Clinical Psychologists have had extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness using psychological treatments. Clinical Psychologists use talk therapies which are backed by evidence which shows they are effective at resolving psychological problems.
Different psychological problems are helped by different therapies. Clinical Psychologists build their knowledge about the relationships between psychological problems and therapies over years of education and supervised practice. The evidence base is changing all the time and Clinical Psychologists must stay abreast of the evidence that supports the treatments they are providing. They do this through professional networks, by reading research papers and continuously attending training and professional development.
A skilled Clinical Psychologist can astutely identify which talk therapy will suit the problem the client is presenting with. This is why rarer or complex psychological problems are often referred to Clinical Psychologists.
Clinical Psychologists will take the time to establish a deep understanding of the problem during early sessions of therapy. They will gather an understanding of the client’s concerns and their biological, psychological, and social history. If the client consents, they will take into account the concerns of other key parties such as family members and such as schools or other professionals. Then they will bring this information together by considering four key questions:
- What made it more likely that this person, rather than another person, would experience this concern?
- Why is this problem happening now?
- What keeps the problem going?
- What are the things in this person’s life which protect them from further harm?
Once a solid understanding of the problem is established, an evidence-based treatment can begin. Not every Clinical Psychologist will implement every psychological therapy. There are many different evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and many others. Clinical Psychologists will have some therapies they have mastered or prefer to use while recognising others may have different expertise. So, it is common for one Clinical Psychologist to refer to another so that the client receives the treatment which they will benefit from most.
It may be helpful to remember that Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. They may refer to a psychiatrist if they recognise that a client may benefit from a medical treatment. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together to provide medical and psychological treatment concurrently.
At Masterpiece Psychology (former Anxiety Solutions CBT Psychology Practice), we have a team of highly experienced Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Registrars who are well trained and up to date with latest treatment methods. For more information, or to book, you can meet the team, contact us or call us now on 02 9328 5899.
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