Question 1

Do you offer an initial free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Consultations are done over the phone for 10 minutes.  I provide a brief phone consultation at no cost to the client so that both parties can assess whether the relationship might be a good fit. You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask any questions, and determine if my approach aligns with your goals.

Question 2

What happens during the first session?

Accepted Answer

You may already feel a little more at ease simply by making the appointment. For some people, taking that first step and having a plan in place can bring a sense of relief. If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, that’s completely normal  sometimes the first step is the hardest.Your first appointment is a chance for us to get to know each other through conversation and for me to understand what you’re currently experiencing, what you’re struggling with, and what you would like to change or work towards.We’ll talk through your intake form and explore your current circumstances, relevant history, thoughts, feelings, relationships and any factors that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions and talk about what you would like to get from counselling.From there, we’ll work together to clarify what’s going on and develop a plan for your therapy. Where appropriate, we may begin introducing practical strategies from the very first session.Your therapy will be tailored to you, drawing on evidence-based psychological concepts and strategies to help you understand yourself, make the changes you want and maintain those changes over time.You don’t need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out before you come. Just start the conversation we’ll work through the rest together.

Question 3

Do I need to see a Therapist?

Accepted Answer

It’s a good idea to consider therapy when you want support navigating life, not just when things are falling apart, but when you want to handle things better, feel clearer and stay steady through change.Pause and ask yourself:• Have I been more irritable, overwhelmed or emotional than usual?• Does day to day life feel heavier than it should?• Is there something looping in my mind that I can’t switch off?• Am I navigating a big life change or transition?• Am I still carrying the weight of a breakup?• Do I keep finding myself stuck in the same patterns?• Do I know I want something to change, but I’m not sure where to start?You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy is for anyone ready to grow with intention. The right support can help you make sense of what you’re feeling, understand your patterns, strengthen your emotional toolkit and move forward.Sometimes, you simply know that you don’t want to keep feeling the way you’ve been feeling. That can be reason enough to start.

Question 4

What is Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Mental health therapy is a confidential, unbiased space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, life circumstances, and relationships. It’s a purposeful conversation designed to help you gain self-understanding, strengthen self-esteem, and improve communication and interpersonal skills.Psychotherapy and counselling are collaborative processes. We work together to unpack personal challenges, patterns, and experiences then identify practical solutions, healthier perspectives, and coping strategies that support real, lasting change.

Question 5

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like other professional healthcare services, anything you discuss with your therapist will remain confidential.

All personal information gathered during the provision of the service will remain confidential and secure except when;
We have consent from you to do so.
Where there is a legal obligation to do so.
If there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to an identifiable person or persons that can only be averted by disclosing information.

In accordance with the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Ethics, there are some limitations to this confidentiality rule for example, if there is an immediate or specific risk of serious harm to a person’s safety, or if a client’s file is subpoenaed by a court.

This may mean the client has threatened suicide, is repeatedly harming themselves, or has threatened to harm another person. Additionally, therapists are required to report cases of child abuse. Confidentiality is discussed during the initial session intake to ensure this is understood.

Question 6

What techniques do you use?

Accepted Answer

I am a solutions focused, person centred therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

This means whilst we discuss and touch on the past, I focus on moving forward. I provide guidance and support and teach strategies. I work with you to explore and challenge your behaviour and thought processes through cognitive restructure.

I use a variety of effective psychological therapies tailored to your needs including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Psychotherapy
Interpersonal therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Schema Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy
Mindfulness Based Therapies

Question 7

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

CBT is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and mental illness.

In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.  CBT is based on several core principles, including:

Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behaviour.
People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.

CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. 
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Source: APA Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)

Question 8

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Online. All sessions are conducted through video call.

Question 9

Fees, Rebates and Cancellation

Accepted Answer

All sessions run for 50 minutes. 
- Business hours from $165
- After 5pm and weekend from $185
- Payment to be made prior to session.
Payment methods: PayID, Credit Card, Afterpay.

I only accept adult clients 18+ years of age.

Medicare rebate: 
I do not offer Medicare Rebate. Medicare does not provide a rebate for couples therapy.

Cancellation policy: https://www.dotclinic.com.au/cancellation-policy

Question 10

What is Life Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Life coaching does for your mind what personal training does for your body.  Life coaching involves the creation of empowering life paths, in order to achieve personal and professional goals. 
 
A life coach is able to help you analyse and examine your life.  Life Coaching helps you enjoy happiness, health, work and leisure because all these aspects are as important to our lives.
 
The main objective of life coaching is to enable and empower clients so that they are successful in their commitment to change their lives for the better.

Unlike therapy, life coaching does not delve deeply into repressed memories, and it does not involve complex terminology or psychology.

Having a life coach when happy is one of the best times during which to opt for life coaching. This is because you are receptive to growth and are in a frame of mind in which to examine what else you can pursue, in order to enhance oyur life.

The most fulfilled individuals are those who live their purpose and values each day. Life coaching can help you discover your unique vision and follow a holistic plan, in order to live your life to realise that vision.

Question 11

Are you in a crisis?

Accepted Answer

In situations where immediate assistance is required, please contact the most relevant crisis support service. This may include:
Lifeline on 131 114
1800 RESPECT is available for free 24 hours a day to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. 
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 
Emergency Services on 000

Please note I do not provide emergency service.  It is appropriate to update your clinician after a crisis has been managed, as this may inform appropriate treatment planning and referrals.

Question 12

Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or GP referral?

Accepted Answer

No. Medicare rebates are not available for counsellors or provisional psychologists. Please make your own judgement on what is best for you.

An example of Psychology fee (Initial consult: $260.00, Medicare Rebate*: $96.65, Out of Pocket: $163.35. With a valid MHTP from your GP, you can receive a rebate for up to 10 sessions with a psychologists each calendar year.

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