Question 1

I haven’t seen a therapist before, I’m nervous about what to expect?

Accepted Answer

This is totally understandable, but I want to reassure you that it’s just like having a chat. We get to know each other and I’m guided by what you want to work on and the pace at which you wish to go.

There are no expectations that you have to do or talk about anything you don’t wish to. No ink drawings to describe and you won’t be lying on a couch… although I do have a comfy couch. So, you do you.

Question 2

Is crying OK?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! My priority is creating a safe space for you to be, feel and express whatever comes up for you. Some people cry, others don’t. No judgement. It’s all OK.

Question 3

What exactly do you do?

Accepted Answer

We talk, I’ll listen, ask some questions, and hear you. It’s all very gentle and guided by you. I may offer some feedback on what I observe and my experience of our time together, to help increase your self-awareness and of any conflicting parts or patterns you may previously have been unaware of. We work together to understand your inner world and experiences more deeply.

Question 4

What will the first session be like?

Accepted Answer

This first session is a little different from what our regular sessions will be like. If you filled out an intake form, pre session, then we'll go through that and clarify some details if needed.
It's pretty much about getting to know you a little better by having a chat about the moving parts of your life, what's worrying you most right now, and what you would like to achieve in therapy.

This first session is a gentle start and a chance for you to ask any questions you would like, and to see if you’d like to continue to work together.

Question 5

How long is the session?

Accepted Answer

A standard session is 60 minutes.

Depending on what we are working on, occasionally some extra time can be helpful and a 90 minute session will work well. You will decide this.

A family or couple session is 90 minutes.

Question 6

How often should we meet?

Accepted Answer

In the beginning, weekly sessions can work well to build rapport and momentum, although, sometimes fortnightly feels a better fit for others.
I see clients weekly, fortnightly, monthly and others for the occasional check in as they need.  
Depending on the work, some people like 2 sessions a week for a while, for some additional support while they do some harder or more challenging work.

It really is up to you and also importantly what feels affordable as well. I am flexible in how I work so we can find what works best for you.

Question 7

How many sessions do I need?

Accepted Answer

Your lived experiences, personality and what you want to achieve from therapy will be unique to you  and can vary the session numbers greatly. This makes it difficult to say how many sessions you will need without meeting you first. 
Some people benefit from short-term therapy (6 to 12 sessions) while others will find forming a deeper connection with a therapist more helpful. 
Some approaches such as CBT are more structured and have set sessions to work through. 
If time or financial investment is a concern we can work together using a brief solution-focused approach. This is where our work is broken into stages where you focus on one set of goals, for example improving sleep and anxiety levels, and leave the rest for later.

Question 8

Can we do this work online?

Accepted Answer

My preferred platform is face to face and personally I think you get the best out of me this way, but we can totally do Zoom.

You’ll receive an email when you book and a reminder text 48 hours before your session with the link. Please jump online a few minutes before your session to check your sound and internet connection.

Question 9

How do I pay for a session?

Accepted Answer

I use HALEXY software for booking appointments and managing invoicing. 
After our session you will receive an invoice via email with a payment link attached, making this process as easy as possible. 
I prefer payment within 24 hours of our session.

Question 10

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an appointment reminder 48 hours before your appointment. This allows you to confirm, cancel or reschedule. the session without any penalty fees

Cancellation of an appointment under 24 hours requires 50% fee payment and a no-show without notice requires full payment of the session fee.

Life is what it is, and you may need to cancel, so please keep in mind the 24-hour cancellation policy and contact me asap(text message is best).

Question 11

Can I claim money back on the Medicare Mental Care Plan or Private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

As a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I’m not covered by Medicare, unlike Psychologists and Clinical psychologists, therefore, the Mental Health Plan & Eating Disorder Treatment Plan cannot be applied to our sessions.

My fee for service is:  $160 per 60min and $240 per 90min (inclusive of GST)
Additionally, there is no record of our sessions through Medicare or on other government data bases.

Question 12

How do I schedule my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

I don't answer my phone when I am in session, however, feel free to leave a voicemail or send a text message. I will be in contact within 24 hours and I’ll walk you through everything else from there.

Frequently asked questions