FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are some the differences between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling is aimed at providing support to clients who are able to function normally in life, however require assistance in coping with a specific difficulty, for example:
- A traumatic event such as a hijacking or assault.
- Loss of a loved one such as a; child, spouse, parent or friend.
- A life changing event such as; divorce, loss of a job or going on pension.
- Stress management.
Counselling is also well suited when a client is in need of guidance to find their own solutions to circumstantial life events that they are experiencing. Counselling can also be useful in helping clients find specific; coping skills or behaviours, to deal with the difficulties they are dealing with. In some cases a counsellor may refer a client to another professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor, if it is determined that the client’s difficulties require longer and more specialised intervention. Unlike psychotherapy, counselling is usually carried out over a short term, averaging between 3 to 6 sessions; however in some cases a longer period may be required.
Psychotherapy is aimed at clients who have long term emotional / mental and behavioural difficulties resulting in marked dysfunction in their relationships and their ability to cope in life, for example; depression, bi-polar, personality disorders and anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy is performed by a Psychologist who is qualified to make an accurate diagnosis and compile a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of the client. Psychotherapy takes place in the safe environment of the “therapeutic relationship” which enables the client explore their inner world in a joint effort between therapist and client. Clients usually see a psychologist over a period of time varying on average between 6 to 12 weekly sessions; however in some cases prolonged treatment may be required, depending on the client’s specific needs.
In summary counselling and psychotherapy can be described as “a continuum from, relatively brief work that is situational or educational on the one end (counselling) and long-term, in-depth work seeking to reconstruct personality on the other end (psychotherapy). In between these extremes, counselling and psychotherapy overlap” (Gelso and Fritz (2001).
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychotherapy is aimed at clients who have long term emotional / mental and behavioural difficulties resulting in marked dysfunction in their relationships and their ability to cope in life, for example; depression, bi-polar, personality disorders and anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy is performed by a Psychologist who is qualified to make an accurate diagnosis and compile a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of the client. Psychotherapy takes place in the safe environment of the “therapeutic relationship” which enables the client explore their inner world in a joint effort between therapist and client. Clients usually see a psychologist over a period of time varying on average between 6 to 12 weekly sessions; however in some cases prolonged treatment may be required, depending on the client’s specific needs.
Psychiatrists assess their patients through conversation as well a medical examination which may include blood tests in order to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan which may include medication and or referral to psychotherapy. Once treatment is underway, it is not uncommon for patients to then see a psychiatrist every 6 months.
Can psychologists prescribe medication?
The quick answer is no, they can’t. However if a psychologist believes that a client can benefit from medication, the client can then be referred to a general practitioner or psychiatrist, who will then determine what medication may be required.
How can I prepare for my session?
The best way you can prepare for your session is to spend time identifying what are the most important matters which you want to address in therapy / counselling. If it helps, write down these important matters, in order to help you recall them when in then session.
What can I expect in my first psychotherapy/councelling session?
During the first appointment we need to build an understanding of your needs regarding therapy. The session therefore focus on obtaining a clinical history from you regarding your current functioning as well as past functioning in order to work towards identifying the core issues which you want to deal with in therapy. Please ensure that you are on time for your appointment and allow for time to fill in documentation and get comfortable before your session starts.
I am anxious about sharing my difficulties?
Most clients are anxious about the first session and worry about what they are going to say. You do not need to be concerned about this. You’ll be coached by a professional who will assist you in communicating your needs.
I am scared that I will become too emotional?
Many clients are concerned that they may become too emotional and tearful during the session. Again you need not to be concerned. It is absolutely understandable that you will become emotional when you address personal concerns and again a therapist / counsellor will be able to help you put these emotions in perspective.
Is what I share in a session confidential?
Please be assured that sessions are confidential and you need not be concerned about your privacy. Any psychologist or counsellor who divulges any information about a client can be reported to a body that they are registered with, such as the HPCSA, which could result in disciplinarily action being taken against the professional. The only time a professional may disclose information about a client without consent is when it comes “to protecting the client or others from harm“ (The Professional Board For Psychology Health Professions Council Of South Africa) as determined by law, and is limited to only the specific circumstances of the harm.
What are the costs for a session?
Please visit our Fees page for our latest fees.
A First appointment for an individual in is between 80 and 90 minutes long.
A First appointment for a couple in is between 110 and 120 minutes long.
Follow-up sessions are usually between 50 and 60 minutes, however you can also book a double session which is between 110 and 120 minutes.
Do I need to be referred by a GP or doctor to see a Psychologist?
No you don’t.
What kind of hospital is Akeso?
Akeso comprises a group of private, dedicated inpatient psychiatric hospitals that provide individual, integrated and family-oriented treatment for a range of psychiatric, psychological and addictive conditions.
At the heart of the Akeso treatment philosophy lies the belief that no one should be treated in isolation – not in terms of the condition from which they suffer, nor in terms of their separation from family and friends. As such, treatment programmes are fully integrated, with the multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, pharmacists and registered nurses all working closely with each individual patient and their loved ones to ensure the best possible care, and best possible outcome.
In addition, at Akeso we work according to a guiding principle of ‘treatment beyond containment’, which means that every treatment plan is designed to not only contain and treat the immediate problem, but also to provide a supportive environment that assists our patients and their loved ones to plan for life after discharge. While our immediate focus is to provide relief from the sometimes devastating symptoms of psychiatric illnesses, our ultimate aim is to help our patients change the direction of their life by developing creative strategies for sustainable mental health.
Our psychiatric hospitals are probably best described as an ‘emotional ER’, catering for individuals in psychological crisis. These crises may have been brought on by extraordinary life stressors, a traumatic event, an underlying psychiatric vulnerability, a chronic illness or a combination of these. Akeso psychiatric hospitals provide a safe and comforting environment in which assessment, containment and healing are prioritised, and in which our patients and their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect.
An essential feature of the Akeso treatment philosophy is that loved ones and other members of our patients’ support system are encouraged to visit regularly, as well as to participate in the treatment programme. We have learned that promoting and encouraging a better understanding of psychiatric illnesses and addiction by our patients’ families is one of the best means of ensuring sustainable health and well-being.
No one should walk the road to mental health alone. The professional teams at Akeso and loved ones are there to help and support each patient, however the patient’s full commitment to the programme is key. It may not be easy, but together we can help our patients’ change the direction of their life, for the better.