Deciding to see a psychologist or other mental health professional can be daunting. It is difficult to acknowledge that you have a problem and being ready to talk about it can take some time. Many of us hesitate to talk about our private lives with a complete stranger. Most people that have seen a psychologist however report how beneficial it was to talk to someone who doesn't know them or have any expectations. Talking to family and friends can be comforting but it is hard for those who care about us to remain objective, recognise the seriousness or type of psychological problem we may have or the best way forward.

Whomever you decide to see it is firstly important to establish whether they are registered in their profession and what their qualifications equip them to do. Clinical Psychologists have two more years of study and supervision than psychologists. They are different from psychiatrists who have medical training and are able to prescribe medication.

Clinical psychologists can help by:

• Assessing their client's thoughts, feelings and coping strategies
• Exploring these and tracing their origins
• Helping the client develop effective ways of controlling and coping with these difficulties
• Helping the client to make changes that enhance wellbeing and alleviates distress

Problems that Clinical Psychologists can help with:

Depression	Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder	Relationship difficulties
Panic Attacks	Grief & Loss
Phobias	Stress
Sexual Difficulties	Bipolar Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder	Drug & Alcohol Issues