Looking for a Psychologist? How to Find the Right One

How do you find the right psychologist or counsellor for you?

Key points:

It’s all about connection say ‘She Wasn’t Born Yesterday’s’ Jenny Woodhouse and Janet Evans.

“Probably a lot of the positive work done as you’re seeing a counsellor, a psychologist is done because of the relationship between the two of you. You really do need someone that you feel like is at least understanding what you’re saying,” Janet said.

And with so many different approaches available, it’s important to do your research. “About 10 years ago was the last time I counted and there were well over 200, something like 230 or 240 different therapeutic approaches documented that are being used by therapists around the place,” Jenny said, including cognitive behaviour therapy, solution-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy, play therapy, art therapy and more.

“I normally suggest people go to their GP first. GPs have generally got a bit of a handle on who’s in the area that they can refer to.”

Where to start

If all of this sounds overwhelming, Jenny had some simple advice: “I normally suggest people go to their GP first and say, you know, looking for a counsellor, looking for a psychologist. And the GPs have generally got a bit of a handle on who’s in the area that they can refer to.”

She also reminded listeners that you can access a mental health care plan through your GP, which means you can get some money back in a rebate when you see a psychologist or a clinical social worker.

A mental health care plan from your GP means you get a rebate when you see a psychologist or a clinical social worker.

Trial and error is normal

Compatibility isn’t always obvious on paper. Jenny encouraged people not to be afraid to try a couple of sessions and then move on if it doesn’t feel right. “Give them one or two goes, yeah. And if in the second session you’re really going, no, I don’t think you’re catching on to what I’m saying… don’t go back. You’re paying, don’t go back. And then find someone else.”

Sometimes, she added, people even choose based on a website photo. “Do they look like I could have a chat with them?”

If by the second session they’re not catching what you’re saying, don’t go back. Find someone else.”

The hard work of healing

Jenny was clear: counselling is not about giving advice. “There is no psychologist, counsellor, a clinical social worker in the country that’s going to give you advice. If they do, they shouldn’t be doing the job.”

Instead, the role is to help you unravel your story, spot patterns, and give you space to heal. “It’s hard work,” Jenny admitted. “You don’t generally book in to see a psychologist because you’re really happy. It’s going to be painful. So it’s hard, painful work.”

Listen to this episode of ‘She Wasn’t Born Yesterday’ in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listening to others

How do you know if you might benefit from seeing someone? Jenny put it simply: “Listen to those friends. Often other people can see things sooner than you can.”

Whether it’s a GP, a friend, or even just that inner voice that says you need help, it’s okay to reach out. “Ultimately that connection is the thing that you need to be able to work on something,” Janet summed up.

“There’s a big world out there… if you go to them a couple times and you’re just not getting the vibe, you’re just really not connecting, go somewhere else,” Jenny said.

Because finding the right fit can change everything.

Listen to this episode of ‘She Wasn’t Born Yesterday‘ in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.

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