FAQ
When do you have appointments available?
How long are the appointments?
What kind of therapy do you do?
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a counsellor?
$150 (incl GST) per hour, unless otherwise negotiated.
Fees are payable by cheque or cash at each appointment unless otherwise negotiated.
No EFTPOS or credit card facilities are available.
Please give 24 hours notice of cancellation or you may be billed for the session.
To make sure I get your message text me (that’s best), email me, or leave a voicemail.
If you are inclined to forget appointments please let me know so we can develop strategies to help you manage this.
At times phone consultations may be appropriate. Phone consultations lasting more than 10 minutes will be charged pro rata at the hourly rate.
When do you have appointments available?
I have appointments available on Tuesday and Wednesday
In the first session we will discuss what your concerns are and their history. We will then set some goals and direction so we know what we are working on and how we’ll know when we’re finished.
We’ll also discuss what particular treatments or strategies might be helpful and how long therapy might take.
Most clients come once a week. I may ask you to do certain things in between sessions like writing down thoughts or feelings, or keeping a diary.
The more you put into therapy the more you will get out of it.
How long are the appointments?
The appointments are 50-
In therapy what you say is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your permission and, wherever possible, prior discussion with you. There are exceptions to this:
- If you are a risk to yourself or others.
- If you are seen under ACC I am required to submit reports to them regarding diagnosis, treatment and outcome.
- If there are other professionals who are working with you we may share information but I will usually ask you to sign a Release of Information form.
- I may also discuss aspects of your situation with my clinical supervisor but without identifying you.
If you have any questions about confidentiality please ask.
How long will therapy take?
If you have been referred by ACC you will have a specific number of sessions allocated (usually 10).
If you have been referred through your company’s Employee Assistance Program you will have 3 sessions.
If your GP referred you through the WBOP Primary Health Organisation you will have 6 sessions.
In general, short-
In general. the average number of sessions is around 12 but I see many clients for less than 6 sessions and some for 50 sessions or more, depending on your needs.
Therapy is not a quick-
You should try not to decide too soon if therapy is working or not.
What kind of therapy do you do?
I use evidence-
Psychotherapy involves exploring patterns of behaviour and relationships that result
in distress. For example, difficulties in relationships, personality patterns that
cause problems for yourself or others, feelings of failure, low self-
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is one of two treatments for trauma and PTSD that are approved by both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works with conscious thoughts and behaviours. For example, anxiety management, phobias, anger management, obsessions and compulsions, assertiveness training).
Who do you work with?
My practice is limited to adults.
I no longer work with children, adolescents, couples or families.
I no longer provide ACC Sensitive Claims counselling.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a counsellor?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has undertaken specialist training in psychiatry. They usually work in public hospitals and assess, diagnose and treat the more severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are able to prescribe medication.
A psychologist has either a masters (MA) or doctoral (PsyD or PhD) degree in psychology.
They will often have a post-
A neuropsychologist uses a battery of tests to evaluate intelligence, traumatic brain injury and possible cognitive deficits which people may suffer from as a result of an accident or illness.
A psychotherapist usually has three years of tertiary training in psychotherapy and is registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand. Psychotherapy is the application of specialist techniques in the treatment of mental disorders or to problems of everyday adjustment. In New Zealand the term includes, for example, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy and other approaches.
A counsellor is often a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors. Counselling is a broad term, covering a wide variety of procedures to help people achieve balance in their daily lives. These procedures can include giving advice, therapeutic discussions and vocational assistance.
Michael Owen
Clinical Psychologist | Praxis on Seventh | Psychology & Psychotherapy Centre | 56
Seventh Ave, Tauranga | T 07-
© MICHAEL OWEN 2012
