FAQ's

The number of sessions required in psychotherapy or counseling varies widely and depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the issues being addressed, the individual’s goals, and their progress in therapy. Short-term focused therapies might involve a specific number of sessions, often ranging from 6 to 20 sessions, while longer-term therapies can extend over several months or even years.

Therapists typically conduct an initial assessment to understand the client’s needs and collaboratively determine the treatment plan. 

It’s important to have open communication with your therapist about your expectations, progress, and any concerns you may have. Ultimately, the duration of therapy is a dynamic and individualized aspect of the therapeutic process, and discussions with your therapist can help establish realistic expectations and goals based on your unique circumstances.

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental principle in psychotherapy. Mental health professionals are bound by ethical and legal standards to protect the privacy of their clients. Information shared during therapy sessions is generally kept confidential, and therapists cannot disclose it without the client’s explicit consent.

However, there are legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. Therapists may be required to breach confidentiality if there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or in cases involving child abuse, elder abuse, or imminent danger. Additionally, therapists may consult with supervisors or colleagues for professional guidance while maintaining the client’s anonymity.

It’s essential to discuss confidentiality and its limitations with your therapist at the beginning of therapy to have a clear understanding of how your information will be handled. This transparency helps build trust between you and your therapist, creating a safe and secure environment for the therapeutic process.

It is not always compulsory to take medications as part of psychiatric or psychological treatment. The approach to treatment varies based on the individual’s condition, preferences, and the recommendations of mental health professionals. In managing certain mental health disorders, medications can be a crucial component.

It is best to have open and honest discussions with your mental health providers to collaboratively decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. In certain situations, a combination of medication and psychotherapy may be recommended for the most effective treatment outcome.

The potential for long-term side effects can vary based on the specific medication, your individual response, and the duration of use. Some psychiatric medications may have side effects that emerge over time, while others may have a more immediate impact. Additionally, advancements in medication development aim to minimize side effects. It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects with your prescribing healthcare professional when considering or using psychiatric medications.

Regular communication with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor medication effectiveness and potential side effects. Abruptly stopping certain psychiatric medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a recurrence of symptoms. So decisions about psychiatric medication should be made collaboratively between you and your healthcare team, weighing the potential benefits against any risks or side effects.

Regular monitoring, open communication, and adjustments to the treatment plan as needed help minimize risks and ensure the most effective and well-tolerated treatment. 

The risk of dependency on psychiatric medications varies depending on the type of medication, the individual’s medical history, and how closely they adhere to their prescribed treatment plan. However, many medications for conditions are not typically associated with physical dependence in the way substances of abuse might be. 

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding the dosage and duration of medication. Abruptly stopping certain medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may not effectively address the underlying mental health condition.

If you have concerns about dependency or potential side effects of psychiatric medications, discussing these with your healthcare provider allows for a collaborative approach to finding the most appropriate and effective treatment for your mental health condition.

Whether family members accompany you is a personal choice. It is highly advisable, however, as involving family members can be beneficial. The information obtained from family in the initial assessment process can be helpful when addressing relational or family dynamics, and communication patterns, or when the support of family members is an integral part of the treatment plan. These insights are valuable in forming an integrated picture of your mental health condition and the various behaviours and issues that accompany your condition and might be not as noticeable to the self. It should also be noted that you and your family members also interact separately with our psychologists, to assure you privacy for revealing any sensitive information. 

Ultimately, the decision to include family members depends on your comfort level and the nature of the issues being addressed. You can discuss this with your mental health professional, and they can provide guidance on the most effective approach based on your specific situation and goals for therapy.

Yes, it is generally helpful to bring along any relevant medical or psychological treatment records when seeking a psychological assessment or treatment at a new place. These records can provide valuable information to our mental health professionals, offering insights into your medical history, previous diagnoses, medications, and any past therapeutic interventions. This helps us gain a more comprehensive understanding of your mental health history.

If you have concerns about sharing specific information or if you’re uncertain about what to bring, you can discuss this with the new mental health professional in advance. They can provide guidance on the most relevant records to bring and address any privacy or confidentiality concerns you may have.

Psychological tests and assessments serve several crucial purposes in the field of mental health. Firstly, they provide a standardized and objective means of evaluating cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioural patterns. These assessments provide us with a thorough understanding of your strengths, challenges, and overall psychological well-being.

Additionally, psychological assessments assist in diagnosing mental health disorders by identifying specific symptoms and patterns of functioning. They contribute to treatment planning by offering insights into the most effective therapeutic interventions tailored to your specific needs. The objectivity of psychological assessments helps reduce biases in diagnosis and treatment planning. Ultimately the use of assessments helps us to save time without compromising the quality of care.