Question 1

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, talk about what has brought you to therapy and see whether we feel like a good fit to work together.I’ll usually ask about what you’d like to get from therapy, but it’s completely okay if you’re not sure yet, many people aren’t at first. We’ll talk about some of the challenges you’re facing, what feels most important to you right now, and what you’d like life to look or feel like moving forward.I may also ask a little about your background, family, work or previous experiences to help me understand the bigger picture. There’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not comfortable discussing, and we can always take things at a pace that feels right for you.From there, we’ll begin to develop a plan together, focusing on practical strategies and changes that can fit into the life you’re already living and help you create a little more calm, balance and breathing room.

Question 2

What kinds of things can you help me with?

Accepted Answer

I work with people experiencing a range of challenges, including stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, and feeling disconnected from themselves or the life they’re living.I have a particular interest in supporting midlife women who have spent years caring for everyone else and have reached a point where they want to reconnect with themselves and create a calmer, more meaningful life. However, throughout my career I’ve worked with people of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences facing a wide variety of challenges.My approach is practical, warm and down-to-earth. We’ll look at why you may be feeling the way you do, what might be contributing to it, and how past experiences, beliefs or patterns may be influencing what’s happening in your life today.Most importantly, therapy isn’t just about understanding the past. We’ll also focus on where you are now and develop realistic strategies, habits and ways of thinking that fit into your everyday life using tools you can continue to draw on long after therapy has ended.

Question 3

How long is an appointment?

Accepted Answer

A standard appointment is 50 minutes.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone comes to therapy with different needs and goals. Some people find that one or two appointments give them the clarity and strategies they need, while others prefer ongoing support or an occasional check-in to help them stay on track.On average, many of my clients attend around three to four appointments, but there’s no expectation that you commit to a certain number of sessions. We can regularly check in about how things are going, and ultimately, how long you continue therapy is up to you.

Question 5

Do you provide psychological assessments or diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

I don’t provide formal psychological assessments or diagnostic services. My practice focuses on psychological therapy and support, helping you understand what you’re experiencing and develop practical strategies to improve your wellbeing and navigate the challenges you’re facing.If you’re seeking a formal assessment or diagnosis, I recommend finding a psychologist who specialises in the particular area you would like assessed.

Question 6

Do you provide reports or letters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I can provide certain letters and psychological reports for clients where appropriate. These may include letters or reports for services such as Centrelink, the Department of Housing or the NDIS.Please be aware that preparing letters and reports can involve a significant amount of professional time outside of your appointment, so these are charged separately from consultation fees.A standard one-page letter is $100. More detailed reports are quoted individually depending on their purpose, complexity and the time required to prepare them. If you require a report, please contact me to discuss what is needed and I’ll be happy to provide you with a quote beforehand.Please note that I do not provide letters, reports or assessments for court proceedings, legal matters or matters relating to Child Safety.

Question 7

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your privacy is extremely important, and what you share during therapy is treated as confidential in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal requirements that apply to registered psychologists in Australia.There are, however, some circumstances where I may be required or authorised to share information without your consent. These can include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, where records are legally required by a court, or where disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.Wherever possible and appropriate, I will discuss this with you before any information is shared.I’ll also explain confidentiality and its limits during our first appointment, so you have an opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns.

Question 8

What if I’m not sure whether you’re the right psychologist for me?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely okay. Finding the right psychologist is an important part of therapy, and sometimes you simply need to meet someone before you know whether they feel like the right fit for you.Our first appointment gives us an opportunity to get to know each other, talk about what you’re hoping to get from therapy and see how you feel about working together. There’s no obligation to continue if you decide that my approach isn’t quite what you’re looking for.Therapy works best when you feel comfortable, understood and able to be yourself, so I want you to feel free to decide what feels right for you.