Lived Experience Forum

[Z1Msrewy17nX24t]

Hello,

I've decided to consult a mental health practitioner to try to address some issues that have been causing me problems for years and are now really starting to affect my career (or lack thereof)--namely chronic procrastination, lack of self-discipline, and general lack of motivation--but I'm not sure what kind of mental health practitioner to consult--psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, counsellor, ... . I'm reluctant to go to a GP because I don't think my problems are bad enough and I would feel like a fraud clogging up the system, so I'd rather just make an appointment with whichever mental health practitioner would be most able to help me with my problem. Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

[Former-Member]

Well to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and get a medicare rebate you'll need to see your GP first.
They might have some ideas, after all they are trained to a certain level in mental health.
I see a psychiatrist and she helps me with my ADD/procrastination, etc, etc. But I've also seen a psychologist in the past.
It really depends on what you are after.
If you want medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist.
If you want better skills and thinking/feeling patterns, then see a psychologist.

Personally I would go psychologist (after you get a referral from your GP). They can then advise if they think it is necessary to see a psychiatrist.

[Phoenix_Rising]

Hi @Z1Msrewy17nX24t

Welcome to Forum Land. 

That's a really interesting question that you've asked. Are you familiar with the differences between the various types of mental health professionals? 

Just from what you've written, I'm wondering if you have considered exploring the option of a life coach? 

[Former-Member]

Also a few other things:
1. Love your name. I almost used a name like that when I first signed up.
2. YOU ARE NOT A FRAUD. Your needs are worthwhile and relevant. You say yourself that they are affecting your life negatively. That there is reason enough to pursue treatment. You will not be clogging up the system.

[Z1Msrewy17nX24t]

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll consult a general practitioner first and see what they have to say. Based on my research, it sounds like the best mental-health practitioner for my needs would be a psychologist. Here's a summary of my research so far, in case anyone else with similar problems finds it helpful:

Other mental-health practitioners (from most mentioned to least mentioned):

Counsellor;
Psychiatrist;
Social worker in mental health;
Psychotherapist;
Clinical psychologist;
Occupational therapist;
Mental health nurse;
Life coach;
BeyondBlue NewAccess program.

E-therapies:

https://moodgym.com.au;
https://ecouch.anu.edu.au;
https://www.mycompass.org.au;
https://thiswayup.org.au;
https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au;
https://app.shuti.me;
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=50;
http://centerforworkforcehealth.com/index.cfm/programs/stress-and-mood-management/;
http://www.myray.com;
http://www.beatingtheblues.co.uk;
https://www.ontrack.org.au.

Self-help books:

Burns (1980) Feeling Good;
Lewisohn et al. (1986) Control Your Depression;
Tanner and Ball (1989) Beating the Blues.

Smartphone Software:

BeyondNow;
Recharge by ReachOut;
Smiling Mind;
WorryTime by ReachOut;
Breathe by ReachOut;
HeadSpace;
iProcrastinate;
Procraster;
Do it;
Due;
Priorities;
Zombies, Run! 5k Training;
Proof!;
HabitBull;
MiYo;
Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock;
Pacifica;
Lifeline app;
The CheckIn App;
The Toolbox by ReachOut;
Snapshot.

Therapeutic strategies (from most mentioned to least mentioned):

Cognitive behaviour therapy;
Psychodynamic psychotherapy;
Interpersonal psychotherapy;
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy;
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy;
Hypnotherapy;
Acceptance and commitment therapy;
Relaxation training (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation-- see www.beyondblue.org.au/recovery-and-staying-well);
Cognitive restructuring;
Problem-solving therapy;
Rational emotive therapy;
General counselling and psychotherapy techniques;
Systematic desensitisation;
Stress inoculation training;
Behavioural activation;
Humanistic therapies;
Music therapy;
Dance therapy;
Massage therapy;
Supportive counselling;
Psychoeducation;
Dialectical behaviour therapy;
Positive psychology;
Narrative therapy;
Body-oriented psychotherapy;
Experiential therapy;
Integrative counselling and psychotherapy;
Cognitive analytic therapy;
Mindfulness;
Motivational interviewing;
Supportive psychotherapy.

[Appleblossom]

Fantastic last post @Z1Msrewy17nX24t Welcome to the forum!

and schema therapy ...

[rivergal]

This is a great , Thank you @Z1Msrewy17nX24t 

@Appleblossom @Phoenix_Rising 

Has anyone used any of the smartphone software apps? 

Do you recommend any of them in particular? 

I have  trouble with procrastination and disclipine.

I am trying to do an online course with great difficulty.