwell. They are also the first ones to identify whether you are facing mental health difficulties and if you need a professional like a psychologist to help deal with the situation. General practitioners also serve as the key personnel you are required to see if you can avail a mental healthcare plan.
While most of the GPs have a lot of training in Mental Health first aid and are often a great resource of information as far as referrals are concerned. While some general practitioners might even have an in-house psychologist alternatively, if they don’t, then your general practitioner will have no trouble steering you in the right direction
4.Going through online directories and databases
Checking through directories is yet another way to find psychologists existing within your area. While these don’t tell you whether you and your psychologist will be a great match, they are certainly a good place to start. Amongst these, some of the largest psychologist databases in Australia include:
- The Australian Psychological Society(APS)
- Psychology Today
- The Australian Clinical Psychology Association(ACPA)
- Available Psychologists
While these directories merely serve as yellow pages showing which psychologists are the closest to you, you will still have to do some leg work to find one who best caters to your individual needs.
5.Searching online
While social media continues to bridge the gaps created by geographical limitations, it also serves as a great resource for finding a therapist in Australia. Today, many online groups and communities focus on sharing their individual experiences. At the same time, they underwent therapy and how it benefitted them. Not only this, but due to increased awareness, many users are more than eager to share the details of their psychologists to help you find one that best caters to your needs.
6.Going old school
Another effective way to find a psychologist in Australia is by taking a conventional route. This would include calling and inquiring about psychologists, their credentials and the type of therapy they practice. While phone calls are enough to get all the details, many clinics nowadays allow you to book an appointment and get all your answers in person.
The bottom line
Despite all these caveats, you are not alone with whatever emotions you may be struggling with. There is support available to help you get through this. Remember! Seeking a psychologist and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a sign of strength. It shows that you are recognizing your troubles and taking control of your life to make it better. So call now and find a psychologist at @visioncounsellingandpsychology. After all, getting the support you need is an investment in your mental health and your quality of life.
