FAQ's

Your first session is primarily about building a safe, comfortable connection and understanding what brings you to therapy. We will discuss your current challenges, your history, and what you hope to achieve. There is no pressure to share everything right away. Think of it as a collaborative conversation where we begin to map out a path forward at a pace that feels right for you.

A standard therapy session runs for 50 minutes. Specialized assessment appointments (such as cognitive or developmental testing) take longer, often requiring multiple blocks of 1 to 2 hours. We will advise you of the exact timeframe well in advance if you are booking an assessment.

No, you do not need a referral. You are welcome to book an appointment as a private client at any time. However, if you wish to claim a rebate through Medicare, you will need a valid referral (called a Mental Health Treatment Plan) from your GP, psychiatrist, or pediatrician before your first appointment.

Because everyone's journey is unique, there is no single answer. Some clients find that short-term, solution-focused therapy (6 to 10 sessions) gives them the tools they need. Others benefit from longer-term, deeper therapeutic support. We will regularly review your progress together to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

Yes. If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you are eligible to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychological sessions per calendar year. After your session is paid in full at our clinic, we can process your Medicare claim directly on the spot so the rebate is deposited straight back into your linked bank account.

Yes. Many private health funds provide cover for psychological services depending on your specific policy and level of extras cover. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to check your eligibility and rebate amounts.

We understand that life can be unpredictable and plans change. Because your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, we require at least 48 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us enough time to offer the session to another client on our waiting list. Cancellations or no-shows with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee.

We utilize evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to your unique goals and personality. Our core modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Developing psychological flexibility and mindfulness while taking action guided by your personal values.

• Motivational Interviewing: Exploring and resolving ambivalence to support positive behavioral change.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we work collaboratively with you to use strategies that fit your specific lifestyle.

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a core pillar of psychological practice. Everything you discuss with your clinician is kept strictly confidential and secure.

There are only a few legally mandated exceptions to this rule, which apply if there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or if files are subpoenaed by a court of law. Your psychologist will walk you through our full confidentiality policy during your very first visit.

It is completely normal for kids to feel nervous about meeting someone new. We recommend framing the visit in a casual, positive way. You might say:

"We are going to visit a talking and feelings doctor named [Name]. They have a room with toys and games, and their job is to help kids and families figure out how to navigate big feelings, school, and friendships so things feel easier."

Avoid using words that make the visit sound like a punishment or a test. Let them know that you will be right nearby the whole time.

Parents are a vital part of the therapeutic team! For children and young adolescents, we often involve parents in parts of the session or hold separate parent-only consultation sessions. This ensures that the strategies we practice in the clinic can be successfully integrated into your home routine and family dynamic.

We provide comprehensive developmental, cognitive, and functional assessments for both children and adults. Our assessment batteries include:

• Cognitive Profiles & Learning Differences: Utilizing tools like the WISC-V (for children) and WAIS-IV/V (for adults) alongside the WIAT-III/IV to identify learning profiles, giftedness, or intellectual development.

• Adaptive & Functional Capabilities: Utilizing the ABAS-3 to evaluate daily living skills and support applications for funding or educational adjustments.

Because assessments require careful planning, observation, and report writing, they follow a different structure than standard therapy. Please mention your assessment needs explicitly during your initial enquiry so we can discuss the specific focus, book the required multi-hour testing blocks, and provide you with a transparent quote for the total cost of testing and report writing.

Yes, we welcome NDIS participants who are Self-Managed or Plan-Managed. We provide therapeutic support and functional capacity assessments tailored to help you meet the goals outlined in your NDIS plan.

Because we are not an NDIA-registered provider, we cannot see clients whose funds are strictly Agency-Managed. If you are unsure how your funds are managed, please check your NDIS dashboard or consult your Plan Manager.