Frequently Asked Questions, answered by May
What is a Psychologist?
There are many different kinds of psychologists working across all different contexts (like engineers). Generally, psychologists work with clients and services to improve people's functioning and well-being. In the clinic, they can do this by clarifying a person's diagnosis, assessing a person's capabilities, making recommendations, formulating a treatment plan, and administering psychotherapy.
People often get the terms psychologist and psychiatrist mixed up. A psychologist is a scientist-practitioner who applies evidenced based practice from a range of fields in human behaviour depending on their training. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialisation in mental health. Both are health professionals.
There are many different kinds of psychologists working across all different contexts (like engineers). Generally, psychologists work with clients and services to improve people's functioning and well-being. In the clinic, they can do this by clarifying a person's diagnosis, assessing a person's capabilities, making recommendations, formulating a treatment plan, and administering psychotherapy.
People often get the terms psychologist and psychiatrist mixed up. A psychologist is a scientist-practitioner who applies evidenced based practice from a range of fields in human behaviour depending on their training. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a specialisation in mental health. Both are health professionals.
Is what I discuss with my psychologist private?
Yes. Psychologists only use your information in the provision of psychological services to you, and they take measures to safeguard the information that you give them. Psychologists need to seek your verbal or written consent to communicate your information to others. Psychologists may collect your information for other uses if you agree. Confidentiality protects your privacy and safety.
However, there are limits to this confidentiality. If a psychologist is working within an organisation, that organisation may have separate rules that limit the privacy of the information. Generally speaking, if someone is at risk to themselves or others, psychologists will break confidentiality to save a life. Psychologists are also mandated to report child sexual abuse and some other crimes.
There is some misconception that what a psychologist says to a client is also confidential, and that clients are unable to discuss the contents of their session outside of therapy. While the content that you disclose to your psychologist is confidential, and a psychologist will not disclose this information without good reason, you are free to say what you like to others. Keep in mind that what you discuss with your psychologist may be classified as 'sensitive information', which means that disclosure of the information may come with risks to you. Before disclosing information about your therapy sessions, I would urge you to consider the aim of disclosing the information.
Information told to a psychologist outside of a client-therapist relationship is not confidential.
Yes. Psychologists only use your information in the provision of psychological services to you, and they take measures to safeguard the information that you give them. Psychologists need to seek your verbal or written consent to communicate your information to others. Psychologists may collect your information for other uses if you agree. Confidentiality protects your privacy and safety.
However, there are limits to this confidentiality. If a psychologist is working within an organisation, that organisation may have separate rules that limit the privacy of the information. Generally speaking, if someone is at risk to themselves or others, psychologists will break confidentiality to save a life. Psychologists are also mandated to report child sexual abuse and some other crimes.
There is some misconception that what a psychologist says to a client is also confidential, and that clients are unable to discuss the contents of their session outside of therapy. While the content that you disclose to your psychologist is confidential, and a psychologist will not disclose this information without good reason, you are free to say what you like to others. Keep in mind that what you discuss with your psychologist may be classified as 'sensitive information', which means that disclosure of the information may come with risks to you. Before disclosing information about your therapy sessions, I would urge you to consider the aim of disclosing the information.
Information told to a psychologist outside of a client-therapist relationship is not confidential.
My friend/family member is unwell, but they will not see someone. Can I force them to come and see you?
No. While it can be heartbreaking to see loved ones hurting, it can be difficult to motivate them to seek help. There are a number of reasons why people find it difficult to seek support. However, participation in our services must be voluntary.
Adolescents who are of an age to provide informed consent can decide if they want to engage. If they do not, then sessions will be terminated. If a child is under the age of 13, the parents or guardians will likely be involved in the therapy as many behavioural strategies require parent and school support to be effective.
No. While it can be heartbreaking to see loved ones hurting, it can be difficult to motivate them to seek help. There are a number of reasons why people find it difficult to seek support. However, participation in our services must be voluntary.
Adolescents who are of an age to provide informed consent can decide if they want to engage. If they do not, then sessions will be terminated. If a child is under the age of 13, the parents or guardians will likely be involved in the therapy as many behavioural strategies require parent and school support to be effective.
Can I say hello if I see you around?
Short answer, yes.
Long answer: I have to be careful in my actions not to disclose who my clients are. This is to protect your safety and privacy. In a small coastal town like Hervey Bay, I will likely run into you at the supermarket, on the Esplanade, or other areas I frequent. However, I can't do anything that potentially indicates you as a client. This means, there are times when I may not be able to say 'hello', especially if I am with my friends and family, because they will ask me how I know you.
Clients are not bound by confidentiality and can do what they want. You are free to say hello, let me pat your dog, or pretend we don't know each other - it's all about what you feel comfortable with. Please keep in mind that I am terribly short sighted, so if I'm not wearing my long distance glasses, you have to be pretty much waving your hands in my face before I see you.
It is worth noting that psychologists are discouraged from having 'multiple relationships' (friendships) with their clients because it impairs their objectivity. This means that, in the majority of cases, I will not be able to attend your birthday parties, dinners, weddings, gaming groups, et cetera. I will also not be able to accept gifts of significant personal or financial value.
Short answer, yes.
Long answer: I have to be careful in my actions not to disclose who my clients are. This is to protect your safety and privacy. In a small coastal town like Hervey Bay, I will likely run into you at the supermarket, on the Esplanade, or other areas I frequent. However, I can't do anything that potentially indicates you as a client. This means, there are times when I may not be able to say 'hello', especially if I am with my friends and family, because they will ask me how I know you.
Clients are not bound by confidentiality and can do what they want. You are free to say hello, let me pat your dog, or pretend we don't know each other - it's all about what you feel comfortable with. Please keep in mind that I am terribly short sighted, so if I'm not wearing my long distance glasses, you have to be pretty much waving your hands in my face before I see you.
It is worth noting that psychologists are discouraged from having 'multiple relationships' (friendships) with their clients because it impairs their objectivity. This means that, in the majority of cases, I will not be able to attend your birthday parties, dinners, weddings, gaming groups, et cetera. I will also not be able to accept gifts of significant personal or financial value.
Why am I asked to fill out a bunch of forms and measures before the first session?
This saves time. I like to get started with therapy from the very first session. Having information about you beforehand helps me ask better questions. I'll also ask you to fill out measures each session. This helps us track how you are going, and whether therapy is making a difference.
This saves time. I like to get started with therapy from the very first session. Having information about you beforehand helps me ask better questions. I'll also ask you to fill out measures each session. This helps us track how you are going, and whether therapy is making a difference.
Can you send my lawyer a copy of my casenotes?
No. I only communicate to third parties for the purpose of coordination treatment. I don't generally respond to lawyers requests unless under subpoena. This is because information generated as part of treatment is not suitable for use outside this context.
If you need to provide some information to a third party for legal cases, please ask the psychologist to write you a brief letter. The Made it Clinic does not have the capacity to complete medico-legal or forensic reports.
No. I only communicate to third parties for the purpose of coordination treatment. I don't generally respond to lawyers requests unless under subpoena. This is because information generated as part of treatment is not suitable for use outside this context.
If you need to provide some information to a third party for legal cases, please ask the psychologist to write you a brief letter. The Made it Clinic does not have the capacity to complete medico-legal or forensic reports.
Updated: 22 December 2025