R. Psych. (#1653)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are highly trained health care professionals who have studied human emotion, thought, and behaviour. They help patients understand and adjust their feelings and behaviour so that they can live healthier, more productive lives.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists and psychiatrists offer many of the same services. Both offer counselling and help people improve their intellectual, emotional, and social well being.

Where they mainly differ is in the training they have received. Psychiatrists have a general medical degree, just like a family doctor, followed by advanced training in psychiatry. They are authorized to prescribe medication. In British Columbia, they are licensed and regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC and their fees are paid for through the Medical Services Plan.

Psychologists possess a doctoral level degree in Psychology, which represents at least nine years of university education and training in psychology and a one-year supervised internship. They are authorized to conduct well-researched psychological tests and assessments. They cannot prescribe medication. In British Columbia, all psychologists are licensed and regulated by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. The Medical Services Plan does not cover their fees.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?

Many professional counsellors such as myself are in fact registered psychologists or psychiatrists. Others are not, but have received extensive training and are members of different organizations and regulatory associations. And still others are not regulated in any way and have minimal training.

Psychologists are governed by the Health Professions Act and are licensed. This means that they are highly trained and will offer excellent care. It also means that if you have any complaints, you have recourse to the licensing body, the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

 How do I know if I need professional help?

 Often it is difficult to acknowledge that you have a problem and make the decision to get outside help from a qualified professional. And yet millions of people do take that step every year. If you are experiencing any of the following problems and they are not getting better in spite of your efforts and help from friends and family, consider seeing a psychologist.

  • You are overwhelmed by a sense of sadness and helplessness.
  • You are a victim of crime, abuse, or other violence.
  • You worry excessively.
  • Day to day activities and work-related responsibilities are difficult to complete.
  • Your actions are harmful to yourself and others.
  • Workplace stress is burning you out.
  • You are having problems with family relations.
  • You have suffered or witnessed a traumatic incident.
  • You or members of your family are experiencing major life changes.
  • Your children are having problems at school.

This isn’t a comprehensive list. Remember that problems do not have to be life-threatening for you to see a psychologist. Sometimes talking to someone who is not directly involved, non-judgemental, a good listener, and qualified to help can make a world of difference.

How do I choose a psychologist that is right for me?

Assuming that a psychologist is competent to deal with your problems and has the proper credentials, it’s all about finding the right fit. You’re both going to have to work together and so you must be comfortable and at ease in that relationship. There must be a rapport.

Many psychologists offer potential patients a short free introductory no obligation consultation just for the purpose of getting to know each other. You can describe your problems and ask lots of questions and they can listen, answer your questions, ask you questions, and decide if they have the expertise to help you. Hopefully you’ll both get a good feel for each other on that first visit and decide if you wish to work together.

So ask lots of questions on your first visit. These can include:

  • What kind of training and accreditation do you have?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • What experience do you have with problems like mine?
  • What approach would you take with my problems?
  • How long will it take before I begin to see results?
  • What happens if you feel I need medication?
  • How often will we meet?
  • What are your views about religious faith, abortion, sexual orientation, etc.?
  • How much is each session, and what are the terms of payment?

I’ve heard it said that as a patient, I have certain rights. What exactly does that mean when I’m seeing a psychologist?

Generally speaking, when seeking or receiving therapy, you have the following rights.

  • To choose the psychologist and treatment that best suits your needs
  • To “Informed consent”: the right to consent to therapy with a full understanding of your rights and the risks involved.
  • To be treated with respect and dignity.
  • To receive treatment that is unique to your needs.
  • To ask questions at any time about the psychologists training and credentials, the approach being taken, or any other concern.
  • To refuse suggestions made by a psychologist and to end treatment at any time, or ask to be referred to another psychologist.
  • To take any unresolved complaints to the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

 How confidential are my therapy sessions?

In this regard, the policy of my practice is as follows.

Subject to certain specific exceptions discussed below, all information that you may share with me is confidential and no information will be released to any third party without your explicit written consent. However, there are specific and limited exceptions to this confidentiality, most notably:

  • When there is a clear risk of substantial harm to yourself, me, or any other person, in which case I am ethically bound to take necessary steps to prevent the harm, including disclosing confidential information to the appropriate authorities.
  • When there is reason to believe that a child needs protection, such as where a child has been or is likely to be physically, sexually or emotionally harmed, abused or exploited, in which case I am legally bound to report the matter to appropriate authorities.
  • When there is reason to believe you are operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe fashion, as per the Motor Vehicle Act.
  • When an insurance company is involved, they may require that I complete a report. I will review it with you before submission.
  • When the law requires the release of confidential information by me. For example, the Courts subpoena your file, or I am asked to testify about our sessions. I will ask you to sign a waiver from all responsibilities for such releases.

If there are any issues regarding confidentiality (e.g., if the services are to be part of a group or joint session, or the services are being paid for by a third party), I will clarify them before providing services.

As concerns Couples and Family Therapy, your right to confidentially is waived in the following manner. From a therapeutic point of view, it is not advisable for me and one partner or family member to withhold confidential information from the other partner or family members. This does not mean that all information will be automatically shared. However, I strongly encourage clients to share relevant information as necessary to augment the therapy process. Otherwise, a culture of secrecy disrupts the effectiveness of the family’s or couple’s therapy.

So if you choose to have a family member or partner participate in therapy, either individually or conjointly, you will be voluntarily waiving your right to confidentiality with them. Do not tell me anything that you wish kept secret from your partner or family members, as I reserve the right to share any information that I deem helpful to therapy.

What are the benefits and risks associated with therapy?

Research shows that psychological treatment usually benefits people who undertake it. It often leads to better relationships, a resolution of problems, a significant reduction in feelings of distress, and overall improved health. However, no guarantees can be made as to how as to how the therapy process will benefit you personally.

Along with the benefits come some risks. Psychological treatment may elicit uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, loneliness, or helplessness. It may also lead to the recall of troubling memories. You may be asked to disclose private experiences, or to relive painful events that brought you to treatment. Difficulties may arise with family members and loved ones. In cases where your information is available to others (family, medical doctors, insurance companies, or lawyers), it may be troubling to know that personal areas of your life are disclosed. Despite the best efforts of everyone, therapy may not work out well.

 

Do you have any other questions? If so, give me a call at 604.852.4818 in Abbotsford, or 604.463.3026 in Maple Ridge. Or email me. I’ll do my best to address your concerns.

Would you like to explain your situation and see if I can help? Remember that I offer a free 30-minute no obligation introductory consultation just for that purpose.

 

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