FAQS
DO YOU OFFER FACE TO FACE SESSIONS?
At this point in time, I offer only online or telephone sessions. Face to face sessions are not available. This means you can access therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own home!
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN AND HOW DO I GET ONE?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is the referral from your GP that allows you to claim the Medicare rebate for your sessions. Individuals are entitled to 10 sessions per calendar year. You can get an MHCP by contacting your GP and asking for a referral to a Psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST?
No. You do not need a referral to see a Psychologist. However, without a referral you will be unable to claim a rebate from Medicare.
CAN YOU SEE PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF AUSTRALIA?
Unfortunately I am only able to take bookings for clients located in Australia.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
I have completed a Bachelor of Psychology with 1st Class Honours and a Master of Clinical Psychology. I hold full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PSY0002100830), and have an area of practice endorsement in Clinical Psychology.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, A PSYCHOLOGIST, AND A PSYCHIATRIST.
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor, so their main role is to prescribe medication for mental health disorders. Psychologists are not medical doctors, so they do not prescribe medication. All Psychologists have at least four years of university training. A Clinical Psychologist has completed an additional two years of study through a Masters degree, followed by two years of supervised practice. This provides further training in the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders.
WHAT TYPE OF CLIENTS DO YOU SEE?
I see clients aged 18 years and over. I enjoy working with clients with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and have supported people with a wide range of difficulties. I have a special interest in treating individuals struggling with anxiety.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH?
I approach all therapy sessions with warmth, curiosity, and acceptance. It is important to me to create a space in which all of my clients can feel valued and heard. I also believe strongly in an evidence-based approach to therapy, and often emphasise developing and practicing new skills that will help you to create a meaningful and fulfilling life.
I work primarily from a cognitive-behavioural perspective, and utilise other evidence-based therapies to complement this method when appropriate (including ACT, Schema Therapy, and DBT).
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
The first session will be an assessment session. First, I will ask you for details about any difficulties you are currently experiencing. Then, I will explore other parts of your life, such as your upbringing, family, social life, and general health, in order to gain greater insight into who you are as a person. I will give you a brief idea of what therapy will entail and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. If you feel that my approach is a good fit for you, then we can schedule further sessions to begin treatment.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The length of therapy is dependent on a number of factors such as the complexity of the issue, your therapy goals, and how frequently treatment strategies are practiced between sessions. Once we have met for an assessment session, I will aim to discuss with you the number of sessions I believe may be required to help you reach your goals. The frequency of appointments can be flexible in order to best meet your needs, however, weekly or fortnightly sessions are usually recommended.
HOW DO YOU SET YOUR FEES?
Understandably, many people assume that when they pay for a session, they are paying an hourly rate. However, when you pay for a session it covers more than just the time I spend with you. It also covers the time outside of sessions that I use to prepare, research, and complete case notes and reports, all of the expenses involved in running a business, and the costs of being registered as a Psychologist (registration, mandatory insurance, and compulsory professional development as required by AHPRA).
When Psychologists work for a low fee they often burn out because they must see high volumes of clients in order to make a reasonable income. As you may be aware, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommended fee is $300 as of July 2023. I currently set my fees at $210. This rate aims to make therapy as accessible to my clients as possible, while also ensuring that my practice remains sustainable and I am able to give my best to all my clients.
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
Yes, I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. When clients cancel with less than 24 hours notice, this results in a missed appointment opportunity for another client, and lost income for me.
Cancellations of less than 24 hours are charged at 50% of the full session fee. If a client does not show up for an appointment, or cancels within 1 hour of their allocated appointment time, the full session fee is charged, since I would not have adequate time to offer this appointment slot to another person. Note that cancellation fees cannot be claimed as a medicare benefit.