05 Feb How to find the Best Melbourne Psychologist suited for you?
Tired of scrolling the internet to find the best Melbourne Psychologist for me?
After scrolling the internet to find the best psychologist for you, it has become evident that Melbourne has a significant number of psychologists, each with their unique expertise and personal approach. However, this has just made your quest to find suitable therapists near you even harder – we understand!
Maybe you’ve scrolled the internet reading way too many psychologists’ bios and subsequently discovered numerous potential psychologists across Melbourne. Alternatively, you might have booked to try a few psychologists in the area but haven’t quite struck the right chord, leaving you baffled and even more confused about finding the perfect match. It’s also possible that uncertainty about what aspects to prioritise has left you in a state of confusion and avoidance on getting started in your therapy journey- uncertain about your precise needs or the differences between psychologists and the therapy approaches adopted can be daunting for most!
Furthermore, post-pandemic times have witnessed a notable spike in mental health concerns. This surge in demand has surpassed the number of available psychologists, leading to extended wait times. This is particularly evident if you want to see a psychologist experienced in more specialised areas such as ADHD, performance anxiety, sports psychology, and attachment trauma, among others, making it challenging to access consultations with experienced psychologists.
How therapeutic appliance is important to finding the best psychologist in Melbourne for you?
Research has found that finding the best Melbourne psychologist or the best online psychologist largely comes down to the therapeutic relationship. First and foremost, let’s clarify what we mean by the therapeutic alliance. This term encapsulates the relationship cultivated between the therapist and the client. Interestingly, studies have revealed that when choosing a potential psychologist, your emotional impression of them often holds more weight than their treatment methods.
A good first step is to review the psychologist’s biography before your first appointment. Click here to meet our psychologists. Additionally, during your initial consultation, it might be beneficial to contemplate the following:
- Does your psychologist provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that encourages forthright communication and trust?
- Do you feel comfort and trust when with your psychologist?
- Do you find your psychologist encompasses warmth and compassion yet has established a strong rapport to challenge you when necessary?
What factors influence positive change in therapy?
A strong psychotherapeutic relationship is consistently shown within research to substantially contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes, irrespective of the treatment type used. Research also indicates that the strength of the working alliance formed between a client and their therapist is a stronger predictor of treatment outcomes than the actual treatment type. These findings suggest that the interpersonal relationships formed during therapy are often more potent than the actual psychotherapeutic treatment.
4 factors to consider to help find the best psychologist in Melbourne for you:
Theory of Change: First, each client brings their unique theory of change to therapy, so much so that roughly 40% of the therapeutic benefit is attributed to unique client factors. These factors may encompass qualities such as the client’s willingness to change, the client’s theory of change given the context of their challenges, and the client’s belief that change can occur and that the chosen therapy can affect this change.
Therapeutic Alliance: Second, the relationship between therapist and client accounts for around 30% of therapeutic outcomes. Therapeutic alliance encompasses both the bond between a client and their therapist and having a mutual understanding regarding the structure and goals of therapy. Research suggests that: therapists who are able to form better alliances report better client outcomes; therapists’ personal characteristics and in-session activities positively influence therapeutic alliance, and therapists’ hypotheses-generating skills are an important factor in clients’ therapy experiences.
Clients Expectations: Third, 15% of the therapeutic outcome is contributed to clients’ expectations, as well as their hopes and beliefs that change will occur as a consequence of treatment.
Treatment Type: Fourth, the remaining 15% of what works in therapy is presumed to be related to the actual treatment type.
Consequently, with 85% of psychotherapeutic outcomes purportedly reliant on factors other than specific treatment type, and minimal evidence supporting treatment superiority for one psychotherapy over another, it is so important to find a psychologist that encourages trust and comfort.
What is a Client-centred approach to therapy?
Integrative and client-centred approaches to therapy individualise psychotherapeutic treatment by integrating diverse theories and techniques in response to each client’s unique worldview, experiences, and theory of change. This approach helps strengthen the therapeutic alliance and the likelihood of positive change for the client. This is guided by continuous assessment protocols that recognise the evolving nature of psychotherapy; the therapist works with their client dynamically, weaving an ever-evolving therapeutic space in response to their client’s immediate needs.
Are therapy goals important to the outcome of treatment?
Our Australian registered psychologists find that the therapeutic process works best when you set goals, work towards achieving them and with your psychologist, monitor your progress. Often clients describe feeling heard and comforted knowing the client and therapist are on the same page. Should one of the goals be unattainable or unrealistic then you explore this with your psychologist. Your psychologists will likely make recommendations based on your presenting difficulties and personal strengths.
What subjects are studied in university when training to become a psychologist in Australia?
In an interview with Emily, our Clinic Director and Principal Psychologist at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we delved into her memorable academic journey, exploring the subjects that resonated most during her higher education. Emily enthusiastically recounted some of her cherished subjects, which comprised:
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Psychological Assessment and Intervention
- Clinical Neuroscience
- Communication Skills
- Psychology of Health and Illness
- Health Promotion and Behaviour Change
- Living with Long Term Illness
The subsequent query delves into deciphering precisely what this implies—specifically, the areas of study embraced by psychologists during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Psychological Study Includes:
- the mind and behaviours,
- how the mind works,
- how people think, react, and behave,
- how situations affect people, and
- the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
A psychologist practising within Australia is required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA) and to have undergone a minimum of six years of approved psychological study. We are warm and professional Melbourne psychologists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). As psychologists in clinical practice, we adhere to the professional codes of the Australian Psychological Society and Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria. We are trained to help individuals achieve life satisfaction, personal meaning, inner peace, and positive well-being. Our matching service helps you to find the best psychologists for your needs, by also recommending other practices based on your needs.
How to get started on finding a therapist near me?
If you’re feeling unhappy, stressed, confused, or struggling to cope, consulting a psychologist can offer valuable support. Understanding the role of psychologists and how to find the most suitable one for your needs is an essential first step toward progress. Our blog aims to help you find the best psychologist for you, whether you’re based locally in Melbourne, or seeking online psychology services from anywhere in Australia. Reach out to us should you need help matching you with one of our highly skilled psychologists, our Melbourne psychology practice is here to match you with a psychologist who is best suited to meet your specific requirements.
How can Positive Wellbeing Psychology help?
Why not reach out to us at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, to discuss your needs and we can match you with one of our Melbourne psychologists. Research suggests that people who receive psychotherapy from a psychologist are better off than 80% of those who have not received therapy. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we are experienced in providing evidence-based treatment online via video or phone. Our matching services are designed to help you find the best Melbourne psychologist for you, by also recommending other practices based on your needs. Our practice collaborates with a number of Melbourne general practitioners, psychologists, dieticians, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, among others; who are outside our practice. We can make recommendations to better support your needs and/or establish a holistic approach to positive change.
FAQ
How do I find the best psychologist in Melbourne for my needs?
To find the best psychologist in Melbourne for your individual needs, begin by identifying the specific mental health concerns you would like support with. Then, look for a psychologist who has experience working in those areas and uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), or Schema Therapy.
At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our Melbourne-based psychologists take a personalised approach to therapy to ensure the support you receive is both relevant and effective. Our clinic director will be sure to provide a recommendation for the best suited psychologist for your individual needs to ensure the best clinical outcome from your therapy.
What qualities should I look for in the best psychologist Melbourne has to offer?
You’d be best to find a psychologist in Melbourne that is registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) experienced, and compassionate. They will also use evidence-based interventions tailored to your situation and goals. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we match each client with a psychologist who aligns with their therapy needs, communication style, and availability to support a strong therapeutic relationship from the beginning.
Is location important when choosing the best psychologist in Melbourne for my individual needs?
Yes. Choosing a psychologist near you, whether close to home, work, or study, can make attending sessions easier and more consistent. Many of our clients also benefit from the flexibility of seeing an online psychologist in Australia, which we offer at Positive Wellbeing Psychology alongside in-person therapy in our Armadale, Melbourne clinic. Sometimes it is about flexibility on a certain week – we get it!
Are all Melbourne psychologists equally trained and qualified?
While all registered psychologists in Melbourne must meet national standards set by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), not all will have the same experience or areas of special interest. The best psychologist in Melbourne for you will have relevant expertise in your concerns, a therapeutic approach that suits you, and a warm, collaborative style. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we take the time to understand your needs before recommending the most suitable psychologist from our experienced team.
How can I know if I’ve found the right psychologist in Melbourne?
You will know you have found the right psychologist in Melbourne when you feel heard, safe, and supported in your sessions. Over time, you should notice a sense of progress, improved self-awareness, and movement toward your goals. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we value genuine connection and will check in regularly to ensure the therapeutic process feels meaningful and aligned with your needs.
Reference
Hess, N. (2019). A neuroscientific perspective on the therapeutic alliance and how talking changes the brain: Supporting a common factors model of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia, 7(2)
Author: Emily Burton
Emily is a Melbourne-based psychologist at Positive Wellbeing Psychology. Her clients describe her as warm and genuine, often feeling comfort and trust early in therapy.
Emily is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, stress and burnout, work addiction, loss of direction in life, goal setting, perfectionism, low self-esteem, adjustment to life changes, Adult ADHD, poor body image and binge eating disorder.