How do I know if I should see a psychologist?

Psychological difficulties are often less apparent than physical health concerns, making them more challenging to recognise. However, certain indicators may suggest the need for professional support. These can include a decline in self-care or overall health, interpersonal difficulties, warnings or concerns regarding performance at school or work, unexplained financial strain, persistent learning challenges, or signs of emotional or behavioural changes in children. These examples are not exhaustive. Engaging with a psychologist early can help prevent further deterioration and support meaningful recovery and well-being.

What help can a psychologist provide when I’m facing serious life challenges?

A psychologist’s role is not to directly solve life’s challenges, but to support individuals in staying mentally and emotionally functional while navigating them. They help prevent deterioration in wellbeing, maintain cognitive and emotional stability, and provide tools to manage distress and build resilience, enabling clients to face difficulties without becoming dysfunctional.

I have access to extensive resources like Google and ChatGPT, do I still need to see a psychologist?

There is no doubt that we are living in a time of unprecedented access to information and support tools like Google and ChatGPT, which can offer valuable insights and guidance. These resources are powerful and will only become more advanced and helpful over time. However, it’s important to recognise that interaction with such tools remains a human–machine interaction, while psychotherapy is a relational human–human process. This distinction does not make one inherently superior to the other, but it does mean that one cannot replace the other.

Is it normal to experience negative emotions during or after a therapy session?

Just like with any healthcare intervention, therapy can sometimes touch on emotional pain points and leave you feeling a bit sore afterward. During sessions, you may talk about difficult or negative emotions, and it’s completely normal to feel like those feelings have been stirred up again. As you continue with therapy, this emotional soreness may come and go, but the goal is to gradually feel better and more resilient over time.

What factors do make psychological therapy effective?

Psychological therapy is a delicate and collaborative process. Its success relies on a strong therapeutic alliance, where both the client and psychologist work together toward meaningful change. Client motivation and willingness to engage in the process play a crucial role, as lasting progress often requires openness, effort, and a commitment to growth. Consistency and continuity—regular attendance and staying engaged over time—also significantly enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

Is there a quick or guaranteed solution for my psychological concerns?

While it’s understandable to wish for a quick fix, psychological difficulties often develop over many years and are reinforced by unhelpful coping patterns. Resolving these issues typically involves time, emotional effort, and consistent engagement. Therapy often includes trial-and-error through behavioural experiments before finding what truly works. So, while meaningful change is absolutely possible, there is rarely a miraculous or instant solution—it requires persistence, commitment, and active participation in the therapeutic process.

When is the appropriate time to share the primary concern I am seeking support for with my therapist?

It’s not uncommon for individuals to withhold their primary concern due to feelings such as shame, fear of judgment, or uncertainty about how to begin. However, delaying disclosure can contribute to confusion in the therapeutic process and may slow progress or create a sense of inefficacy.

Psychological therapy is designed to be a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space. Within the boundaries of professional confidentiality, clients are encouraged to share openly—especially about what is most distressing to them. Building trust and being transparent with your therapist can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the intervention and support meaningful change.

If my child is the one needing therapy, why is my involvement in the process important?

Parental involvement in a child’s therapy is crucial because many mental health challenges stem from environmental factors such as home or school. Parents can provide important insights and play a key role in implementing strategies recommended by the therapist. This is especially important for younger children who may struggle to engage in therapy on their own. Parent’s participation helps create a supportive and consistent environment that can significantly enhance child’s progress.

How should I go about selecting the right psychologist for my needs?

Finding the right psychologist can be challenging, and it may take a few attempts before you find the one that suits you best. A GP’s recommendation or word of mouth can be a helpful starting point, and researching a psychologist’s approach to assessment and intervention is another useful step. Of course, we can’t choose a psychologist based on their photo—it simply doesn’t reflect the depth of therapeutic connection needed. Psychotherapy is a human-to-human interaction, and someone who was a great fit for others may not necessarily be the right match for you. That said, both similarities and differences between you and your psychologist can enhance the process—similarities can create a sense of comfort and trust, while differences may offer new perspectives and help break unhelpful patterns.

How can I get the most benefit from a telehealth therapy session?

Telehealth sessions offer great convenience by removing the need to commute and allowing you to attend from a space where you feel most comfortable. However, this flexibility can sometimes reduce the structure of the session—such as joining from a noisy roadside or while multitasking at home. To get the most benefit, it’s important to treat telehealth with the same formality as an in-person appointment: choose a quiet, private space, minimise distractions, and dedicate the time fully to your session.