FAQs

Updated June 2025

1. About Therapy and My Approach

What is a body-centred or somatic approach?

This means we include the body in the healing process—not just thoughts or words. Our bodies can hold onto stress and emotion, sometimes without us realising. By gently noticing things like breath, posture, or physical sensations, we can begin to understand and shift patterns that may be contributing to distress. You don’t need to retell your whole story—just be open to what your body may be communicating.

Do I need to talk about my past trauma for therapy to be effective?

Not at all. You’re welcome to share parts of your story if and when it feels right, but this approach does not require you to retell or relive traumatic experiences. We focus on how past experiences may still be affecting you in the present and work gently with what’s happening in your system now.

How is your approach different from traditional talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy tends to focus on thoughts and conversations to create change. While this can be helpful, it often has limits—especially if you’ve experienced trauma. When our nervous system is highly activated (for example, during stress or flashbacks), the thinking part of our brain can temporarily shut down, making it harder to access the cognitive strategies that talk therapy relies on.

My approach includes the body and nervous system in the process. By helping your system feel safer and more regulated first, we create the conditions where change can happen more effectively—without needing to push through or “think” your way out of distress. We work gently with what’s happening in the moment to support long-term shifts at both the body and mind level.

Do you provide diagnostic or medicolegal reports?

No, these are not services I provide. I do not offer formal assessments or reports for purposes such as the Disability Support Pension (DSP), NDIS, medicolegal matters, or diagnoses like Autism or ADHD. If these are needed, I can refer you to a psychiatrist or a forensic or clinical psychologist with expertise in these areas.

2. Bookings and Sessions

How do I choose the right psychologist?

It can feel overwhelming to find the right fit. I often suggest contacting 2–3 psychologists to get a sense of who feels right for you. Many offer a free initial phone call or respond to email questions, so you can ask about their style and approach.

You’re also welcome to use the prompts in the next FAQ with any psychologist you speak to—it can help you ask helpful questions to support your decision.

How can I get the most out of the free 15-minute consultation?

This time is for you to ask anything that helps you feel clearer. You might want to ask practical questions like:

What times are available?
What do sessions cost?
How often would we meet?

You can also ask about my or another psychologist’s approach or how I/they might work with the issues you’re facing. The goal is to help you assess both the practical fit and whether my or another therapist’s style feels right for you.

Do I need to prepare anything for my first appointment?

There’s no need to prepare anything in advance—just come as you are. If you would like to think ahead, you might reflect on what’s happening for you right now, and what you hope might feel different as a result of our work together. No need for a detailed history—just a sense of where you are and what you’re hoping for is more than enough.

Once I’ve booked a consult, how long are sessions and how often do we meet?

Sessions are typically 50 minutes. How often we meet depends on what works best for you—your schedule, affordability, and what you feel you need.

How many sessions will I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your goals and how you’re feeling as therapy progresses. We’ll talk together about what you want to get from our work and check in regularly, so you feel clear about where things are heading. My aim is to be useful and, eventually, not needed—because you’ve met your goals.

Is the information I share with you treated confidentially?

Yes, every session is private and confidential, however, there are some limits to confidentiality. Our discussions are confidential unless you give me permission to speak with someone on your behalf, except in special circumstances. If you have a referral from a doctor to access Medicare sessions before we meet you will need to consent to me providing your doctor with a brief report of your progress. There also may be other times, where I am bound by the law, when information is provided to other professionals to protect you or others from harm. These situations occur when a) a client is likely to harm themselves or others, b) if there is a child at risk of harm, c) if the courts subpoena information.

3. Referrals, Medicare and Private Health Insurance

Do I need a GP referral?

You don’t need a referral to see me. However, if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate, your GP (or psychiatrist) can give you a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

How many sessions does Medicare support?

With a referral under a MHCP, you can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year (January to December) with a Medicare rebate. Typically, your referring doctor will release a portion of these sessions with their initial referral. Then if you want to continue with sessions you will return to your doctor for the remaining sessions.

Can I use my private health insurance?

That depends on your insurer and your level of cover. If you’re eligible, I can provide you with a receipt so you can claim directly through your provider.

FAQs

1. About Therapy and My Approach

2. Bookings and Sessions

3. Referrals, Medicare and Private Health Insurance

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