Frequently Asked Questions - The First Appointment
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist, or licensed psychologist, is a professional who has earned a doctoral degree in psychology and has passed a state exam in order to be able to practice. Psychology licenses are issued at the state level. Thus, a psychologist who can practice in one state, such as Florida, may not be licensed to practice in another state. Psychologists are only able to treat clients who live in the state(s) in which they practice.
When it comes to outpatient treatment, which is treatment in an office setting, a psychologist's primary duties often include evaluation and/or treatment. Presently, Dr. Powers evaluates clients for the purpose of follow-up treatment (known as psychotherapy, or therapy, for short).
What can a Psychologist help me with?
A psychologist can help you learn to better navigate the demands of your life. There are many different approaches to this process. One of the most common approaches today is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is an approach to psychological evaluation and treatment that focuses on a client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. More specifically, CBT works to help clients better understand their thoughts and feelings so they can make healthy choices and engage in healthy behaviors. Currently, Dr. Powers' primary approach to treatment is CBT.
Sometimes, clients who wish to meet with a psychologist are interested in medication as well as therapy services. At present, psychologists do not have prescribing privileges in the state of Florida. Thus, a client who is interested in learning if medication is an appropriate treatment choice will need to speak with a professional who has prescribing privileges, such as a psychiatrist, general practitioner, etc.
What is the First Appointment?
The first appointment, which is often called an initial evaluation or intake, is the first meeting between a client and a psychologist or other mental health professional. The first appointment includes an interview, which can be:
* Structured (where the professional uses a specific set of questions)
* Unstructured (where the client speaks and the professional asks follow-up questions related to
information that has been shared)
* Flexibly structured (where the professional has a specific set of questions that are asked and the
client is given opportunities to speak freely on pertinent topics)
Presently, Dr. Powers uses a flexibly structured interview where certain specific questions are asked of each client and each client is given the opportunity to share information regarding the concerns or symptoms that have brought him/her to seek treatment.
The first appointment may also include the use of short tests, or measures, to help refine a client's diagnosis. Since any tests or measures used are selected based on the client's presenting concern as well as the information shared during the interview, Dr. Powers' policy is to discuss all such potential measures during the initial interview.
One of the biggest benefits of the first appointment, aside from determining what if any treatment is recommended, is determining if there is a "good fit" between the psychologist and client. Please see the next frequently asked question for more information on what "good fit" means.
What does "Good Fit" mean?
When it comes to psychology, the term "good fit" is used in two common ways. The first refers to the compatibility between a psychologist's history of study and experience, theoretical orientation and treatment style, as well as areas of professional focus and a client's diagnoses and reason for pursuing treatment. The second refers to a positive professional relationship between a psychologist and a client.
Since studies have shown that one of the most significant factors to contribute to treatment progress is the relationship between a mental health professional and a client, this second meaning is just as important as the first.
Dr. Powers takes several steps to ensure that clients who receive services at OLP are a good fit for the practice. First, during the client's initial call, Dr. Powers determines what services the client is interested in. For clients who wish to use insurance, the first call is also when basic insurance information is collected to determine if Dr. Powers is a participating provider with the client's plan. First appointments are only scheduled for clients whose reported treatment interests align with the services Dr. Powers provides and whose chosen payment method is accepted by the office.
Next, during the first appointment, Dr. Powers collects further information about the client's mental health concern and engages the client in a discussion about therapeutic fit. If Dr. Powers has experiencing treating the mental health issue at hand and both Dr. Powers and the client agree the professional relationship is a good fit, then a follow-up session is scheduled. Please see Frequently Asked Questions - Follow-Up Sessions for more information on follow-up appointments.
How do I schedule the First Appointment?
The best and only way to schedule the first appointment is through a phone call. Dr. Powers can be reached at: (352) 201-4955.
What should I bring with me to the First Appointment?
Dr. Powers will review with you in full what you must bring to the first appointment at the time of scheduling. Generally speaking, you will be asked to bring your driver's license, insurance card (if you have and plan to use insurance benefits), and your completed New Client Paperwork. In some cases, additional information, including treatment records, may be requested.
Frequently Asked Questions - Follow-Up Sessions
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, or therapy, for short, is a series of sessions in which a client develops skills to address a specific mental health concern or issue. Psychotherapy can be:
* Brief (four to eight sessions)
* Short-Term (three to six months in length)
* Long-Term (lasting six months or longer)
During treatment, the therapist helps the client identify and use skills he/she already has as well as learn new skills and strategies to be used moving forward.
During each session, the client and therapist:
* Review previously assigned homework
* Identify the issue(s) or set of concerns the client would like to work on
* Discuss therapeutic approaches to identified issues and concerns
* Create and agree upon a new homework assignment
* Identify the takeaway lessons from the session
* Discuss the positive strides made inside and outside of the session
Since Dr. Powers' engages in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and uses related techniques, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are a large part of the therapy focus. More specifically, how thoughts and feelings contribute to choices and behavior is a central topic throughout treatment.
Does Therapy work for everyone?
While therapy is a beneficial resource for many, like with any other form of treatment or intervention, it does not work for everyone. Thus, it is important for a client to pay attention to his/her response to treatment and to share such information with his/her provider.
Since Dr. Powers is committed to assisting clients in having the best therapy experience possible, she encourages and is receptive to clients being honest and open about their treatment progress and experience.
How many Therapy sessions must I attend before I get better?
The number of therapy sessions needed for a client to achieve mental wellness and lead a healthy life varies from person to person. Some individuals benefit from brief treatment while others must attend therapy long-term.
The general rule is: the more significant the issue is and the longer it has been around, the longer treatment will take. With that being said, it is always Dr. Powers' goal to help clients resolve their issues in the fewest number of sessions possible. From the outset, graduation from therapy is the goal.
How can I get the most out of Therapy?
The number one most commonly asked question after a client enters therapy is: How do I get the most out of therapy? It's a good question.
While therapy is a collaborative process, the outcome of therapy is largely determined by how much time and effort you, the client, put into getting better. This is because most of life is lived outside of the therapy office.
While this may seem like a tall order at the start, rest assured, if you follow The Top Ten Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Therapy, you will be well on your way to making the improvements you wish to make.
The Top Ten Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Therapy
1. Schedule and attend sessions regularly
2. Arrive on time to sessions
3. Be present during therapy by focusing on the topics at hand
4. Be open and honest when talking with your therapist
5. Be clear about what’s most important for you to work on at any given time
6. Ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand
7. Listen to feedback and give yourself time to understand and use it
8. Do your homework
9. Practice your new strategies and skills at home throughout the day
10. Use your previously learned skills and strategies on an ongoing basis
How do I know when I am ready to graduate from Therapy?
In general, clients are ready to graduate from therapy when they have achieved their treatment goals and are able to live life in a health way. Since treatment goals and expected outcomes (prognoses) vary from person to person, graduation is a highly individual experience.
One of the most important ways to make sure your graduation from treatment is well-timed and successful is to let your provider know you are interested in graduation or think you might be ready to move on from treatment. This way, both you and the provider can plan a successful exit from treatment.
Dr. Powers believes graduation is the ultimate goal of therapy. As such, she welcomes discussions about graduation during all stages of treatment.
If I graduate from Therapy, am I allowed to return?
Clients who graduate from treatment can return for services when they experience a resurgence of symptoms or when they encounter new issues. A resurgence of symptoms is most common if:
* Previous stressors increase
* New stressors develop
* Effective coping skills decrease in helpfulness
* Skills and strategies that once helped cease to be used
New issues can occur for a variety of reasons.
The most important thing to to remember is, if treatment helped before, there is a good chance it can help again. When returning to treatment, often, you, as the client, have the option of seeing your previous provider or seeing a new provider. Since there is no right or wrong choice, as there are benefits to each approach, it is important for you to make the decision that best fits you and your present situation.
Dr. Powers is open to having clients who successfully graduated from treatment return for services provided the newly requested services fit with the services she currently provides. In the event of any questions about returning to treatment, Dr. Powers can be reached at: (352) 201-4955.