It depends on your specific issues, goals, and personal needs. You can discuss with a counseling psychologist to come up with a plan together.
Not at all. You can talk to a psychologist about multiple issues in the same session. Often, these concerns are interconnected and can influence each other. The psychologist will help you explore and understand each issue together
A psychologist specializes in talking with you to understand and explore the issues you're facing, focusing on emotional and behavioral support. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing medication when needed. If you're unsure whether you need to see a psychiatrist, you can start by meeting with a psychologist to explore your situation together and decide on the most suitable care plan.
The atmosphere during a counseling session with a psychologist is not about interrogation or diagnosis. Instead, it is a relaxed conversation designed to help you understand the experiences you're going through and explore suitable ways to address them. The focus is on providing a safe space for you to reflect and gain clarity on your thoughts and feelings.
You may want to take note of your experiences, feelings, and any symptoms you've been facing during the period of the issue. This can help you remember the events and share them more easily with the psychologist. However, don't worry if you're unsure where to start or what to talk about. The psychologist will guide the conversation by asking questions to better understand the situation you're going through.
One hour is generally an appropriate duration for a session because the effectiveness of understanding and solving issues doesn't necessarily depend on longer sessions. It is more about the continuity of the service. Therefore, regular and consistent visits will make the service more effective and beneficial for you.