HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DEPRESSION?
We all go through challenging times when we might feel emotionally drained or ‘down’. However, if you are depressed, you may constantly feel ‘down’ in a way that starts to negatively interfere with your ability to maintain relationships and work or study responsibilities. There are many factors that can contribute towards the onset of depression such as stressful life events, genetics and biochemical factors. What’s important to remember is that depression is treatable. Getting support can be an important step towards wellness and regaining a sense of empowerment in your life. Through effective therapy processes you can gain more insight and gain tools to help you cope.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?
If you are feeling depressed, it is important to have an assessment with a mental health professional. An indication that an assessment might be helpful is if you have been experiencing some of these symptoms for at least two weeks:
To book an appointment call 071 385 2861. Alternatively, contact Kirsten Barnardt at kirsten@barnardtfleming.com or Karen Fleming at karen@barnardtfleming.com. From there we will book an initial consultation time. General enquiries can be sent to admin@barnardtfleming.com. To book an appointment, you do not need to have a referral through another health practitioner. Self referrals are welcome.
To help you most effectively, the first three to four sessions will be focused on gathering information so that I can better understand your concerns in context. We refer to this as the clinical assessment. When you arrive for your first session, you will initially be asked to complete a general admin form with your contact details etc. During the session we will mostly discuss your presenting issue or reasons for seeking therapy. Over the second and third sessions, you will also be asked to answer questions relating to your early experiences, your social, work, education and medical history. During the initial assessment phase you might also be asked to complete some general screening measures to help us gain further clarity on goals for therapy. We will also spend some time highlighting personal strengths and how these can be harnessed to your benefit.
After the initial assessment phase, which usually takes three to four sessions, we will discuss a therapy plan and the number of anticipated sessions moving forward. The length of therapy varies, depending on the presenting problem and the goals of therapy. Medium-term therapy typically lasts around 12-15 sessions.
Sessions are typically once a week.
Each session is 50 minutes long.
Some people experience some apprehension or anxiety before their first session. This is perfectly normal and when you get more used to your therapist and more comfortable in the space, you will likely find that the pre-session anxiety resolves. Remember you are free to ask questions or share any thoughts and feelings you may be having with your therapist. Although therapy can be hard work, the purpose is to ultimately assist you in working through difficulties you may be experiencing and your therapist is there to facilitate this process in as safe and supportive a way as possible.
The current 2017 fee per session is R750. Consultations are to be paid at the end of each session by EFT or cash.
Kirsten Barnardt and Karen Fleming are both registered with the Board of Health Care Funders and as such, clients attending individual or group therapy may be able to claim full or partial reimbursement from their medical aid if these psychological services are included in their benefits. It is recommended that you contact your medical aid in advance to determine what benefits you have available. Accounts to be be settled directly with Kirsten Barnardt or Karen Fleming following each session. It is the responsibility of the client to submit their invoice to Medical Aid for reimbursement thereafter.
Office hours are 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. Therapy sessions take place within those hours. No walk-ins allowed. All sessions are booked in advance.
Barnardt and Fleming Private Practice is located at the end of Sea Point, just before Bantry Bay, at 94 Regent Road. We are on the second floor of the Piazza da Luz centre, the same building in which Spar is located. When you arrive at Piazza Da Luz, you can park in the underground parking. The entrance is on Solomons Road. Parking fees apply. Alternatively, if you make use of the MyCiTi Bus services, there is a bus stop one block away from the Piazza Da Luz.
