| How
do I go about making an appointment with a psychologist?
Call
our office and let our office staff know a little about the problem, the urgency
of your condition, the time you are available and whether you will be using your
health insurance so that we can direct you to the appropriate psychologist.
How many sessions will it take before I feel better?
It depends on the severity and complexity of the problem, as well as one's motivation
to follow the treatment program.
Do
psychologists prescribe medication?
No. Most clients do not require
medication and do very well with psychological treatment alone. If medication
is necessary, along with psychotherapy, a referral can be made to a psychiatrist
or to your family care physician. How
can I make changes and not upset anyone?
It may not be possible
to do what you need or want to do without someone else becoming uncomfortable.
We will help you learn to tolerate their discomfort, as well as your own.
What does a psychologist do? How can a psychologist help me?
Psychologists study the science of human behavior and then apply
this knowledge in a professional setting. Psychologists spend an average of 7.2
years, in addition to their undergraduate college degree, in education and training.
They are licensed by the state in which they practice. A psychologist can help
you identify your problems and then figure out ways to best cope with them; change
controlling tendencies or habits, or find constructive ways to deal with a situation
that is beyond your control. How
does psychotherapy work?
It works by helping you objectively look
at behaviors, feelings and thoughts in situations which you find to be a problem.
Psychotherapy helps you learn new and more effective ways of dealing with those
situations. What
about confidentiality and my insurance company?
All members of
the American Psychological Association subscribe to a Code of Ethics that requires
strict efforts to maintain patient confidentiality. Today, patients are often
asked to approve the release of information in order to obtain insurance reimbursement
or coverage for their treatment. Your psychologist will only release that information
if you sign a release form indicating that you give your approval.
How do I know if my teenager is experiencing normal mood swings
or is suffering from depression?
Adolescents deal with drastic
physical changes, which leads to emotional and behavioral changes and mood swings.
If your son or daughter begins to show regular physical and emotional symptoms
such as sleeplessness, anxiety, tearfulness, eating changes, lack of energy, emotional
outbursts or loss of interest in or enjoyment of activities, seek professional
help. If your child expresses suicidal thoughts in any form (letter, verbally,
through a friend), seek professional advice. Everybody,
at some time, has difficulty concentrating, sitting still or staying organized.
How do I know if my child or I, as an adult, suffer from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder?
It is true that most people have times in their lives
when their behavior is not the normal range for their chronological age or state
in life. Certain life situations such as loss, transition, change or trauma present
challenges to normal functioning. In
terms of assessing for ADD or AD/HD, find out the normal expectations for the
age group in the physical, social, cognitive and emotional realms and compare
the behaviors you are seeing in your child or experiencing in yourself with the
"norm." If the lack of attention, poor concentration, difficulty organizing
tasks, restlessness, and/or impulsivity are observed across settings and are ongoing,
seek professional help. At times, these symptoms are masking other problems and
may not be related to attention deficit disorder.
What do you think about medication for the treatment of AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder)?
The decision about whether or not to use medication should be made by the parent,
in consultation with his/her child's medical doctor. Stimulant medication, typically
used to treat AD/HD, does have side effects, as do all medications. Does
my child have a learning disorder?
Learning disorders are diagnosed
when performance on an individually administered, standardized test in reading,
mathematics or written expression is substantially below that expected for age,
school and level of intelligence. The impaired performance significantly interferes
with academic achievement or activities of daily living. Each school district
has its own guidelines for eligibility for special services and parents should
advocate for the childıs educational needs by working together with their districtıs
special education coordinator.
How do I handle taking my child out of the classroom for a therapy session when
I believe that drawing attention to my child might be harmful?
Typically, middle age children and adolescents, in particular, are extremely sensitive
about what their peers think of them. Their self-esteem is often fragile and they
are fearful of repercussions such as being ridiculed, embarrassed or questioned.
The counseling or therapy falls under the umbrella of a doctor's appointment.
The child has control of what he/she says to peers and does not owe anyone an
explanation. The parents need to communicate with the school regarding any concerns
and heighten their awareness of your wish for confidentiality. | 
