FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY FIRST SESSION?

When you book in for a session, the lovely admin team will help you consent forms etc so that we don't waste time filling these out in session. When we meet for the first time I will check in that you understand consent and privacy, and give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Then, we get to work. I will ask you about what bought you to see me, and the rest is individual - some people find it easy to talk without prompting, others prefer a more structured session. Together we can work it out.

At the end of the first session you will probably have a good sense of whether you can work with me, and I will be honest about whether I am the right person to help you.

ARE YOU THE RIGHT PERSON TO HELP ME?

Good question.

Research tells us that the working alliance that you have with your psychologist is a CRITICAL factor in whether you will make progress.

It is so important that you see someone that 'gets' you, and that you feel heard, supported and in my opinion, challenged (that's how change happens).

By the end of the first session you will most likely have a pretty good idea of whether you would like to work with me.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2006 and a Masters of Psychology (Forensics) in 2010. I have done a lot of professional development and training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, goal setting and motivation, and mindfulness. I am a curious person by nature and always open to adding more tools to my toolbox, as I've seen over the years that there is no one path to wellness. Ask me more if you're interested!

CAN I GET A MEDICARE REBATE? WILL MY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PAY FOR PART OF YOUR FEE?

If you would like to claim the Medicare rebate, you need to ask your GP or psychiatrist for a Mental Health Care Plan. Don't be shy - more than 1.2 million Australians used these plans in the 2016 - 2017 financial year.

If eligible, you will receive $87.45 back from Medicare for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You need to see your GP after 6 sessions for a review.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE YOU?

No. If you want to claim the Medicare rebate (see above) you will need to ask your GP or psychiatrist for a mental health care plan, however you can simply make an appointment if you would prefer.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

To be honest, it is difficult say. It depends on a number of factors, particularly what you want to achieve from counselling. Some people come to work through a specific issue (such as performance anxiety, or strategies for stress management), while others want to examine enduring patterns in their life which might stem from childhood experiences (such as a series of relationship difficulties or addictive behaviours).

My job is to make myself redundant.

DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY

Yes.

You will be charged in accordance with the policy at Bluff Road Psychology.

Although life happens to us all, please do your best to give as much notice as possible so other clients are not disadvantaged.

WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF INTEREST?

I have experience helping clients with a range of issues including anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship difficulties, stress management, parenting difficulties, adjustment and transition, performance enhancement, addictions, negative self image, and motivation.

Although I have worked with children, the elderly and everyone in between, I now only work with adults aged 16+.

If you're a mum, you may be interested in my Instagram page. It will give you a good idea about my approach to parenting.

HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU? WHERE CAN I FIND YOU?

I am now part of Bluff Road Psychology in Sandringham and you can book by calling or emailing the admin team.

I am available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday mornings for in person appointments. I have limited times for telehealth outside these hours.

I do not provide emergency support and working part time in private practice does not allow me to support acutely suicidal clients. If you find yourself needing urgent attention, please call 000 or present to your nearest hospital.

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