Psychological counsellors are experts in or provide expert advice in human behaviour. They assist people to find ways of functioning better.
Psychologists help people deal with barriers of everyday living and working such as improving a lack of self esteem and motivation. To work in Australia, Psychologists are legally required to be registered, in the same way medical practitioners and solicitors must register to practice. To find a Psychologist, you may contact either your State or Territory Psychologist Registration Board which can be found in the Yellow Pages or the Australian Psychological Society on either 1800 333 497 or via their website within the relevant links section.
Psychologists usually specialise in a particular area with some helping people with mental health conditions. Other Psychologists help people deal with workplace stress, conflict at work, trauma, critical incidents, divorce and death of a family member or friend. They work with people of all ages. Some examples of different psychology specialties include:
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists carry out assessments for memory, attention, concentration, learning, problem solving and decision making if a person:
- has altered reasoning ability
- has altered behaviour
- has rehabilitation goals which may be influenced by their reasoning ability
- has had a brain injury and wishes to return to driving.
The results from assessments performed by neuropsychologists can help make informed decisions for:
- changes in lifestyle post brain injury
- returning to work
- returning to driving
- returning to study.
Clinical psychologists
Clinical psychologists have specialist training in the assessment of behaviour and mental functioning, and in a range of interventions aimed at changing how people think, feel and act towards themselves and others.
Organisational psychologists
Organisational psychologists are concerned with the performance of people at work and in training and developing an understanding of how organisations function and how individuals and groups behave at work. Their aim is to increase effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction at work.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Psychological counsellors and services can assist people manage issues or concerns in the workplace or for personal issues that are impacting on work performance or attendance. Benefits to employers from providing access to psychological counsellors and services may include:
- reductions in turnover costs
- less absenteeism
- less disciplinary action
- less accidents
- less grievance activity
- better decision making
- improved productivity
- more time devoted to work related activities.
Benefits to employees from receiving access to psychological counsellors and services may include:
- stress reduction
- a more satisfying workplace
- greater personal fulfilment from home and family life.
For more information on how to improve mental and physical wellbeing at work, please see the links below:
References
The Australian Psychological Society 2011, About Psychologists, The Australian Psychological Society Ltd, Melbourne, viewed 16 August 2011, http://www.psychology.org.au/community/about/.
The Australian Psychological Society 2011, Psychologist Specialist Areas, The Australian Psychological Society Ltd, Melbourne, viewed 16 August 2011, http://www.psychology.org.au/community/specialist/.
Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010, Psychologist, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington DC, viewed 16 August 2011, http://www.bls.gov/k12/social04.htm.
Jurmaine Health 2010, Neuropsychological Assessments, Jurmaine Health, Preston, viewed 16 August 2011, http://jurmainehealth.com.au/neuropsychology.
Relationships Australia 2011, Relationships and the Workplace, Relationships Australia, Deakin, viewed 16 August 2011, http://www.relationships.com.au/advice/advice-topics/relationships-and-the-workplace.
Victorian Government Health Information 2008, A Guide to Mental Health Terminology, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 16 August 2011, http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/termnlgy.htm.