FAQs
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Clinical psychologists are health professionals who treat patients who suffer from serious mental health disorders. They are trained in assessing the patient’s mental health by means of clinical interviews, personality tests, behavioral observations, and neuropsychological tests. The clinical psychologist then diagnoses the patient and designs a treatment plan. Treatment normally includes some type of psychotherapy counselling, of which there are many types. Clinical psychologists have undergone at least six years of university studies.
Psychiatrists have completed a medical degree and further training and study related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists specialise in the medical treatment of mental illness and can prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists combine medication with psychotherapy.
How do I see Sonia?
You can make an appointment with Sonia without a referral from your GP or a psychiatrist. If you decide to do this, you will need to pay the full amount for your sessions out of your own pocket.
If you would like to see whether you are eligible for a referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will need to speak with your GP or a psychiatrist prior to making your first appointment.
Sonia will also see people through
What should I expect from the first session with Sonia?
After making your first appointment, you will be sent an introductory email confirming your appointment date and time. This will also outline information about fees and rebates, and details about the location of Revive Therapies and Psychology. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan you will need to bring along this paperwork to your first appointment.
At the beginning of your first session, Sonia will briefly run through important paperwork with you. This will include completing a form with basic personal information (such as your name, date of birth, address and contact details) and a consent form that cover issues such as confidentiality, fees and other important information about sessions.
If you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, we will discuss the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan at this point.
After completing the paperwork, the remainder of the session is usually spent discussing the issues that have brought you into therapy. To develop a thorough understanding of your concerns, Sonia will also explore any relevant background history, for example, information about your family, social relationships, work history and any past counselling that you have done. Based on this information, she will begin to help you to understand more about what might be triggering and maintaining your current issues.
Finally, she will discuss your personal goals for therapy.
How does confidentiality work with Sonia?
All information that you disclose in your session with a Sonia is confidential. There are two exceptions to this rule. The first exception is if you are at risk of harm to yourself or someone else and the second exception is in relation to court orders. If either of these situations become relevant, your psychologist will discuss this with you.
If your sessions are being funded by Medicare, a progress report will need to go to your GP generally at the 6th sessions. Sometimes third-party organisations will request progress reports about you also. Sonia will get your consent to share this information if required.
Sonia will also consult with other supervising professionals for guidance specific to Somatic Experiencing™ and EMDR for the purposes of providing you with the highest quality care. Information provided in these contexts will be anonymous.
How many sessions will I need?
At Revive Therapies and Psychology, treatment is planned to meet the needs and goals of the client.
Some people come to therapy to develop coping strategies to reduce or manage symptoms of mental illness, a traumatic event, or chronic stress. These issues require short to medium term approach.
Other people come to therapy to understand long-standing patterns that stem from earlier childhood experiences or traumatic events. This type of therapy can happen over an extended period of time, although again, this is dependent on client needs and goals.
Sometimes people come for a one-off session or a few sessions to talk through a particular issue or challenge.
More About Sonia
“After over 2 years of cognitive therapy for PTSD post a major car accident, I was still battling with symptoms of panic attacks and night terrors. I had read and heard positive results about Somatic Experiencing for ptsd sufferers and found Sonia. After an initial consultation I felt positive that I had found what was going to bring my life back to the more stable rhythm I had experienced prior to the accident. It took a lot of hard work and resilence on my part to find and face my greatest fears that were causing my suffering, but with Sonia’s gentle approach and caring nature, I was able to step through the continuing trauma and begin to sleep through the night. Today, i am able be in a car with far greater confidence. I know that if I hadn’t found Somatic Experiencing and Sonia Muller, I would be still battling and very possibly using prescription medication to assist with my everyday functioning. From the bottom of my heart I thank Sonia for working with me and highly recommend this therapy for anyone still suffering with the after affects of a car accident.”