topic What should a good psychologist do? in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_128 — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:36:38 GMT

Hi,

I am wondering what a good psychologist do for us?

Are they just there like a friend should be over coffee?

Whats your thoughts and experiences please.

Later

What should a good psychologist do?

SubduedBlues — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 12:02:15 GMT

IMHO a good one takes a genuine interest in how you are doing. They help you explore what you should do next, without telling you what to do next. Sometimes they help you learn and understand your own psyche, ID and ego; and then help you learn how to live with all of their competing wants, needs, and desires, whilst maintaining some level of control over your mind and its destiny.

What should a good psychologist do?

geoff — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 18:29:55 GMT

hi 9 names later, a good question, because my latest psychologist who I haven't seen for over a year and only had seen him 4 or 5 times was terrible, he questioned why I needed to take any medication for my depression, OCD, my epilepsy or even any pain-killers, the reason why was because he has never used anything to help himself, he could talk himself into believing there was nothing he couldn't talk himself out of.
All I can say to this was c**p, and when talking with him all he kept saying was 'why', so I kept on cancelling appointments until finally, I finished up with him.
My doctor always asked how the sessions were going and when I told him he wasn't too impressed, compare this to my previous psychologist who I had been seeing for 20 odd years, that tells you how good she was, but unfortunately she left.
She was able to remember the vast list of people we had discussed, was compassionate and understanding, our the sessions went over time, and even though the conversation changed so many times, she would let me carry on, and occasionally wanted me to do some homework, which I never did, but never mentioned why didn't I do it, she was terrific and I was sad when she left. Geoff.

What should a good psychologist do?

demonblaster — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 20:48:09 GMT

Hey later & all

Good question you need firstly to feel comfortable around them, anyone for that matters worth being around. If you feel you can completely open up without judgement then that's the one you want.

A good listener but also they need to interject on occasion with constructive info & coping methods.

As mentioned above by subdued not to be telling you what to do but talking it through with you. Getting to know you & where you're at.

I've got a fantastic one don't see her often cause she comes from another state but well worth the wait. She's been there for me in extreme times though very busy.

They need to be able to communicate well & treat you with respect & care

We need to be very open & listen as well. Be prepared to take on board what they say if their good.

I need someone that I can talk to when I'm in extreme downs & really struggling, get so scared of how low you can go & fear going under the line again, working on that. So saw a lovely lady couple times lives here but nothing really constructive was coming out, she may have been assessing dunno but not the right fit for me.
So back to the excellent one.

If you get one like Geoff above had, nah move on till you get the right fit.

Let us know how ya go

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_128 — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 04:29:06 GMT

Thanks everyone, I totally get the click thing.

Havnt seen mine for a couple of months,was going every two weeks and have been seeing him since last in hospital about 6yr ago.

I think I get into a what the hell when things are going down hill weather it's my mental health or just life. I also have pressure with comments like ,so what happened with the psychologist?ie did he fix you.or haven't you been working on that with him?

I have done a lot of Day programs and even done some twice. I loved them and made so much sense but I just can't remember and put it all into play,these things I do believe to be the biggest help for Mental Health,so it really pees me when I can't connect.

I also find it fascinating that so many people here have such great repaul(ing spelling)

Later

What should a good psychologist do?

demonblaster — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 04:41:24 GMT

Later what I'm learning is a lot of good people that do care, are afraid of saying the wrong thing or I'm hearing they don't know what to say which is fair enough, usually when someones down we wanna lift em up but not hurt in process. We're fragile. They know that if they understand.

I think it's good if they're asking how you went with psych, they're showing interest and giving you opportunity if you want to talk about stuff. They're caring. That's good 🙂

How are you between BP cycles? I'm usually good, happy, bla bla, usually BA motivation but trying to change that.

What should a good psychologist do?

startingnew — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 05:22:01 GMT

Hi everyone

I think a good psychologist firslty should be polite and respectful.

They should take a genuine interest in what your saying and not just do the whole 'uh ok 'how does that make you feel' sprt of thing. We are people with
real feelings not just robots.

They should make you
feel comfortable in opening up and being able to trust them otherwise
how do they expect people to 'click' as well.

I think they should
be able to lead the conversation if the person doesnt know where to
start or where to go from what they are talking about as well.

Another thing I
found wasa really good quality in a psychologist was to reffer you
to others if they are 'lost' themselves. I was seeing a psychologist
and what I was dealing with she felt I could be better helped from a
psychologist who had a more deeper meaningful understanding of the
treatment therapy that I needed so she recommended that I should see
such and such for these reasons but tshe was happy to still continue
working with me. I found that to be quite eye opening actaully that
there are still the honest psychologists and not just in it for the
money but genuinely show concern for someon and how to better their
treatment.

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_128 — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 08:27:29 GMT

Hey Demo,

I haven't been Manic like,start a business,borrow 30k of relatives,think I am floating with God,etc for about 6years. And yeah I miss it sooooo much,now I flutter bit like looking at a heart monitor. Lost most self confidence and try and lay low so not to harm what I have left.

I do realise that those who or have to be near me ,ie family have a difficult time ridding the roller coaster ride with me,and that plays with my mind a lot. Trying to work out me ,mental health or normal.

Later

What should a good psychologist do?

demonblaster — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 09:29:02 GMT

Good later, yeah we've I reckon gotta start with our heads. It's them that cause our distress, how we think, react to stuff.

Need to like ourselves too for confidence. Shield.

I couldn't hack this without the mania, pretty rational throughout but pumped, can't shut up lol.

Keep at it mate, we'll get there, we have to

What should a good psychologist do?

Dr_Kim — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 07:28:40 GMT

I think many of the posts have had really good ideas about what makes a good psychologist.

The “clicking” thing is important. Research shows that the most important element of whether therapy works or not what TYPE of therapy people have ( CBT or ACT or Solution Focused or Narrative etc) but what RELATIONSHIP they have with the therapist .

Meaning , if you can be honest , feel heard, respected , understood, cared for etc.. you are more likely to have a successful therapeutic outcome .

The therapist is definitely NOT a friend though . A friendship is two-way and a therapy relationship is one-way . Its all about the patient. If the patient is watching what they are saying to protect their therapist, something is wrong!!

My other thought is that a therapist is like a torch . They just shine a light over thoughts and feelings so that they become clearer and more defined , understood and less scary . I would hope that a good therapist helps you really make sense of your own thoughts, feelings, values , beliefs and so you can feel happier in your relationships and make better life choices.

A good therapist allows you to challenge them . Meaning , you can question why they asked you something and you feel ok doing it .

There are so many things a good therapist is but they don’t do things like sit on the phone with you for ages after hours or hang out with you out of the consultation room or see you every day.

I hope you are getting a picture in your head of a great therapist.

Now that you have it … bring it back down to reality because there is NO such thing as a PERFECT therapist. Most are pretty good , some Ok , and some really bad. Good luck working your way through the maze .. if you keep going , chances are you will find the one that isn’t perfect but good enough for you.

What should a good psychologist do?

clownartist — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 06:14:43 GMT

Hi Geoff ,

Fairly new to this site.I read with interest your experience with psychologist.

I know this is going to be controversial.I have been through two psychologist over the last 5 years.

Besides listening to my "woes' which was helpful although this forum provides that option FOR FREE.I found the whole experience unsatisfactory as well as costing medicare a lot.

Perhaps my expectations were too high.I dont expect the magic bullet but I do expect more than the Bugs Bunny therapist saying mmm yes and times up and sign here.What are peoples expectations of a therapist ?

I have this belief that their role is to move you forward ,perhaps be "confronting ' about your issues and offer constructive advice.

Some one once said they can tell in 5 minutes whether they can help and whether there is a connection ,other wise move on to a new therapist.It is such an important role and unfortunately my experience has been poor I would suggest mostly due to their inexperience of "real" life .I know my words are harsh but this important .There needs to be some assessment of their role in mental health recovery .Easier said than done I know

Interested in other peoples experience of this matter

Cheer CA

What should a good psychologist do?

Johnno_S — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 12:44:25 GMT

I have been seeing psychologists off and on for the last twenty years. The best one really understood me and tried to understand my struggles in my life. I found that writing notes in point form before the session was helpful to me as it made me focus on what I should talk about once I was in the room. To find a the right one you must be able to be on the same page and , to be honest, like each other. This is not to say it's just for a cuppa but you should work towards building up a rapport and divulge what's on your mind and bugging you in a day to day sense. Best wishes in your search.

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_9809 — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 14:08:55 GMT

Hello Johnno.S and welcome to the BB Forums. Thankyou so much for your response to this thread, your input is appreciated.

I see that this was your first post to the Forums. When you are ready, I hope you will open your own thread and tell us a bit more about yourself and what brings you here.

If you'd rather settle in for a while first, then by all means continue replying to any existing thread that you have an interest in and have something to contribute.

Browse the different sections which are applicable to you - be it Depression, Anxiety, PTSD & Trauma - and have a read of the individual threads. And if you would like to meet some of the members in a social setting then I suggest you visit the BB Cafe which is located in the BB Social Zone section. In that same section you will find a number of word games etc which can be a bit of fun where you can connect with other members. Also take a look through the numerous Staying Well threads where you will find a lot of self help and general wellness threads which may interest you.

I know you will be welcomed by the many caring and compassionate people who make up the community of the BB Forums.

I will keep a look out for you around 'the traps'.

Taurus

What should a good psychologist do?

blondguy — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 01:32:38 GMT

Hey Johnno...welcome!

9names. A good psychologist will have to ask questions that move you out of your comfort zone by asking questions that are uncomfortable to find whats under the surface that needs fixing.

Like Johnno I have had counselors for decades and I had one made me burst into tears when he asked questions. I felt awful and ashamed for crying like a baby.

I didnt know at the time that he was making me vent about all the bad stuff I had buried.

He gave me my life back for bringing the crap to the surface and discussing it....and making me cry..a lot

No pain..No gain

my kind thoughts

Paul

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_128 — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 05:48:21 GMT

Hi Johnno,

welcome to BB, I will see if I can find you in introductions. I think that's a great idea to write stuff down,as I skip all over the place and feel I don't finish anything,thanks.

taurus,thanks for picking up Johnno, I didn't see him.

Paul, I hardly ever cry,I know I should. When I do I am usually listening to music and by myself.

hope you are well

Later

What should a good psychologist do?

Johnno_S — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:17:08 GMT

Hi Taurus

Thanks a lot for your welcoming post. I am already feeling comfortable here on BB.

I feel that I can help other people in their journey living with bi-polar. I shall search for the Introduction page to briefly state what circumstances I have experienced and what I have been through.

Best wishes

Johnno

What should a good psychologist do?

Johnno_S — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:27:31 GMT

Shall go to the Introduction page to tell everyone who I am and hopefully help others in their struggle with anxiety and depression.

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_9809 — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:29:20 GMT

Fantastic news Johnno.S.

For your intro you can either go to the Welcome and Orientation section, or post directly into the Depression section. Thats up to you.

There are a couple of other existing threads on bi-polar that you may be interested in reading and contributing to as well. Most of them you will find under the Depression section. However the one I have listed below is a long running and very popular one which is located in the Long Term Support section. Once a thread racks up 100 posts they usually get moved to the Long Term Support section. Unfortunately they can be easily missed by newcomers who dont know they're there. But its definitely worth having a read, and you will get to know some of the other members here who have bi-polar.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey/this-bipolar-life

I will keep a look out for your intro thread.

Cheers.

Taurus

What should a good psychologist do?

blondguy — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 14:13:06 GMT

Hi Johnno

As Taurus mentioned thats great news that you feel comfortable on the forums.

Any help you can provide to others through your own experiences with bipolar would be greatly appreciated

Its great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family Johnno 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

What should a good psychologist do?

Guest_128 — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 22:02:00 GMT

Thanks for that tip Taurus,I didn't know that happens.

Later