Hi Danielle,
Thank you for getting in contact with the Stroke Foundation. I am sorry to hear about your husband’s stroke and the difficulties you are both having with miscommunication. Unfortunately personality changes can be quite common post stroke and it is really good that you are seeking a psychologist to help.
To find a psychologist I would go to this website ‘Find a Psychologist’ found here. I have applied the search term acquired brain injury which will capture psychologists who have experience with stroke survivors. You can then put in your location to find those psychologists near you. I would be looking for clinical psychology in their profiles. If you are able to tell me your location, I can help you further in your search.
You may also be able to get a mental health plan from your GP for 6 or more subsidised psychology sessions to help with funding the psychology sessions.
There is also a website for more information about psychology and neuropsychology found here and a website for more information on personality changes found here
If you would like more help searching for a psychologist or have any other queries, please do not hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.
Warm regards,
Kath
As well as Kath's advice to use the 'Find a psychologist' service and see which clinical psychologists work in your area, you could also look for clinical neuropsychologists. They are psychologists who specialise in understanding brain-mind relationships, and many work with people with acquired brain injuries, such as stroke. This can be helpful when you would like to find a therapist who understand what has happened to your husband, and how this can have such a significant impact on you, family and friends too. There are lots of excellent neuropsychologists in victoria.
As a stroke survivor, its often difficult to see or recognise your own personality changes, I would definitely recommend making an appointment with a good clinical neuropsychologist, feel free to message me if you would like the contact details for the person who I am seeing. (She is based in Melb Eastern suburbs)
Thank you so much Kate and Robert for joining in the conversation.
The Australian Psychological Society 'Find a Psychologist' tool also lists neuropsychologists which is great. You can also refine the search by selecting 'assessments' as the issue then 'neuropsychological assessment'.
Another good resource for those living in NSW is the Synapse website 'Find a Brain Injury Service Provider'. Select 'Health & Rehabilitation' as the category then 'neuropsychologist' or 'psychologist' as the specialty.
Asking for recommendations from other stroke survivors, including those who you may know from Stroke Support Groups or online are other great options.
StrokeLine 1800 787 653 is always here if you'd like to speak about the difference between neuropsychology and psychology or need help finding the right support.
Simone, StrokeLine
As a stroke survivor, its often difficult to see or recognise your own personality changes, I would definitely recommend making an appointment with a good clinical neuropsychologist, feel free to message me if you would like the contact details for the person who I am seeing. (She is based in Melb Eastern suburbs)