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Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained professional about any issues and concerns you have.
Counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably. They have many similarities but there are some important differences as well.
In summary, counselling is recommended for specific issues and situations to address behavioural patterns. It takes place over a relatively brief period of time of weeks to several months. Counselling often focuses on a specific difficult situation and offers suggestions and advice to help deal with it.
Therapy is often considered 'deeper' than counselling which promotes lasting change and personal growth. It tends to explore more historical and core issues that might be the root cause of current problems. It helps you understand yourself and your patterns of thought over a longer period of time, often years.
The purpose of counselling is to offer a safe space to talk to a trained person who can offer guidance, support and education to help you identify and find your own solutions to current problems.
Ramsay Health Care offers several different types of counselling or talking therapies. Trained Counsellors and Clinical Psychologists provide psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Patients coping with a long-term or chronic illness bear as much of a psychological impact as a physical one. Having a long-term or incurable health condition can limit a patient’s mobility and ability to work, lead to feeling socially isolated, being more dependent on others, change how you see yourself, and can cause depression.
When first diagnosed with a serious health problem, patients may go into denial. Acknowledging the reality of your illness allows you to begin to come to terms with it and to start to find ways of managing any issues or feelings you have about your illness.
Examples of long-term or chronic health conditions that may require counselling include: cancer, chronic pain, cardiac conditions, sleep problems and chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory conditions, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hearing problems, traumatic injuries and autoimmune disorders.
Counselling can also support devastating life events such as pregnancy loss and fertility issues. Patients having cosmetic surgery or undergoing weight loss surgery may seek counselling to provide them with an opportunity to explore their expectations and motivations for surgery in a non-judgmental space.
There is no recovery process after counselling. However, after a counselling session, you might want to take stock of your thoughts and feelings and write them down. You may feel drained or exhausted after counselling and scheduling some downtime, a walk or an opportunity to exercise may help you face the rest of the day.
The cost of counselling will depend on the exact type of counselling or therapy you choose, your counsellor and Ramsay hospital of choice.
You will receive a formal quotation price for your counselling upon referral.
Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Some private health funds cover counselling, psychotherapy and psychology sessions. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider as to whether these services are covered. You should obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your sessions.
Professional, empathetic and expert counselling is available at Ramsay Health Care. We understand that our patients may have emotional issues that result from coming to terms with and managing long-term and chronic health conditions. Talking to someone you can trust, who will listen and offer guidance can support you during difficult times.
If you are feeling depressed, stressed or anxious about your health, book a convenient counselling appointment without waiting, with one of our counsellors to confidentially discuss these feelings and issues. They will listen and assist you to develop a self-management plan to help you live with your condition.
A General Practitioner (GP) can be a key resource in helping manage anxiety. While they may not provide specialised mental health therapy (like a psychologist or psychiatrist), they can offer several forms of support and guidance which we will delve into.
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