Hello nlboujos
Welcome to the forum. Psychotherapy is, as Subdued Blues commented, a more in-depth form of counselling. Both psychologist and psychiatrists offer this form of help because they have specific training in this area. Counsellors are great people and offer a wonderful service to those with less deeply-rooted problems.
Psychotherapy takes longer and can be quite difficult at times, but the outcomes are positive (usually). This is where you learn about why you do things and act in a particular manner. Foe example a child may grow up with very little physical contact , no hugs etc, or may been constantly told how hopeless they are. Perhaps have been teased far too much. These more deeply-rooted problems can take time to heal. Unfortunately it's not enough to give medication and come back later, although psychiatrists can prescribe meds.
Once you know where your thoughts and actions come from you can start to heal and understand yourself more clearly. I used to see a psychiatrist many years ago and we would talk about my past. My constant query was, " it's all very well knowing about these things, but they are in the past. What does it matter?" The psych used to say it helped to understand myself. Well yes that's true. What I wanted was not to act as I did. And largely that's where I stayed. I think I had a bit of a lemon with this psych.
I don't want to deter you, all psychs are not useless. Did your GP make the referral to see this psych next week? Some EAP's only employ psychologists, which was the case where I worked. They probably can take private clients but will need the referral from your GP if you are to claim from Medicare. Depending on your financial position you may be better off with a psychiatrist as their fees are always claimable from Medicare. You can only access 10 visits to a psychologist to claim the Medicare rebate. This will not cover the cost, or not usually, so you need to know what this cost will be.
Unless you have private medical insurance, to continue with this psychologist may be very expensive. OK if you can afford it. A psychiatrist's fee is always claimable fro Medicare although again there will be a gap fee. However, there is the Medicare safety net which kicks in after you reach a certain level of out of pocket expenses. You will need to talk to Medicare to find out how the safety net works as I may not be accurate and anyway there is the word limit.
Write in again.
Mary
