HOW LONG WILL THERAPY TAKE?

In order for you to also get the best value from your time in therapy and hence ensure optimal results, it is strongly recommended that you attend at least 6 to 10 sessions. Remember, counselling is a PROCESS - so you need to give it time and practice.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION

You will be sent an email with an intake form and a consent form to fill out and sign digitally, the online forms make it quick and easy.

It can also save you time to fill out an assessment prior to your appointment that will ask you questions based on your current mental state. This is based on your preference and can be done in session, it is a good way to measure your progress and or areas of focus for best care.

WHAT IS A DIAGNOSIS?

Diagnosis refers to the process of identifying and categorizing a specific condition or disorder based on the symptoms, signs, and other relevant information presented by an individual. In the field of psychology, diagnosis involves assessing and classifying mental health disorders based on the criteria outlined in classification systems like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

The diagnostic process typically involves gathering information through interviews, observations, psychological assessments, and sometimes medical tests. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, use this information to determine if an individual meets the criteria for a particular disorder and to rule out other possible explanations for the symptoms.

Diagnosis is important in psychology as it helps in understanding the nature and extent of an individual's mental health challenges. It provides a framework for treatment planning and allows mental health professionals to utilize evidence-based interventions and therapies specific to the identified disorder. Additionally, diagnosis can facilitate communication, research, access to resources, and legal support for individuals seeking mental health services.

HOW LONG DOES ADHD TAKE TO DIAGNOSE?

This can take several sessions, depending on the unique individual and presentation. Assessment is inclusive of observation over time, screeners and assessments subject to your specific presentation and needs plus a report. Why Diagnose?

A typical breakdown of an ADHD assessment might look like this:
1 x psycho-social assessment session (50 minutes). 

2 extended thorough background/symptom and functional capacity assessment sessions (90 minutes each) 

1x external reference assessment and interpretation (partner, parent or other) (90 minutes) 

1x feedback session (50 minutes) 

1x report for psychiatrist, client, GP or other. 

There may be a wait for the report and feedback session as it consists of assessment scoring and interpretation, review, research, in some cases external supervision, cross referencing, differential diagnosis, review of historical data such as school reports and or medical history consideration and other relevant documents or prior assessments.