How long does a session last?
Usually 50 to 60 minutes. For certain kinds of treatment, and in the case of psychological testing, sessions may be longer. The first session will usually involve a discussion of the problem and some initial treatment planning.
What form do sessions take?
Sessions focus on helping patients to find their own answers to their problems through their inner resources. The content may include discussion, communication skills, testing, behavioural tasks, hypnosis, skills training and other relevant activities. Psychologists are trained to use a wide range of assessment and therapeutic techniques. Patients will sometimes be asked to complete homework assignments and family members may also be involved in the sessions.
How long does a course of therapy take?
Typically, patients may expect to need between three and ten sessions with a psychologist. Occasionally, a single session will be sufficient to provide patients with appropriate and useful information. On other occasions, longer term treatment and support may be advisable.
Will I be told what to expect?
Patients should expect that the psychologist will talk with them about the number of sessions and the type of therapy which is likely to lead to an effective outcome for their problem. Patients have every right to ask about the qualifications, experience and approach of their psychologist.
What are the fees for psychological services?
The current fee recommended by the Australian Psychological Society for a one hour consultation is $205. If you pay on the day of consultation, you will receive a significant discount on this fee.
Are there any rebates for psychologists?
There is a Medicare rebate for patients referred by a doctor on a Mental Health Care Plan. The rebate for treatment from a clinical psychologist is $$115 per visit. The initial referral is for six visits and may be renewed by the doctor for up to a futher six visits in a calendar year.
Many private health insurance funds also offer partial rebates for psychologist’s fees. Patients need to be covered by ancillary benefits insurance (extras table) and the psychologist needs to be approved by the health insurance fund. Some health funds require a medical referral.
Psychologist’s fees may be rebatable through workplace Employee Assistance programmes and injury compensation schemes.
The Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for veterans’ consultations with psychologists registered with that department.
What happens in a consultation with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practioner?
The consultation with the TCM practitioner follows four stages:
Looking – the practitioner will examine the patient’s appearance, facial expression, skin colour, tongue colour and coating, and general appearance to establish underlying energy and vigor levels.
Hearing – the practitioner will listen to the patient’s voice and breathing rhythms.
Questions and Answers – next the practitioner asks questions about particular symptoms, as well as more general discussion on whether the patient feels hot or cold, thirsty or hungry, calm or restless, whether there is any pain, how there sleep is etc
Touching – the focus is on pulse-taking. The practitioner will feel each wrist for the nine basic pulses that help to guide diagnosis.
How does acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a person's health is influenced by the flow of qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces of yin and yang . When pathways become obstructed, deficient, or excessive, too hot or too cold, yin and yang are said to be thrown out of balance and illness may occur. Acupuncture can be used to restore the balance.
The acupuncture points are specific locations where the channels or meridians (pathways of qi) come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by "needling," moxibustion, and acupressure. The connections between them ensure that there is an even circulation of qi, a balance between yin and yang.
Evidence from a number of studies indicates that acupuncture influences somatic functioning and produces measurable biological changes. Three main mechanisms were identified:
1. conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease.
2. activation of opiod systems: research has found that several types of opiods may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
3. changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person’s blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated.
4. by raising levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is called the "Augmentation of Immunity" Theory.
5. constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's release of vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
6. One of the most popular theories is the "Gate Control" Theory. According to this theory, the perception of pain is controlled by a part of the nervous system which regulates the impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This part of the nervous system is called the "Gate." If the gate is hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and it closes. This prevents some of the impulses from getting through. The first gates to close would be the ones that are the smallest. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These are the gates that close during Acupuncture.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Insertion of the needles goes unnoticed by some, and to others feels like a small pinch followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, traveling warmth, or heaviness. Sometimes people feel Qi moving at distance from the point of insertion. Needles remain in place for twenty to forty minutes. Usually relaxation and an elevation of spirit accompanies treatment. It is as normal to want to continue resting as it is to be immediately energized. Some notice a relief of symptoms or feel more energetic in the days that follow treatment. Most people are pleased to find that sessions are not uncomfortable and even look forward to them.
What are acupuncture channels?
The channels in traditional Chinese medicine can be said to be the same as the study of anatomy in Western medicine. Chinese medicine describe in minute detail how the channels transport qi and Blood to every part of the body, linking all the tissues and structures of the body into an integrated whole.
How do Chinese herbs work?
Chinese herbs are prescribed to bring the whole being back into balance. For example, since fatigue results from a lack of Qi, herbs that nourish the Qi have an energizing effect. Since blurry vision, restless sleep, and irritability result from depleted Blood, Blood-enriching herbs improve vision, sleep, and equanimity. Since dry skin and dehydration arise from insufficient Moisture, herbs that replenish it soften the skin and relieve an otherwise unquenchable thirst.
Herbs assist the Organ Networks in the performance of their tasks. Particular herbs enhance the capacity of the Heart to propel the blood and soothe the mind, the Spleen to manage digestion and fluid equilibrium, the Lung to handle respiration and body's defenses the Liver to maintain resilient emotions and supple limbs, and Kidney to sustain sexual and regenerative power. Some herbal formulas address ailments such as colds, allergies, inflammations, or cramps with dramaic and immediate results, while others fortify body reserves over time.
What is cupping?
Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of stimulating Acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This technique produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates it. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health Fact Sheets: Acupuncture Information and Resources http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/index.htm accessed 22/2/02
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that is extremely helpful in helping people with their health especially for injury, aches and pains. Osteopathy aims to restore the body's musluloskeletal system to a state of balance by using a hands on approach to help pain and dysfunction. Most people know that osteopathy can help bavck and neck pain using gentle techniques. the Osteopaths at Invitation to Health in particular use specialised techniques including trigger point therapy, craniosacral technique, joint mobilisation and energy techniques to help a wider range of complaints such as: babies with colic, reflux and restlessness; digestive system disorder; headaches and migraines; metabolic disorders; learning difficulties and ADHD.
What should I expect to happen during a first consultation?
The first visit to an osteopath will run along the same lines as an initial visit to a GP. A thorough history of the patients present condition, and relevant past history will be sought by the osteopath. Questions will also be asked about lifestyle, diet and emotional status.
The patient will be asked to remove some of their outer clothing so that the osteopath can observe muscle tightness, restrictions in movement and evaluate posture.
The initial consultation takes up to 1 hour and is inclusive of examination, treatment, and education of the patient.
The osteopath may refer patients to other practitioners, order X rays, or organize investigations as required.
Do you suffer from back or neck pain? Experience aching muscles and joints? Suffer from headaches? Are you prone to muscular strains? Do you often feel tired?
These problems are common, and may be related to imbalances within the muscular and skeletal systems of the body. Such imbalances are often brought about due to the repetitive nature of certain occupations, poor posture, weakness of muscles involved in spinal stabilization or spinal mal-alignment.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, Antony will record basic information about the presenting complaint, take a comprehensive health, social, dietary and family history. Treatment will then be discussed. The first consult generally lasts for one hour.
What is Homeopathy and how does it work?
The main principle of homeopathy is ‘like cures like”. A homeopathic remedy is one which produces similar symptoms as those the sick person experiences. Homeopathic medicines work by stimulating the body's own defence mechanism to correct any imbalances within the person. It is equally concerned with maintaining good health and aiding in recovery from ill health. According to current understanding, the medicines act as an electromagnetic signal, which is picked up by nerves and relayed to higher centres of the brain, which in turn stimulates our body’s healing powers to take specific corrective measures.
How safe is Homeopathy?
Homeopathic medicines are given in minute doses. They are safe for infants and pregnant women too and usually have no side effects. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed for both acute and chronic conditions.
What are Herbal Remedies and how are they used?
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to promote health and to heal. There are several different ways that herbs are dispensed.
Tinctures. These are liquid alcohol extracts of the herbs. The practitioner will combine herbs that specifically meet your needs. Doses vary from condition to condition; adult dose generally starts at 5ml (1 teaspoon), 2-3 times daily.
Dried herbs. These are mixed specifically for you and are prepared as tea, which is taken 1-3 times daily.
Capsules. These are prescribed when a person cannot take alcohol based herbs, or cannot drink tea. The dose begins at 1-2 capsules, 2-3 times daily.
How do Bach Flower Remedies work?
Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician, developed a natural medicine to treat spiritual and emotional health. He discovered the 38 Bach Flower Remedies that are plant and flower based essences, each one specially devised to treat a different feeling. Bach Flower Essences are a safe and natural method of healing that help people to manage the emotional demands of everyday life. Bach Flowers treat the person and not the disease or its symptoms. They act specifically on the emotional condition of the affected person, so two persons with the same complaint could benefit from different Bach Flowers.
They gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions, such as, fear, loneliness, grief, worry, hatred and indecision which interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole. The Essences allow peace and happiness to return to the sufferer so that the body is free to heal itself.
Bach Flower Essences are extremely helpful during pregnancy, when the expecting mother goes through a wide range of emotions. The Bach Flower Essences restore peace of mind when the mother feels fearful, tired, overwhelmed, impatient and other emotions related to pregnancy and during labor.
The Bach Flower Essences are extremely helpful for all childhood emotions, such as, shyness, tantrums, fear, nightmares and low self-esteem. The Bach Flower Essences help children reach a balance in themselves, so that they can learn from life's ups and downs.
What is Iridology?
The idea that the eyes are a mirror to the body is an ancient one: The Greek physician Hippocrates was known to examine patients' eyes for signs of illness. Iridology is a quick, accurate non-invasive and painless system of health analysis through the examination of the coloured part of the eye known as the iris. It requires no needles and no anaesthetic or drugs. Yet it may provide a valuable guide to health and disease.
The iris is like a genetic map of the body that reveals the body’s constitution, inherent weaknesses, levels of health and transitions that take place in a person's body according to the way one lives. There are many nerve endings in the eye, linked to all the organs, and iridology is used as a tool to identify weaknesses or overactivity in the body, so that future problems can be avoided.
What is Relaxation Massage?
Massage works to soothe muscles and surrounding structures. Tense muscles can be a result of poor postural balance, increased workload, or repetitive strain. As a result this can lead to tightening in the surrounding structures, causing pain in joints, along with the muscles themselves. Massage can help correct these imbalances. Usual treatment lasts for one hour.
What conditions is Naturopathy useful for?
Naturopathy and massage can assist you with imbalances such as:
What happens in a consultation?
Judith will do an assessment of your food intake, your shopping, cooking and eating behaviours as well as take into account your goals, personal preferences and lifestyle conditions to tailor an eating plan to suit your individual needs.
Regular follow up visits are recommended in order to maintain motivation, monitor your progress in order to support you to achieve your goals.
Is Judith able to give advice to groups?
Yes, in our Education Centre, Judith will be able to run programs with a nutrition focus or contribute to other sessions run by members of Invitation to Health.
What are Judiths fees?
Initial consultations (min 45 mins-max 60mins)…….$80
Follow-up consultations (min15 mins – max 30 mins)….$40
· Rebates are available from some private health funds.
Do Fad diets lower your metabolism?
Diets that are very low in energy (kJ or calories) lead to a loss of body water
but also a loss of muscle rather than fat thus creating the illusion of weight loss.
Breaking down muscle actually lowers your metabolism making it harder for you to burn body fat!
How can I get children interested in mealtimes?
Encourage children to help choose and prepare food for meals, in order to build up their interest and enthusiasm for food, as well as new foods you may be introducing.