Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I arrange an initial appointment?
New clients can book a complimentary 15-minute matching call. The call provides an opportunity to briefly discuss what you are seeking and whether my practice may be a suitable fit.
If we agree to proceed, we can discuss availability and the next steps for arranging an initial appointment.
Book a 15-Minute Matching Call
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist as a private client.
If you want to claim Medicare rebates, you will need a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or a referral from a psychiatrist. It is your responsibility to ensure that your referral remains current.
Private health insurance rebates may also be available depending on your policy. Medicare and private health insurance rebates cannot be claimed for the same appointment.
Do you accept WorkCover, DVA, Victims Services or NDIS funding?
I do not currently accept WorkCover, DVA, Victims Services or NDIS-funded referrals.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Appointments are available in person in North Sydney and by telehealth where appropriate.
The suitability of telehealth depends on your circumstances, treatment needs, privacy, available support and the type of therapeutic work being undertaken. This can be discussed during the matching call or assessment process.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Appointments are generally available during business hours. I do not routinely offer evening or weekend appointments.
How often would I need to attend?
The recommended frequency depends on your treatment goals, current circumstances and the type of work being undertaken.
Weekly appointments are often recommended during assessment and active treatment. Fortnightly appointments may be appropriate in some circumstances. Appointments can usually be spaced further apart as treatment progresses or moves towards completion.
Do you provide medico-legal reports?
I do not provide medico-legal assessments or reports.
Fees and Attendance
How are payments and rebates processed?
Full payment is required at the time of the appointment. Medicare rebates can generally be processed after eligible in-person appointments, and HICAPS is available for private health insurance claims.
Payment arrangements for telehealth appointments will be provided when your appointment is confirmed.
What is your cancellation policy?
At least 24 hours’ notice is required when cancelling or rescheduling a standard appointment. The full appointment fee may be charged when less than 24 hours’ notice is provided.
Medicare and private health insurance rebates cannot be claimed for missed appointments or cancellation fees.
EMDR intensives have separate cancellation and rescheduling terms.
Therapy and Treatment
How do I know whether you are the right therapist for me?
A good therapeutic fit involves more than qualifications or treatment methods. It is important that you feel sufficiently comfortable, understood and able to discuss difficult material with your therapist.
The complimentary matching call can help establish whether my experience and approach appear relevant to what you are seeking. It may still take several appointments to determine how it feels to work together.
If you have concerns about the therapeutic relationship or my approach, I encourage you to raise them in session. We can consider whether something can be adjusted or whether another practitioner may be a better fit.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy cannot be predicted in advance. It depends on your goals, history, current circumstances, the complexity of the difficulties being addressed and how you respond to treatment.
A circumscribed concern associated with a recent or discrete experience may require a relatively focused course of therapy. Longstanding trauma, dissociation, attachment difficulties or patterns affecting several areas of life often require longer-term or phased treatment.
Progress and treatment priorities are reviewed collaboratively. Where time or finances are limited, therapy may be organised into focused stages.
Is EMDR therapy suitable for everyone?
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment with a substantial research base for post-traumatic stress disorder. It may also be used for other concerns when distressing experiences, memories or learned threat responses contribute to current symptoms.
It is not suitable for every person or every difficulty. Before trauma processing begins, we consider your current stability, life circumstances, available support and capacity to remain present during emotionally demanding work.
Some people are ready to begin processing relatively quickly. Others benefit from preparation, adapted EMDR treatment or a different therapeutic approach.
What if I do not remember much of my childhood?
A complete or detailed memory is not always required for trauma-focused therapy.
Treatment may sometimes work with fragments of memory, physical sensations, emotions, beliefs or present-day triggers connected with earlier experiences. The appropriate approach depends on your history, symptoms and capacity to remain grounded during the work.
Recovering forgotten memories is not the aim of therapy, and emerging material is approached carefully without assuming that every image or impression is an accurate historical record.
Can I see you for EMDR if I already have a regular therapist?
In some circumstances, focused EMDR treatment can be provided alongside an existing therapeutic relationship.
This requires a clearly defined treatment goal and careful consideration of the respective roles of each clinician. With your consent, communication with your regular therapist may be recommended to coordinate treatment and reduce the risk of conflicting approaches.
What is an EMDR intensive?
An EMDR intensive is a planned block of extended EMDR treatment delivered over a shorter period rather than through weekly appointments.
Intensives include assessment, suitability screening, preparation, concentrated processing sessions and follow-up. They are most appropriate when there is a clearly identified treatment goal and sufficient stability and support for extended trauma work.
Learn More About EMDR Intensives
Can you work with me if I experience suicidal thoughts?
The presence of suicidal thoughts does not automatically mean that therapy cannot proceed. Suitability depends on their frequency and intensity, your current level of safety, available support and whether outpatient trauma-focused treatment is appropriate.
My practice is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in an acute suicidal crisis, unable to maintain your safety or require intensive support, another service may be more appropriate before trauma processing begins.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 for 24-hour support.
Still Have a Question?
If your question is not answered here, you are welcome to send an enquiry.