Question 1

What is Psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) has developed this definition of psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relational or spiritual health of a human being.

It is useful when psychological, developmental, relationship and wellbeing issues arise in life. A psychotherapist engages with a person or group in a process of working together to build understanding and acceptance of how the person makes meaning of their life. Together they create solutions to old and new problems.

Question 2

What issues does psychotherapy deal with?

Accepted Answer

People choose to seek support from a psychotherapist for many and varied reasons. 
They may be experiencing discomfort, life transitions, dissatisfaction or suffering in their lives and/or relationships. 
Psychotherapists work with people who have a wide range of presenting concerns: depression, anxiety, other mental health issues/diagnosis, sleeplessness, eating problems, illness, addiction, trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties in their personal life or at work, communication, intimacy and commitment problems.

Question 3

Is it confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In addition to this, as I’m not under Medicare – your session is completely private and isn’t registered on any government systems.

However, here’s the important fine print;
Confidentiality Agreement
Confidentiality is always maintained for clients except under certain circumstances where, by law, confidentiality must be waived and the appropriate authorities or family members notified.

Such situations include the following:
1. The client is at risk of serious harm to themselves, another person or the public. 
2. A child, young person, elderly person, or dependant adult is at risk of significant harm.
3. If a serious crime has been committed or is being planned.
4. If I am subpoenaed, by law, to produce a case file.

Where confidentiality cannot be maintained the counsellor will take all possible steps to first inform/discuss their intention with the client.

When booking a session you will be given a comprehensive Informed Consent Form which details confidentiality in detail. 
By booking a session, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the counsellor’s social and ethical responsibility to make such decisions where necessary and you understand and agree to these conditions concerning confidentiality.

Question 4

What Outcomes May Be Expected?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy supports a process of change. 
An individual may experience a deeper understanding of their internal world; their patterns of thinking and behaviours. With this increased self-awareness it provides more internal space to pause, reflect and respond with more conscious choices that can lead to a different experience of themselves and the world.

Question 5

Approaches used in Therapy

Accepted Answer

I follow best practice and evidence-based psychotherapy approaches including, but not limited to:
Internal Family Systems, 
Schema Therapy and Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders,
Narrative Therapy, 
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 
Trauma-Informed Practices, 
CBT-E, 
Attachment Theory 
Family-Based Therapy 
MANTRA 
SSCM

In line with industry standards and professional registration, I continue to expand my therapeutic capacity by continued study, training and professional supervision

Psychotherapy - How it can help

What is Psychotherapy?

What issues does psychotherapy deal with?

Is it confidential?

What Outcomes May Be Expected?

Approaches used in Therapy