No. While some therapists do specialise in severe emotional disturbances, many focus on simply helping clients work through far more typical, everyday challenges like career change, improving parenting skills, stress management, navigating relationships and increasing wellbeing.

Choosing a therapist is like choosing any other service provider- it’s a good idea to visit the practitioner’s website, ask friends and family members, or your doctor for referrals.

If you are hoping to work on a specific issue, try to find a therapist with experience in that area. Many list their areas of focus on their websites. If you’re not sure, just call them and ask. If they can’t be of assistance with your issue, they may be able to refer you to someone who can.

The first sessions with a psychologist is an opportunity get a feel for them and how they work. You need to feel like it is a good fit in order to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns openly and honestly.

Each session is, essentially, a problem-solving session. You describe your current situation, and your feelings about it, and then the therapist can work with you to assist you in trying to resolve that problem so you can move closer to having the life you wish to have.

You won’t be criticised or judged as you speak. Your conversation will be kept in the strictest confidentiality. This is a special, unique type of conversation in which you can say exactly what you feel without worrying that you’re going to hurt someone’s feelings, damage a relationship, or be penalised in any way.

Of course, every therapist is different, every client is unique, and every therapist-client relationship is distinct as well- which means that there is no universal description of a therapy session. Ultimately, regardless of their approach, a therapist will listen without judgment and help clients try to find solutions to the challenges they face.

This varies from person to person. Some clients book one session to clarify and/or work out the issue(s) and not need a follow-up session. Sometimes, one brave, honest conversation is all you need.

Other clients book sessions over a period of several weeks or months and other clients prefer working for some time- they appreciate having a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly “check-in.”

Therapy is really about whatever a client needs- a one-time conversation, a temporary source of support during a life transition, or an ongoing experience to optimise health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

You decide what is best for you.

This depends on your preferences. Telehealth (online) sessions can make a convenient option for people as it means they don’t have to take time to drive, park, and so on. They can just close their bedroom or office door, log in, and get straight into the session. It also means you are not restricted to therapists in your local area.

A referral is not necessary if you would like to access psychology services.

If you would like to access the Medicare funded rebates to make sessions more affordable, you will need a referral from your doctor. The doctor will set up a Mental Health Care Plan for you.

Costs vary between therapists.

My fees are set at $220 per 50 minute session.

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan through your doctor, you can access up to 10 sessions in a calendar year rebated by $96.65 through Medicare.

If you would like to know more or book a session please reach out to me through the portal within this website or via the contact details.

Together we can discuss your needs and the best pathway forward