FAQ

What is “Counseling”?

What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

What is PSI?

Who comes to counseling at PSI?

When might I need counseling?

How long does counseling take?

What about confidentiality?

What are the qualifications of PSI's Counseling Staff?

How do I start the counseling process?

Does PSI offer opportunities for personal growth other than counseling itself?

 

---

What is "Counseling"?

Counseling is a series of discussions with a trained professional counselor. There are many different types of counselors, including social workers, psychologists, pastoral counseling specialists, psychiatrists and others. You talk confidentially, focusing on problems that are disturbing you. Counselors do not prescribe medication unless they are psychiatrists, who are also medical doctors. Nor do they tell you what to do, or try to blame anybody for anything. The counselor is objective, and can help you clarify what the problem is, what causes it, and then help you decide for yourself what the best possible options are for resolving it. If medication might be helpful, you will be referred to a local psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor specializing in the management of psychological problems. Back to Top

What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

Some people seek professional assistance for problems in their lives that can be solved by exploring the current situation for answers. This is usually comparatively short-term and does not require much delving into the past. There are also standard recommendations for certain problems. This is commonly referred to as counseling.

Others seek professional assistance for issues which require more in-depth exploration. This includes a wider examination of the client's history and may not always involve a specific “problem” per se. Some people feel the need to change life-long patterns of behavior.

Some clients experience a mix of both modalities in their work, and some elements of the helping relationship are similar in each setting. If you have questions about this, please don't hesitate to being them up in an early appointment with your counselor. Back to Top

What is PSI?

Psychological Services International (PSI) is a group of qualified and skilled professionals who work together to provide a wide range of mental health services to the Bangkok community. We are Thailand 's senior, most experienced professionals providing comprehensive psychological support in several languages. We are multi-ethnic and culturally diverse in background, training, and experience. We are committed to providing services to all regardless of race or ethnic group, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or ability to pay. Clients who can afford to pay the full standard fee help support our work with those who cannot. Back to Top

Who comes to counseling at PSI?

Adults of all ages, adolescents and children are all able to work effectively on their problems here. People are seen individually, as a couple, or both in tandem. Whole families sometimes come to meet with counselors together. There are also counseling groups, either time-limited on a specific topic or open ended with clients working together to resolve many types of individual problems.

Clients at PSI come from Thailand and many other countries; in fact from all points of the globe. PSI counselors speak English, Thai, French, Spanish and other languages. One of our counselors even speaks Swahili! Back to Top

When might I need counseling?

Some clients were recently asked why they were coming. They anonymously replied:

"I was unhappy. I never felt good. I wanted to know if I was suffering from depression."

"My children were having problems at school."

"My parents are driving me crazy!"

"I was afraid about AIDS."

"There were some unpleasant situations repeating themselves in my life, and I couldn't seem to avoid the cycle."

"My spouse and I were close to divorce."

"I had trouble re-adjusting to life in Thailand after being gone for many years."

"I was anxious all the time, over-stressed at work. I couldn't just relax and enjoy my life, and couldn't sleep."

"I was having trouble making a big decision."

"I couldn't give up alcohol (or other substances) on my own."

"I was arguing with my family a lot. We could never agree about anything."

Other common problems are:

You can see that these are everyday people with problems common in life. They aren't unusual at all. They just need a trained professional to listen to their problem and help them to sort it out. Seeking this professional service is similar to going to an attorney or an accountant when necessary, although of course there might be more emotional aspects to calling a counselor!at does counseling cost?     Back to Top

How long does counseling take?

That depends on the problems being worked on. Sometimes only a few sessions are needed to get on track. Others need a number of months to get to the roots of problems. Sessions are usually held once a week, although it is helpful to come more often in some cases. Your counselor will help you decide what frequency and length of treatment is best for you. It is our ethical responsibility to "work ourselves out of our job" with each client as efficiently as possible. Back to Top

What about confidentiality?

As in North America, Europe or Australia, everything you tell your counselor is confidential. We will not share information with anyone without your prior permission. There are several standard exceptions to this rule, which are related to our responsibility to make sure that people are safe. For example, if we believe that someone is in imminent danger (you or someone else), we may break confidentiality to protect people (as would any counselor around the world).

In Bangkok , each of us often runs across people we know as we go about our "daily rounds". That makes some people reluctant to consult a professional counselor for fear they will be seen at the counselor's office or that what they discuss will become known to others. Such information is NEVER revealed by your counselor to anyone! You may see someone you know as you come and go from the counseling office. If somebody does see you, they'll only know that you were here. Nothing else. So we can guarantee confidentiality, but not complete anonymity. However, most people won't give much thought to having seen you. If they do, the thoughts are often of admiration for your determination and courage in facing problems. It might even inspire them to do the same if they feel the need!

If reports of sessions are required for any reason (insurance claims and the like), you must sign a Release of Information statement before anything can be said or written by your counselor about you. Back to Top

What are the qualifications of PSI's Counseling Staff?

Our counselors are professionally trained and qualified. All have a minimum of a Master's Degree in counseling or mental health related field, as well as considerable previous experience. Always be "wise consumers" of mental health services, as there are some people in Bangkok representing themselves as "Counselors" with little or no professional training or external qualifications. Be sure you ask these questions of anyone you consider engaging as a counselor, whether in private practice or in an agency setting. Every counselor at PSI seeks out regular supervision and continuing education to hone skills and maintain efficiency. Back to Top


How do I start the counseling process?

It's very simple. Call PSI at 02-259-1467 and say that you'd like to speak to someone about counseling. In your initial call, you need only give your first name and phone number if you wish. If you hear our voice-mail message, you can safely leave your name and number. Your contact details will be kept strictly confidential and you'll get a call back very soon. You may also leave an email message at psi@psiadmin.com or send a fax to 02-262-0605. Whichever method you choose, during the call back to you, you'll find out who your counselor will be according to your needs, preferences, and schedule. You may also request a specific counselor provided that counselor has openings. Then only the details of scheduling a convenient time to meet with the counselor need arranging. When you come for your first appointment, you'll find out that the waiting area is laid out to be comfortable and quiet, and that you will be met with plenty of personal attention and care. In the first session or two, your counselor will help you design a plan of action that specifically addresses your circumstances. Back to Top

Does PSI offer opportunities for personal growth other than counseling itself?

Yes! there is an on-going program of workshops, training opportunities and seminars led by our staff on topics such as parenting, stress management, special problems of overseas life, and many others. Call for an up-to-date listing of upcoming programs, or check our web site at www.psiadmin.com for regular up-dates. Back to Top