Seeking psychological help is often accompanied by questions – whom to turn to, what to expect from the first session, whether a diagnosis is necessary, how long the work lasts, and to what extent the information shared remains confidential.
Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about clinical psychological and psychotherapeutic practice.
First steps and the first session
When is it appropriate to seek psychological help?
It is not necessary to wait until the problem becomes unbearable or to have a psychiatric diagnosis. Professional help can be useful in cases of prolonged anxiety, low mood, loss of interest and motivation, sleep disturbances, panic experiences, difficulties in relationships, a sense of hopelessness, intense or prolonged stress, a life crisis, loss, serious illness, or when usual ways of coping are no longer sufficient. Sometimes the reason is harder to define – a person simply feels that they are “not well”. This, too, is sufficient reason for a consultation.
How does the first session proceed?
The first session is above all an opportunity to talk about what brings you to the specialist. The current difficulties are discussed, along with their history, important life circumstances, your health condition, and your expectations of professional help. You do not need to know in advance how to formulate your problem. Part of the specialist's task is to work together with you to clarify what is happening and what kind of support would be most appropriate. After the initial assessment, next steps can be discussed – psychological counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychological assessment, or referral to another specialist.
Do I need to be in a severe mental state to start psychotherapy?
No. People begin psychotherapy for many different reasons – from a specific symptom or life crisis to a wish to better understand themselves, their relationships and their choices. Psychotherapy is not intended only for people with mental disorders.
Does psychological support mean that “I am not coping”?
No. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness or an inability to cope. In serious illness or a life crisis, a person's resources are placed under unusual strain. Psychological support aims to support existing resources, help in understanding experiences, and develop more effective ways of coping.
How should I prepare for the first session?
No special preparation is necessary. You may wish to think about what brings you to the consultation, how long the problem has existed, and how it affects your daily life. If you have medical documents, previous psychological or psychiatric assessments, or information about medications you are taking, these can be useful when relevant to the reason for the consultation. Most importantly, come as you are. You do not need to have your history organised in advance or to know exactly how to tell it.
Can I seek help even when I don't know exactly what is wrong with me?
Yes. Many people seek consultation not because of a clear diagnosis, but because of a change they find difficult to name – fatigue, irritability, loss of interest, recurring conflicts, bodily tension, or a feeling of not recognising themselves. The purpose of the initial session is precisely to help this experience be understood and to determine whether and what kind of support is needed.
Can a single consultation be sufficient?
Sometimes a single session can help clarify a specific question, provide direction towards a suitable service, or support a decision about the next step. For more complex or prolonged difficulties, a single consultation is usually not sufficient for lasting change. Even at the first session, it can be discussed whether short-term or longer-term work is needed.
Do I need to share everything already at the first session?
No. You have the right to determine the pace at which you share personal information. The specialist may ask questions necessary for understanding your condition and safety, but professional work should never be based on pressure or coercion. Trust is built gradually.
Can I cry, stay silent, or not know what to say?
Yes. Crying, silence, confusion, and difficulty finding words are a natural part of many psychological sessions. You do not need to present yourself in a particular way or be a “good patient”. Part of the specialist's task is to work with the moments when the experience cannot yet be clearly put into words.
Specialists and roles
What is the difference between a psychologist, a clinical psychologist, a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?
These are different professional roles that can complement one another. A psychologist has a university degree in psychology. A clinical psychologist has additional specialised training in working with mental functioning, psychological assessment and clinical conditions. A psychotherapist is a specialist who has completed extensive training in a particular psychotherapeutic method or orientation. A psychiatrist is a physician with a specialisation in psychiatry who can carry out medical diagnostics and prescribe medication. In some conditions, the best approach involves the collaborative work of several specialists.
What is the role of the clinical social worker?
The clinical social worker works with the psychological, social and practical consequences of illness and treatment. They carry out psychosocial assessment, identify difficulties that may affect treatment and quality of life, and support patients and their families in navigating the healthcare and social systems, and in accessing rights, services and resources. In severe and chronic illness, the clinical social worker is often the link connecting the patient, the family, the medical team and the various health and social services.
How do I know which specialist is right for me?
You do not need to know in advance exactly which specialist or method you require. An initial consultation can help clarify the problem and assess whether psychological counselling, psychotherapy, clinical assessment, psycho-oncological or psychosocial support, psychiatric consultation, or a combination of approaches is appropriate. When the particular specialist is not the most suitable for your needs, good professional practice means being referred to a colleague or another service.
What happens if the psychologist decides that I need a psychiatrist?
A recommendation for a psychiatric consultation does not necessarily mean a severe mental disorder. It may be needed for medical assessment, clarification of the diagnosis, evaluation for medication, or exclusion of other causes for the symptoms. Psychological or psychotherapeutic work can continue alongside psychiatric treatment when appropriate.
What is patient navigation?
Patient navigation helps a person and their family find their way through the complex path of diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and access to health and social services. It may include information, coordination, referral to appropriate specialists and services, identification of practical obstacles, and support in exercising health and social rights. Patient navigation does not replace medical judgement and does not make decisions on the patient's behalf.
With what social issues can the clinical social worker help?
The clinical social worker can assist with matters related to health insurance and social rights, disability assessment, sick leave and benefits, social services, assistive devices, home care and family support. They can also help with difficulties that hinder treatment – transport, care for a dependent family member, lack of a supportive environment, financial difficulties, or difficulties communicating with institutions. The specific possibilities depend on the individual case and the applicable regulatory conditions.
Psychological assessment and diagnostics
What is clinical psychological assessment?
This is a systematic process for evaluating mental, emotional, personality and, where necessary, cognitive functioning. It may include a clinical interview, observation, standardised questionnaires, psychological tests, and analysis of relevant medical or other information. Clinical assessment is not reduced to “taking a test”. The results of individual instruments are interpreted within the context of the overall clinical picture.
Will I be given a diagnosis?
Not every psychological consultation aims to establish a diagnosis. Sometimes the task is to understand specific symptoms, a psychological reaction to a life event or illness, the way of coping, or the need for further support. When there are grounds to suspect a mental disorder, a consultation with a psychiatrist or another appropriate medical specialist may be recommended.
What is the difference between screening and clinical assessment?
Screening is a brief initial assessment that helps establish whether symptoms, distress or needs requiring further attention are present. It does not establish a diagnosis and does not replace comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinical psychological assessment is a more in-depth process that may include interview, observation, standardised instruments, medical information, and integrated professional interpretation.
Can I complete a psychological test online by myself?
Online questionnaires can draw attention to certain symptoms, but they are not sufficient for establishing a diagnosis or for a comprehensive assessment of mental state. The result may be influenced by how the instrument has been translated and adapted, the conditions under which it was completed, and the person's momentary state. If the result is concerning or difficulties persist, it is appropriate to seek a qualified specialist who can interpret the information within a clinical context.
What happens after a clinical psychological assessment?
After the assessment is completed, the specialist integrates the information from the interview, observation, the instruments used, and other relevant sources. The results are discussed in accessible language. When necessary, recommendations are provided for psychotherapy, psychological or psychosocial support, psychiatric consultation, further medical assessment, or work with other specialists. When agreed and professionally justified, a written report may be prepared.
Does everyone receive a written psychological report?
Not every consultation or assessment concludes with a written document. A written report is prepared when this is part of the previously agreed service, when there is a specific clinical or institutional need, and when the specialist has sufficient information for a professionally justified opinion. It should be clarified even before the assessment begins whether a written document is expected, for what purpose it will be used, and to whom it may be provided.
Can a psychological assessment be carried out in just one day?
Some brief screening assessments can be carried out within a single session. Comprehensive clinical psychological assessment, however, often requires more time. The duration depends on the question posed, the number and type of instruments used, the person's condition, and the need to analyse additional information. A larger number of tests does not necessarily mean a better-quality assessment. It is important that only the methods that are necessary and appropriate are used.
Can I see the results of my psychological tests?
The person has the right to receive comprehensible feedback on the results and their clinical significance. Certain psychodiagnostic materials and test questions are protected and may not be freely provided or disseminated. This is necessary in order to preserve the reliability of the instruments. The specialist can explain the results obtained, the limitations of the methods used, and the way in which they are incorporated into the overall conclusion.
Psychotherapy and counselling
What is it?
Psychotherapy is a structured professional process through which a person works on their emotional, psychological, behavioural or interpersonal difficulties. It is not simply a conversation or the giving of advice. Depending on the psychotherapeutic approach, experiences, thoughts, relationships, behaviour, life history and recurring psychological patterns are explored. The aim is to achieve a better understanding of one's own functioning and lasting change where this is needed.
Duration
There is no universal duration. Some psychological interventions are short-term and focused on a specific problem. Others require longer-term work, particularly where enduring patterns of functioning, recurring relational difficulties, traumatic experience or complex mental states are involved. Duration is discussed individually and may be changed in the course of the work.
Can the psychologist tell me what decision to make?
It is not the task of the psychologist or psychotherapist to make decisions on your behalf. Professional work can help you understand the situation, your own feelings, needs, fears and options better. Decisions about your life remain yours.
Can psychotherapy replace medication?
Prescribed medication treatment should not be discontinued or altered independently on account of starting psychotherapy. In some conditions, psychotherapy may be the primary approach, while in others the best results are achieved through a combination of psychotherapeutic and medication treatment. Decisions regarding medication therapy are made by a physician.
What is the difference between psychological counselling and psychotherapy?
Psychological counselling is usually directed towards a specific difficulty, decision, life change or period of heightened stress. It may be time-limited and have a clearly formulated practical aim. Psychotherapy more often involves a more in-depth exploration of emotional functioning, inner conflicts, relationships, life history and enduring psychological patterns. The boundary between the two is not always entirely clear-cut. The approach is determined according to the person's needs and the specialist's professional judgement.
How can I tell whether psychotherapy is helping me?
Change is not always rapid or easily measurable. It may manifest as a reduction in symptoms, a better understanding of one's own experiences, a greater capacity to set boundaries, changes in relationships, or more adaptive coping with difficulties. It is advisable for the goals and progress of the therapy to be discussed periodically. The absence of immediate relief does not necessarily mean that the process is not working, but a prolonged sense of stagnation, unclear goals or lack of a professional framework should be raised for discussion.
Sessions and the therapeutic framework
Can I discontinue psychological or psychotherapeutic work?
Yes. Participation in psychological or psychotherapeutic work is, as a rule, voluntary. You have the right to discuss your doubts, to request a change in the way of working, or to discontinue it. Where possible, it is advisable for the decision to discontinue to be discussed with the specialist, particularly in the case of longer-term psychotherapy. The very ending of the therapeutic work may itself be an important part of the process.
What does “therapeutic framework” mean?
The therapeutic framework includes the previously agreed conditions of the professional work — frequency and duration of sessions, method of payment, rules regarding cancellation, confidentiality, communication outside sessions, and other practical matters. A clear framework is not a formality. It creates security, predictability and professional boundaries necessary for quality therapeutic work.
How often are sessions held?
Frequency depends on the type of work, the condition, and the therapeutic approach. Psychotherapy sessions are often held once a week, but in some approaches or conditions they may be more frequent. Psychological counselling and follow-up may be conducted at longer intervals. The appropriate frequency is agreed with the specialist and may be changed according to the development of the process.
How long does a session last?
Duration depends on the type of service. An individual consultation or psychotherapy session usually has a predetermined length. Clinical assessment, family consultation or group work may require a different duration. The specific length is clarified at the time of booking or at the start of the professional work.
What happens if I am late for or miss a session?
The conditions regarding lateness, cancellation or a missed session form part of the previously agreed professional framework. Lateness does not usually extend the end of the session, since the following hour is reserved for another person. Cancellation at short notice may incur a payment obligation if this has been agreed in advance. It is important for the rules to be clear from the outset and applied consistently.
What should I do if I do not feel understood by the specialist?
Psychological and psychotherapeutic work does not always proceed without tension or disagreement. The feeling of not being understood can be discussed openly with the specialist. The way in which they receive feedback and work with the difficulty that has arisen is an important part of the professional relationship. When, despite discussion, trust and the possibility of joint work are lacking, another specialist may be sought.
Is it normal to sometimes feel worse after a session?
Discussing painful experiences may temporarily intensify sadness, anxiety, anger or fatigue. This does not automatically mean that the work is harmful. It is important, however, that the intensity of the experiences remains bearable and can be discussed with the specialist. If serious deterioration systematically occurs after sessions, if a sense of safety is lacking, or if the person is left without the necessary support, the approach and pace of the work must be reconsidered.
What should I do if I cannot afford long-term therapy?
Discuss financial constraints openly with the specialist. Short-term work with a specific focus, less frequent sessions, group support, a programme with preferential terms, or referral to an accessible public or project-based service may be considered. Financial accessibility is an important part of realistic care planning and should not be a topic about which a person feels ashamed to speak.
Illness, psycho-oncology and psychosomatics
What is psycho-oncology?
Psycho-oncology deals with the psychological, emotional, behavioural and social aspects of oncological illness. Support may be needed from the moment of suspicion and diagnosis, through active treatment and recovery, to long-term follow-up, relapse, progression or palliative care. Psycho-oncological work also involves the patient's relatives, since oncological illness often affects the functioning of the entire family.
Is it normal to feel intense fear after receiving a serious diagnosis?
Fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, confusion and a sense of loss of control may be natural reactions following a serious diagnosis. Their presence alone does not indicate a mental disorder. It is important, however, to assess their intensity, duration and impact on sleep, daily functioning, relationships and the person's ability to participate in treatment. When suffering becomes difficult to manage, professional support can be of considerable help.
Can physical illness cause psychological symptoms?
Yes. Certain medical conditions, medications, hormonal changes, pain, sleep disturbances and other physiological factors can affect mood, anxiety, concentration and behaviour. Clinical assessment must therefore take into account the medical history and treatment being undertaken. In the case of newly arising, unusual or rapidly worsening symptoms, medical consultation may also be necessary.
Does “psychosomatic” mean the symptoms are imaginary?
No. The psychosomatic approach does not regard symptoms as invented and does not blame the person for having caused their own illness. It examines the interaction between bodily processes, mental functioning, stress, relationships and the social environment. The symptom is real, regardless of the fact that psychological factors may influence its onset, intensity or experience.
Can stress cause cancer or another serious illness?
It is not professionally sound to explain serious illnesses by a single psychological cause. Illnesses arise as a result of a complex interaction of biological, genetic, behavioural, social and environmental factors. Psychological work does not seek to assign blame or identify a “wrong” emotion that caused the illness. It helps the person to cope with the consequences of the illness and its treatment.
Does positive thinking influence the outcome of treatment?
There is no obligation for the patient to be constantly positive. Pressure to think positively can create guilt, loneliness and a sense that one has no right to feel fear, anger or sadness. Realistic hope can be a valuable resource, but it does not mean denying difficult experiences or promising a particular medical outcome.
What is fear of relapse or progression?
This is the fear that the illness may return, worsen or advance. It is common among people with oncological and other serious illnesses and may intensify around check-up examinations, new physical sensations or significant dates. When fear begins to persistently limit daily life, sleep, relationships or medical follow-up, specialised psychological help can be beneficial.
Relatives and family
Can a patient's relative also seek help?
Yes. Relatives often bear a significant emotional, practical and physical burden. They may experience anxiety, helplessness, guilt, anger, exhaustion and fear of loss, while at the same time trying to be a source of support for the patient. Psychological and psychosocial support for relatives is an important part of comprehensive care.
Can a family member be present at the first session?
Yes, when this has been agreed in advance and is appropriate to the purpose of the consultation. In work with children, dependent adults, or people with serious illness, the presence of a relative may be important. In individual psychotherapy, however, sessions are usually conducted alone. The specialist should discuss who is participating, what the purpose of their presence is, and how the confidentiality of each person will be protected.
Can a relative receive information about my therapy?
Information about psychological or psychotherapeutic work is not disclosed to relatives merely because they are family members. Sharing may take place with the patient's consent, when necessary for the care, or when other applicable legal and professional grounds are present. When working with children and dependent individuals, the rules are more specific and must be explained in advance.
Can I seek help for a relative who refuses consultation?
You can seek consultation for yourself and discuss how to understand the situation, how to communicate with your relative, and what boundaries or actions are appropriate. As a rule, an adult cannot be compelled to participate in psychotherapy merely because their family considers that they need it. In cases of immediate risk to life, severe disorganisation, or inability of the person to care for themselves, emergency medical or psychiatric help should be sought.
How should I talk to a child about a serious illness?
Children usually sense that something significant is happening in the family, even when adults try to conceal information. The conversation should be honest, but adapted to the child's age, development and questions. It is not necessary to provide all details at once. It is important for the child to know what will change in their daily life, who will take care of them, and that they may ask questions. If difficulties arise, the family may seek help from a specialist experienced in working with children and families facing serious illness.
Should I tell the patient the whole truth about the diagnosis?
The patient has the right to information about their own health condition and the right to participate in decisions about their treatment. Relatives sometimes wish for the diagnosis or prognosis to be concealed, fearing that the truth will cause harm. However, this can heighten the patient's isolation, distrust, and sense that something is being withheld. The manner and pace of providing information should be adapted to the person's condition, preferences, and capacity to receive it. Such conversations are best conducted jointly with the medical team.
How can I support a relative with a serious illness?
You do not need to constantly find the "right words". Often what matters most is presence, willingness to listen, and respect for the way the person is experiencing the situation. Avoid automatic reassurance, pressure towards positive thinking, and promises that "everything will be fine". Ask what they need and offer concrete practical help. Support does not mean taking everything upon yourself. Caring for your own physical and mental state is part of sustainable care for your relative.
Group and online work
What are support groups?
Support groups bring together people with similar life or health experiences in a professionally organised and protected environment. They provide an opportunity for sharing, mutual recognition, reduction of isolation, and exchange of coping strategies. A support group is not always the same as group psychotherapy. The aims, structure, confidentiality rules, and the role of the facilitators must be clearly defined.
Is group work suitable for everyone?
Not for every person and not at every moment. Some people feel supported by meeting others with similar experiences. For others, sharing in a group may initially feel too demanding. Before joining, an individual meeting may be held to assess whether the particular group corresponds to the person's needs and condition.
Are online consultations offered?
Some psychological and psychotherapeutic services can be provided online, when this format is suitable for the condition, the aim of the work, and the professional method. Online sessions are not suitable for every situation. In cases of acute crisis, immediate risk, need for medical assessment, or certain types of psychological assessment, in-person help may be necessary. The platform used, confidentiality, technical conditions, and the course of action in case of connection interruption must be clarified in advance.
How can I ensure confidentiality during an online session?
It is advisable to use a personal device, a secure internet connection, and a room where you can speak freely without being overheard or interrupted. Using headphones may increase confidentiality. Recording sessions without the prior explicit consent of all participants is not recommended.
Confidentiality and rights
Is everything I share confidential?
Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of psychological and psychotherapeutic work. Information shared during professional sessions is not freely disclosed to other people. At the very start of the work, the specialist should explain the rules of confidentiality and its limits. There are specific situations in which legal obligations or an immediate serious risk to life and safety may require action to be taken. These situations are an exception to the general principle of confidentiality.
Will my treating physician receive information from the psychologist?
When working within a multidisciplinary medical team, certain information may be important for the patient's overall care. Its sharing must comply with professional confidentiality, applicable legal requirements, and the principle of providing only the information necessary for quality and safe care.
Can my case be discussed with other specialists?
Clinical discussion, supervision, and multidisciplinary work can be part of quality care. In such contexts, only the information necessary for the professional purpose is shared, and measures are applied to protect identity and confidentiality. The rules for such discussion must comply with informed consent, professional standards, and applicable legislation.
What happens to my personal data?
Personal and health data are processed only for specific and lawful purposes and with appropriate security measures. You should be informed what data is collected, why it is necessary, who has access to it, how long it is stored, and how you can exercise your rights. Detailed rules are set out in the Privacy Policy and the relevant informed consent documents.
Can I request a second professional opinion?
Yes. A second opinion can be useful when there is uncertainty regarding a psychological assessment, a recommended approach, or next steps. To be professionally substantiated, a second opinion may require a new interview, review of the available documentation, and sometimes additional assessment. It should not automatically confirm or reject the previous opinion without sufficient information.
Good practice and support for professionals
How do we understand good clinical practice?
For us, good clinical practice begins with professional competence, scientific soundness, and ethics, but does not end there. It means seeing the specific person behind the symptom or diagnosis, understanding the context in which they live, and offering help that genuinely meets their needs. That is why we work in a multidisciplinary manner and bring together clinical psychology, psychotherapy, psycho-oncology, psychosomatics, medicine, and clinical social work.
What is supervision?
Supervision is a professional process through which a specialist discusses their clinical work with a qualified supervisor. Its aim is to enhance the quality, ethical standards, and safety of practice and to support professional development. Clinical cases are presented while protecting the identity and confidentiality of patients.
Is support offered to medical professionals?
Yes. Medical professionals may seek individual or group support in cases of professional burnout, moral distress, difficult clinical situations, loss of a patient, conflict within the team, or prolonged emotional strain. Possible forms include psychological counselling, psychotherapy, Balint groups, sharing groups, supervision, and training. Support for the professional is not an admission of insufficient competence. It is part of caring for the quality and sustainability of medical practice.
What is a Balint group?
A Balint group is a professional format in which medical and other helping professionals explore the emotional and relational aspects of their work with patients. The focus is not on the medical diagnosis or the technical solution, but on the specialist–patient relationship, the professional's experiences, and difficult clinical situations. The group is led by a trained facilitator and operates under clear confidentiality rules.
What should I do if I am concerned about a specialist's professional conduct?
You have the right to ask questions about qualifications, method, working conditions, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. If you suspect unethical conduct, you may first discuss your concern with the specialist, when this is safe and possible. In the case of a serious violation, you can use the official reporting mechanism of the relevant organisation, healthcare facility, professional association, or competent authority.
What are the signs of unprofessional practice?
Warning signs may include promises of guaranteed cure, pressure to discontinue medical treatment, breach of confidentiality, sexualised behaviour, financial or emotional exploitation, systematic violation of boundaries, and working outside the specialist's competence. Also problematic is presenting personal beliefs as scientific facts or blaming the patient for having caused their own illness. Professional practice presupposes a clear framework, informed consent, respect, and the opportunity to ask questions.
Emergency cases
What should I do if my condition is an emergency?
Psychological consultation and a scheduled appointment do not replace emergency medical or psychiatric help. In cases of immediate risk to life or safety, a severe acute mental state, or another medical emergency, immediate help must be sought through the emergency medical services system or the nearest appropriate healthcare facility.
When is immediate help necessary?
Immediate help is necessary in cases of immediate suicidal thoughts or intent, risk of harming another person, severe confusion, loss of contact with reality, sudden inability to care for oneself, or another acute condition that endangers life and safety. In such cases, one should not rely on an electronic message, contact form, or scheduled consultation appointment. Emergency medical help or the nearest appropriate healthcare facility must be sought.