Psychology of Integrity

My recent expereince of selling property highlighted the different beliefs on the psychology of integrity. Having accepted an offer and progressed the sale(with a buyer who excited about buying his first home), an investor offered an enhanced price if I agreed to give him the first right to exchange contracts.  I received different responses from people regarding this choice, namely: 1) This is honourable and shows integrity 2) How foolish! This is business and you are naive 3) There is no sentiment in business 4) It’s nice if you can do this but anyone would understand if you didn’t.

Integrity is associated with being honourable, fair-playing, honest, transparent and truthworthy.  My opinion is that our choice has fair-reaching consequences beyond the issue at hand.  We must behave in accordance with how we want to be treated if we want that to be so.  Appeals to market forces, business sense are no more than relinquishing responsibility for our choices – in this case, the choice to disappoint someone after a contract is agreed or even worse, ‘force his arm’ by imposing additional costs on him at the 11th hour.  I know which one I will always choose!

#adp01

Finding a Psychologist

Finding a psychologist can be daunting.  Ideally, someone whose judgement you trust recommends someone but often not an option if you wish to keep your intentions confidential.  Here are some tips to assist yo, but before you read this, I want to remind you of something important.  YOU have choice and despite your current experience/ confidence, YOU are the expert of your own life.  At present, you may not feel this – you may need assistance to discover how to reclaim mastery over your life and you can  – psychological counselling can help in that process.

Tips to Find a Suitable Psychologist:

Psychologists can be found via the Australian Psychological Society (APS) (www.psychology.org.au), in the yellow pages, in lists provided by medical/GP services or via their websites.

Psychologists are registered in the state in which they practice, indicated by ‘Reg Psych’ after their name.  This certification is given by the APS and ensures they have attained the requisite education/supervised training to proficiently offer psychological interventions.  Practitioners are not allowed to call themselves psychologists without this certification although someone might have a psychology degree without going through further appropriate training to practice. If this is the case, they are not allowed to call themself a psychologist.

1. Always ensure the psychologist you choose is registered.  Ask them and if in doubt, check with the APS.
2. Ask what modality they practice i.e. the framework/theoretical basis of their intervention.  Ask them to explain this. Call the APS to check if you need clarification.
3. Ask them how long they think you will be required to see them, having briefly outlined the nature of your request.
4. Ask them what they charge, if they have a minimum number of sessions they require you to attend and their cancellation policy.
5. Ask them what their specialism is?   e.g. couples, anxiety, substance abuse etc.  It will indicate their interest and their specific on-going development.
6. Ask them if they have published articles, books, CDs or have development programmes?  Read about them to gain a greater sense of their approach and proficiency.
7. Ask yourself ‘How do I feel talking to this psychologist and asking them these questions?’  Do you feel they are courteous, have  a genuine interest in helping you? Respect the fact that you want to know this information? Would you feel comfortable sharing details about your life with them?

It is not unreasonable for you to find out about a psychologist before visiting them.  It is also fair for you to be able to see a psychologist for one session and decide not to continue. Some psychologists believe that it is not appropriate to talk to the client beyond making an appointment, outside even the first session.  Unless this first session is free, it is my opinion that this is unreasonable.  However, you must make your own mind up if this happens.

Remember,  it is your choice and despite the fact psychologists are trained to assist you in relieving distress/helping you consider how to live your life with greater ease and fulfilment, YOU have the final say.  Good luck!