Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to have consultations with me.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Doctor Clinical Psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undergone additional training in providing assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health disorders. Psychiatrists usually prescribe medication as part of their management.
Doctors in Clinical Psychology are extensively trained in in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychological disorders and emotional disturbances, and can also help people address their minor adjustment issues or other problems that might interfere with mental health and well-being.
They apply theory and scientific research to solve complex clinical problems and also assist people with everyday problems such as stress and relationship difficulties. Generally, they do not prescribe medication. However, depending on the nature of difficulty, it maybe appropriate to see both a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist.
As a Doctor with a Clinical Psychology qualification (not dental/medical qualification), I strive to draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), motivational-interviewing (MI), and integration of research-based mindfulness in my work. Additionally, as a trained and certified Professional Coach, I provide additional facilitating support for executives and leaders to solve their work challenges through developing psychological understanding of themselves and their organisations. Sessions are conducted in English.
How many years does it take to become a Clinical Psychologist in Australia?
Completion of an undergraduate program in Psychology for three years of full time university study and then an additional fourth year to complete PGD/Honours. A further two years of post-graduate full-time study if completing a Clinical Masters and/or a further three years if completing a Clinical Doctorate. Upon completion of either Masters and/or Doctorate, further supervised practice hours and supervision are undertaken before eligible for registration and to be recognised as a clinical psychologist.
What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and Psychologist?
A clinical psychologist will have completed further university training at either a Masters and/or Doctorate level and completed more supervised practice hours and received clinical supervision. Each year a clinical psychologist is required to complete more professional development hours than a generalist psychologist to maintain clinical registration with the relevant regulatory.
What should I expect on my first visit?
A typical first session lasts for an hour which includes registration. At the beginning of this initial intake session, I will provide you with administrative information about how the therapy works, in terms of procedures, informed consent and confidentiality. You may also be asked to complete some brief forms about your current and past general wellbeing. Subsequently, I will collect details of your current concerns and relevant background information (e.g. personal history and background) to help me gain a more complete understanding of your situation. Equally important, the first session give us a chance to meet one another and also for you to decide if we can work together. Choosing a right therapist whom you feel a sense of comfort and trust is important.
The following subsequent visits and during your assessment process, we will jointly discuss your goals and expectations of the therapy. Then, I will propose an intervention strategy that is individually customised to your needs. We will review regularly as your therapy progresses so to be certain that you are working towards the changes that you want.
Standard 50-minute session can be extended for the first intake session or if clients request for a longer session. Subsequent sessions are scheduled on a session by session basis.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required for any individual depends on several variables, including the complexity and severity of the issues you want to work on and how much you apply what you've learnt outside of sessions. Therapy can be short-term for a specific concern, or longer-term for longstanding and complicated issues, which more sessions may be required. Similarly, many clients often choose to continue in therapy for much longer for reasons such as personal development and growth. Research suggest an estimate of 50% of clients in therapy show observable improvement after eight sessions while 75% of them improved by the end of six months (APA, 2010). When you first begin therapy, do plan to attend weekly session to build some momentum in making changes and this will often taper off as you become more confident and effective in your goals. Psychotherapy/counselling is most effective when it is regular and consistent.
How often do I attend sessions?
The schedule of therapy can be tailored to your needs and routines. Appointments are usually weekly or possible fortnightly, if this fits into your schedule better. There is also a full or half day service, where you receive intensive and elite one-to-one support on a specific issue or area in your lives. This is useful with individuals who do not have the time to attend weekly appointments. For online consultations, please read our services via TeleConsult.
What about privacy and confidentiality?
Confidentiality is our priority. Information disclosed in the session are kept confidential. Release of any information requires your approval. There are, however, some ethical and legal limitations to protecting confidentiality such as when we believe the client or someone else is at risk of serious harm. I will discuss these with you in the initial intake session.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and No-Show Policy
A SGD50 administrative charge applies to all reschedule, cancellation, and no-show of session of less than 48 hours' notice to the time of your appointment. A full session charge applies to all reschedule, cancellation, and no-show of session of less than 24 hours' notice to the time of your appointment. Notice time does not include Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Health Insurance Billing
We have no direct billing relationship with insurance companies. Invoice/Receipt is provided for your direct reimbursement with your respective insurer. Connected Sense does not guarantee coverage or reimbursement. Please contact your insurer for approval. Similarly, if required, you may request for a referral letter for your insurer.
What are your standard per session fee for consultation/counselling/psychotherapy
Current fees for individual one to one 50 minute session is SGD250/-- .
Current fees for for 2 persons 55 minute session is SGD380/--.
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