MONICA MATEI
Clinical psychologist and
Adlerian psychotherapist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can contact me by phone or write to me on WhatsApp and we will determine together the best date and time for us to meet, depending on availability.
Cancellations and rescheduling are announced 48 hours in advance.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO HAPPEN DURING THE FIRST SESSION?
First, we will discuss why you want psychological services, the need for a clinical psychological assessment, and the purpose for which you came to the office. In addition, we will also discuss the privacy policy of your data and sign a service contract specifying your rights and obligations. These activities can also be carried out online. After clarifying these details , we will determine together what steps we will take.
HOW LONG DO THE SESSIONS LAST AND HOW FREQUENTLY?
A session lasts 50 minutes.
To make the intervention as effective as possible, it is most often recommended to schedule one session per week.
We can set a day and time that will be reserved for you each week (for example, every Thursday at 5:00 PM) or we can set the date of the next meeting from one meeting to another, depending on availability.
WHAT ARE ONLINE MEETINGS AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Online sessions are a modern way to access psychological therapy and counseling services using internet and video communication technology. Here's how it works:
Online Connection : We will connect using a secure and confidential video conferencing platform. This allows for real-time communication, similar to an in-person meeting.
Geographic flexibility : Online meetings eliminate the barrier of geographical distance, allowing you to connect from anywhere in the world without having to travel.
Convenience : Online meetings offer increased scheduling flexibility, allowing you to have meetings from the comfort of your own location, thus avoiding travel and time spent in traffic.
Confidentiality : The confidentiality of information discussed in online sessions will be maintained, ensuring compliance with the same ethics and confidentiality rules applicable to in-person therapy.
Effectiveness : Online therapy has been proven to be as effective as in-person therapy in treating many mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and others.
Required Technology : To participate in online therapy, you will need a device with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. It is important to have a secure and stable internet connection to get the most out of this type of session.
Ensuring data security : Secure platforms and tools are used to protect your data and privacy during online sessions.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?
Seeking help from a psychologist can be a significant step in managing personal difficulties or mental health issues. Below is some information that can help you determine if you should consult a psychologist:
Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness : If you have intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depressive moods that persist for a long time and affect your quality of daily life, it may be time to consult a psychologist.
Difficulty managing stress : If you feel overwhelmed by stress, whether it's personal, professional, or relationship situations, a psychologist can help you learn effective stress management techniques.
Significant changes in behavior or thinking : If you notice significant changes in your behavior or the way you think, such as social isolation, irritability, substance dependence, or obsessive thoughts, a psychologist can guide you to identify the cause and work on resolving them.
Relationship problems : If you have difficulty relating to others, whether it's relationships with a partner, family, or friends, therapy can help you develop communication and conflict resolution skills.
Traumatic events or losses : Experiencing a traumatic event or loss can have a profound impact on your well-being. A psychologist can assist you in managing the trauma and grief.
Lack of self-confidence or self-definition issues : If you are facing such difficulties, therapy can help you develop a healthier self-image.
Diagnosed psychological disorders : If you have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or panic disorder, therapy is often an integral part of treatment.
Difficulty making decisions : If you feel stuck or have difficulty making important decisions in your life, a psychologist can provide you with support in the decision-making process.
The need for personal development : Therapy is not just for treating problems, it can also be a valuable tool for personal development and improving the quality of your life.
In general, if you feel that your personal, emotional, or relationship difficulties are negatively affecting your well-being and quality of life, consulting a psychologist can be an important step in gaining support, understanding, and the tools needed to successfully deal with these challenges. A qualified psychologist can guide you in exploring these issues, developing your resources, and achieving your personal and mental health goals.
WHY IS IT NOT ENOUGH TO READ SELF-HELP BOOKS?
Although self-help books can be a valuable resource for personal development and gaining useful information, there are some limitations to using them as the sole method of managing personal or emotional problems. These limitations may include:
Lack of personalization of interventions to the specific needs of each individual
The need for complex personal issues to be addressed in an appropriate and individualized manner
Putting the ideas and techniques in books into practice can be difficult without ongoing support and motivation. A psychologist can help set goals, monitor progress, and maintain motivation.
Sometimes people are not aware of their problems or cannot identify them correctly.
A psychologist can facilitate communication and resolution of interpersonal conflicts in a safe and neutral environment.
For people experiencing mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, psychological assessment and intervention are often essential as part of a complex, multidisciplinary treatment plan.
So, while self-help books can be a useful aid in your personal development journey, it's important to know that they can't completely replace the benefits of a psychologist's intervention. They have the expertise to provide personalized support, help manage complex issues, and create meaningful changes in their clients' lives. It's recommended that you consider seeing a psychologist when you feel like your problems are beyond the resources you can find in a self-help book.