We know that coming to see a psychologist is a big decision for most people, and at North Cairns Clinical Psychology we aim to support you from your very first appointment.
What can I expect when I first arrive?
Prior to your first session you will receive an email with confirmation of your initial appointment. This email will also include a registration form, our consent form and our cancellation policy. We understand that these documents can be quite overwhelming, so we encourage you to complete them before arriving to your initial appointment. If you choose not to complete the paperwork prior to your appointment, that is okay. We just ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to allow enough time for you to complete the paperwork.
Upon arrival to your first session our friendly receptionist will show you to our waiting room (where you will complete your paperwork if this has not already been completed). You will then be introduced to your Clinical Psychologist.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Our first session is focused on becoming comfortable talking with each other and conducting what we call a “clinical assessment”. We also focus on establishing a sense of trust, openness and safety so we can agree together the key areas for therapy and how to move forward. At the end of this session, we will review and discuss with you the key areas of relevance for your treatment, and mutually agree on a plan for working with each other. Whilst a referral might focus on a particular presenting problem, our approach is to be collaborative and guide you in treatment. This allows us to explore the issue you bring to therapy and its underlying causes, as well as any other relevant issues, and to set a direction for you that will assist with short and long term change to make the absolute most of your psychological therapy experience.
Can I bring a support person?
We understand that your very first appointment can be quite a daunting experience, so you are welcome to invite a support person if you feel that this could be helpful.
What can I expect at subsequent sessions?
Your second session onwards will essentially be more strategy-based, potentially exploring various evidence-based ways to assist you, jointly conceptualising the issues you are experiencing, and in some cases providing you with exercises to do or literature to peruse between sessions.
What type of therapy will I do?
At North Cairns Clinical Psychology we pride ourselves on being client-centred, which means that we adapt our therapeutic style to suit you the client, rather than trying to make you fit a certain approach. As a result, we utilise a wide range of treatment approaches and principles, which will always be explained in therapy so we have a shared understanding of the work we are doing. Some of these evidence-based treatments include:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness-based therapies
- Schema Therapy
- Attachment Theory
- Supportive counselling
- Psychoeducation
What about confidentiality?
As with seeing any treating medical professional, your sessions are completely confidential. As Clinical Psychologists, we are governed by the Australian Psychological Society, which has its own Code of Ethics. At North Cairns Clinical Psychology we take this code very seriously and endeavour to do all that we can to protect our clients’ privacy.
Any other questions?
If you have any questions please contact us now.