​FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mental Health Therapists don't just provide counselling to people with diagnosed mental disorders. We also work with mentally healthy people to help them seek clarity on issues and function better. ​ Ask yourself these questions; Are you moodier than usual? Has day to day life felt harder? Is something on your mind that you are always thinking about? Are you going through a major life change? Are you struggling to cope with a break up? Do you live a very active life, feel all over the place and need someone to talk to in general? ​ Counselling is for anyone who wants to take a step towards improving their lives. A qualified professional can ease you into adjusting to various situations and circumstances in your life by helping you grow emotionally and mentally.

Yes. 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. During this consultation, I will ask things like why the client is seeking services, what symptoms they are experiencing, and how they will pay for services. You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask any questions, and determine if my approach aligns with your goals. Consultations are done over the phone for 10 minutes.

Sessions are an unbiased talk therapy to help you navigate through your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, life & relationships. Confidential sessions create self understanding, build self esteem and build better interpersonal or communication skills. This is achieved by purposeful conversation using different techniques. Psychotherapy and Counselling is a process which people meet to discuss and explore personal life issues, encounters and problems then identify solutions and/or coping strategies.

It is normal to feel nervous and uncomfortable before your first session. Be assured I am non-judgemental and will do my best to help you feel at ease through conversation. Some people say they feel slightly better after they have made an appointment because they now have a plan in place to help them move forward. At times, the first step is the hardest. It is normal to feel that way. For the most efficient and effective treatment, the first session generally involves a detailed assessment of your current life situation, your difficulties and any contributing factors and history. You will be taken though the intake form and can ask any questions that you may have and, if time permits, we will discuss with you a plan for your therapy. In the first appointment I am keen to understand what you are struggling with. Together, we will help clarify what the issues are,​​ and how these impact you. Treatment begins after this assessment as we are keen to help you feel better. Treatment sessions draw on psychological concepts and strategies that are supported by research, to assist you to make changes​ you desire​, and ​to maintain these changes. I listen and will take the time to get to know you and tailor your therapy appropriately, giving you practical strategies, useful information and insights you can use.

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.

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. ​ Source: APA Div. 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)

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 believe you, as the client, is the expert on your life. I provide guidance and support, give perspective, and teach coping strategies to people experiencing things like significant change, stress and relationship breakdowns. I work with you to explore and challenge your behaviour and thought processes through cognitive restructure. I empower couples & individuals to overcome personal obstacles to improve their relationships, with themselves & others. 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

All therapies are individualised as people and all problems are unique. Typically, sessions span from 12 - 28 meetings for common difficulties, or on-going as required. Usually these sessions start as weekly sessions, and then as you make progress, these can become fortnightly to monthly.

All sessions are conducted through video call so can see client all over Australia. Face to face sessions are available to Sydney based clients (Pyrmont office, the exact address is provided when making the initial appointment).

All sessions run for 50 minutes. - Business hours from $180 - After 5pm and weekend from $220 - Payment to be made prior to session. - $70 non-refundable deposit is taken at time of booking. I only accept clients 18+ years of age. Medicare rebate: I do not offer Medicare Rebate. Medicare does not provide a rebate for couples therapy.

If you have ‘extras’ private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim rebates for psychological and counselling sessions. Each insurance company is different, and rebates depend on extras cover schemes which can change over time, therefore we recommend that you check with your insurer about rebate amounts. D.O.T Clinic no way guarantees any agreement held by clients with their private insurers. ​ We are not able to process private health claims on site. You are required to pay the full amount prior to the appointment and will be provided with an invoice to submit to your private health fund.

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.

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.

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.

While counsellors and psychologists often use similar therapies, psychologists typically focus on diagnosis, whereas counsellors focus more on how life feels and what’s impacting you—regardless of specific labels or causes. Counsellors don’t diagnose but often support clients who have been diagnosed or are showing signs of common mental health conditions. The counselling approach emphasizes building on what’s going right in your life, not just addressing what’s going wrong. Accredited counsellors hold tertiary qualifications and complete supervised training, just like psychologists.