Adult Process

Is there a ‘right time’?

There will always be some apprehension around commencing clinical psychological input. This is normal, and if you think of it, you have never met Cynthia. You may have never heard of what a clinical psychologist does. You may have fantasies, as seen on movies that the clinical psychologist will lay you down on a couch or ‘tell’ you how to run your life. These are all normal uncertainties. To reassure you we practice far different from what is often depicted on the movies. If you find yourself troubled by the same emotional experiences, feeling trapped by the psychological difficulties, that start to impact on your life, then that’s the right time to see a clinical psychologist. With children, if you feel that there are emotional issues that interfere with sleeping, eating, social or educational functioning, then try not to leave the problem to avalanche. Preventative work leads to the inhibition of unnecessary psychological difficulties for children.

Do I need to get a referral?

The simple answer is no. However, clinical psychologists work closely with GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists. If you also would like to obtain a Medicare rebate, the professionals enlisted can devise a Mental Health Care Plan for you, which if eligible, will entitle you up to 10 yearly sessions (calendar year). Currently with COVID-19, current MHCP holders may obtain up to a further 10 sessions until March 2021.

What do I expect when I contact the clinic?

The initial contact will be directly with Dr Cynthia Borg. This personalised approach will help you determine if the therapist is the right therapist for you, and if you require alternative services. An information pack will be sent to complete, to be brought back upon the initial appointment, along any other assessments or referrals from your other professionals. The information pack will provide a brief of the assessment, questionnaire, and goals for treatment, explanation around confidentiality and privacy, as well as fee structure and consent form.

What do I expect for the first session?

The first session is an assessment session, which can run over 2-3 sessions contingent on your or your child’s difficulties. Following completion there is clarity provided to you of the psychological difficulties that you or your family member is experiencing.

How long is the therapy process?

How long is a piece of string? Therapy is contingent on your goals, taking into considering the complexity and longevity of your difficulties. There is transparency of the issues outlined post completion of the initial assessment. It will then be your decision as to how far you want to work with your difficulties.

I have a Mental Health Care Plan, are the sessions fully covered by my plan?

No, this clinic does not bulk bill. You will get the subsidised Medicare rebate for the first 10 sessions or as prescribed by your GP/psychiatrist/paediatrician. Please note that clinical psychologists are equally specialists in their field. Dr Cynthia Borg is a highly experienced and sought after clinical psychologist. You will be certain you are in the best hands. As she is dedicated to providing a solid therapeutic space, there is no ability to bulk bill.

Process for Children

If my child needs to see a clinical psychologist does this mean they will be unwell for life?

Children are resilient, and have an ability to work through their difficulties, sometimes, much quicker than adults. Talk about your concerns with Dr Cynthia Borg. She will reassure you of what the process will be like, the length of the therapy, and even appropriately refer to other specialists, such as occupational or speech therapists as needed.

Sometimes parents wait until there is an explosion of behaviour or emotional issues. Preventative work, and reaching out earlier is much better, as the issues are easily targeted and possibly changes are made much quicker than when problems become bigger and more habitual.

What do I say to my child in preparation for the session?

Dr Cynthia Borg will advise you how you prepare your child contingent on their age. She will engage with the child upon their arrival to the clinic. Please be reassured that you are welcome to join through the initial process.

Am I included in the session?

With young children, often initially either parent is included, eventually leading to one to one therapy with the child. Feedback is provided to the parent either at the end of the session or a parent session is organised. The aim of the therapy is to equip you as well with the ‘tools’ and resources given to the child, so that there is a more of a systemic way of addressing the issues. Schools are contacted with the consent of the parent.

If the patient is an adolescent, the involvement of parents is secondary to issues at hand, and can be discussed further with the therapist upon your initial phone contact. You will be given an information pack to complete with your child/adolescent, including consent forms, initial questionnaires and goals for treatment.

What if my child does not want to come?

It is equally daunting for children to attend clinical psychology services, as it is for adults. This might be an initial fear until s/he gets to know the clinician. Sometimes, even when the child or adolescent gets to know the clinician, s/he may not want to attend. Please remember psychological therapy is about challenging some of the child’s/adolescent’s emotional difficulties, and it is easier to avoid. Encourage the child/adolescent to attend. In case they are adamant they do not want to, please come in instead. We can still work through the issues that s/he is getting stuck on.