Frequently Asked Questions

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, it’s okay to have questions.  

Here are some of the most common things people ask when getting started: 

  • Our first session is a gentle space to begin building trust and understanding. I’ll invite you to share a little about what brings you to therapy, whether it's a particular experience, a feeling, or a general sense of overwhelm. We may also explore aspects of your daily life, relationships, and background to better understand what you’re seeking from our time together. There is no rush or pressure, we move at the pace that feels safe for you. 

  • People come to therapy for many reasons. Psychotherapy explores longstanding emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and the impact of past experiences. It’s often longer-term and can help with more complex mental health concerns by fostering insight, healing, and personal growth.

    Psychotherapy can help with:

    • Enhancing self-awareness and insight

    • Building resilience and coping strategies

    • Developing communication and assertiveness

    • Cultivating a sense of meaning, values, and agency

    Here’s a breakdown of common issues people seek psychotherapy for:

    • Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias)

    • Depression and mood disorders

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Bipolar disorder

    • Dissociative disorders

    Personal and Emotional Struggles:

    • Low self-esteem or self-worth

    • Difficulty regulating emotions

    • Chronic stress or burnout

    • Anger or irritability

    • Grief and loss

    • Loneliness or social isolation

    • Identity exploration (including gender, sexual, cultural identity)

    Relationship and Attachment Issues:

    • Interpersonal difficulties (conflict, codependency, fear of intimacy)

    • Family dynamics and generational trauma

    • Relationship breakdowns or divorce

    • Parenting support

    • Trust and boundary issues

    • Difficulty forming or sustaining meaningful connections

    Trauma and Adverse Life Experiences:

    • Childhood abuse or neglect

    • Domestic or family violence

    • Sexual assault or harassment

    • Medical or birth trauma

    • Natural disasters, accidents, or critical incidents

    • Complex PTSD and developmental trauma

    Life Transitions and Stressors:

    • Career changes or workplace issues

    • Relocation or migration stress

    • Health diagnoses or chronic illness

    • Aging and end-of-life concerns

    • Becoming a parent or carer

    • Existential crisis or loss of purpose

    Behavioural Patterns and Coping:

    • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

    • Substance use and addiction recovery

    • Disordered eating or body image issues

    • Perfectionism and people-pleasing

    • Difficulty making decisions or fear of failure

  • You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. Often, people seek psychotherapy because they feel unhappy, disconnected, or overwhelmed without a clear reason why. Through gentle conversation and exploration, we often uncover underlying causes that may have been hidden beneath the surface. Bringing these into awareness can be the first powerful step toward healing. 

  • The number of sessions depends on your personal goals, needs, and circumstances. Some people attend just a few sessions for focused support, others find ongoing work helpful for deeper healing and growth. After our first session, I may suggest a pathway forward, but ultimately you decide what feels right for you. You are never locked into a set number of sessions. 

  • Yes. Everything shared in our sessions is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality. There are some rare legal and ethical exceptions (such as risk of harm to yourself or others), which we will discuss in detail during your initial consultation to ensure you feel fully informed and safe. 

  • Yes. I am a registered practitioner with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and work in accordance with their Code of Ethics and Practice. This means I am committed to working safely, ethically, and with deep respect for the individuality of every client. As part of my registration, I engage in ongoing professional development and receive regular supervision to ensure the highest standards of practice. 

  • Not at all. Seeking therapy doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you, it means you are courageous enough to invest in your own growth, healing, and wellbeing. Therapy can be a powerful space for growth, exploration, and self-discovery at any stage of life, not just in moments of crisis. 

    You don’t have to be “at breaking point” to seek support. In fact, many people begin therapy as a way of deepening their connection with themselves, building resilience, or navigating life transitions with greater clarity and care. 

  • Sometimes, when partners, family members, or friends misunderstand therapy, it reflects their own discomfort with vulnerability, change, or emotional exploration. It’s important to remember that your decision to seek support is a personal and empowering choice. 

    Choosing therapy is about strengthening your relationship with yourself, not about meeting anyone else’s expectations or assumptions. 

    You are welcome here exactly as you are, without judgment. 
    Your healing journey belongs to you. 

  • Session fees vary depending on the type of service and length of appointment. Please see the booking page for current rates.

    As a psychotherapist, my services are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

    However, if you have Private Health Insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim benefits for counselling and psychotherapy services. You will need to check with your health fund as to whether you are eligible for rebates.

    Currently, PACFA has agreements with the following health funds: 

    Medibank, AHM, Bupa,HCF, ARHG

    While this means you cannot claim a rebate, there are a few important benefits to consider:

    • No referral required: You can access support directly, without needing to see a GP or be placed on a waiting list.

    • No diagnosis necessary: Our work together does not require you to meet diagnostic criteria or have your mentalhealth history recorded in medical files.

    • Greater flexibility and confidentiality: Sessions are tailored to your needs, without the limitations of government frameworks or session caps.

    I hope this helps.

  • Due to limited appointment availability, full payment is required at the time of booking.   

    Cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hours' notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may result in a retained booking fee at my discretion. If an appointment is transferred, this can be done once; thereafter, the full fee may be retained. 

  • If there’s something you’re wondering about that’s not covered here, please feel free to reach out. I am always happy to answer your questions and help you feel at ease before we begin.