Psychological consultations – when is it worth using them? [WE EXPLAIN]

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Psychological consultations are a form of help that can be used by anyone who needs such help. Talking to a psychologist allows you to discuss current life, family or emotional problems. The task of the psychologist is not to solve the patient’s problems, but to listen to them and propose a method of working on their solution. When is it worth going to a psychological consultation?

What is a psychological consultation?

Psychological consultation is the first step on the way to recognizing the problems we face in everyday life. Regardless of whether we are looking for advice related to a specific problem or we are struggling with long-term mental discomfort, the first meeting with a psychologist is referred to as a consultation.

It is important to distinguish between a psychological consultation and psychotherapy. A psychological consultation may be carried out by a psychologist or psychologist licensed for psychotherapy. The advice of such a specialist will be used by people struggling with various life problems, crises or emotional turmoil.

Psychological consultation:

1. it is a one-off service, but in practice it may take an average of three to five psychological consultations to provide full advice;
2. it is used by a psychologist to make a psychological diagnosis, which is useful at a later stage of treatment (if necessary);
3. it is a short-term form of help – it can be a source of information about topics bothering the patient, as well as help people with a specific dilemma, e.g. in professional, educational, union issues;
4. it may be an introduction to psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment.

Unlike consultation, psychotherapeutic help is a form of short- or long-term treatment. It requires appropriate education and skills, which is why a psychotherapist deals with it. If he has conducted the initial consultation with the patient, he may also continue treatment during psychotherapy.

1. Read more: Psychotherapy – when is it worth using?

Psychotherapy:

1. it is crucial in the treatment of mental disorders and diseases, sometimes it is complemented by pharmacological treatment;
2. helps in solving deeper emotional problems, the analysis and solution of which require more time (e.g. stress, mourning, workaholism);
3. serves to support self-development processes;
4. aims to achieve lasting changes in the patient’s thinking and well-being.

Psychological consultation – for whom?

Talking to a psychologist is a solution suitable for anyone who struggles with psychological problems or experiences specific life difficulties. This means that a healthy person, looking for advice or diagnosis, but also aware that they have more serious mental problems, can visit a psychologist. A psychologist is an appropriate specialist who will be able to properly guide the patient and suggest further treatment.

Psychological consultations are ultimately directed to people who need advice on family, marital, upbringing and professional issues related to difficult changes or a specific period of life. Sample indications for psychological consultation have:

1. experiencing stress, anxiety disorders, sleep problems;
2. persistent bad mood;
3. problems with controlling emotions;
4. adaptation and interpersonal relations problems;
5. educational and development problems in children – incorrect pace of emotional development, learning problems, aggressive behavior, lack of independence;
6. professional dilemmas, burnout, willingness to introduce changes, imbalance between work and personal life;
7. family troubles of a different nature – communication difficulties, conflicts, addictions, chronic diseases or disabilities;
8. psychosomatic disorders, i.e. symptoms or diseases that arise under the influence of psychological conditions, e.g. chronic stress;
9. difficulties in defining the problem, which is felt, however, as an emotional burden;
10. Willingness to obtain information on the course of psychotherapy, as well as indications for such treatment.

How is the psychological consultation?

Usually, a conversation with a psychologist, which will allow to make a diagnosis or indicate methods of fighting the problem, requires several consultations. First psychological consultation is a visit for the patient – he or she tells about the reason for the visit, the problems or symptoms they are struggling with. If it is a crisis situation, it may be accompanied by negative emotions, which the psychologist accepts with calmness and understanding. In a situation where the patient does not know how to express his situation in words, the specialist may ask additional questions. He can also ask questions about family or daily coping with problems.

After collecting the initial interview and determining the patient’s expectations related to the consultation, the psychologist may propose a cooperation plan. These steps may require more than one psychological consultation as it is important to be able to get to know the patient and the difficulties he or she is struggling with. In the case of clearly defined difficulties, we can receive tips that will help you find an effective solution on your own.

Complex issues usually require consultation over several meetings. During subsequent visits, the psychologist will better determine the overall situation and will be able to make a diagnosis (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders), as well as propose a treatment method. It is in this situation that it may turn out that longer work on difficulties is necessary, and further suggested treatment is psychotherapy or psychiatric consultation.

Psychological consultation – price

We can take advantage of a psychological consultation as part of the National Health Fund. The number of reimbursed visits is usually limited and psychotherapy is not included. If we go for a private psychological consultation, we will pay an average of 60 to 160 PLN for an individual interview. Family and couple consultations are more expensive and cost about PLN 200-250.

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