As a Mental Health Social Worker I work with clients in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and behavioural issues within the context of their lives.  I am trained to provide evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychotherapy, relaxation strategies and other clinical treatments.  I have also undertaken extensive trauma-informed training.

Fees will vary depending on whether you are attending as an individual or couple.  As an AMHSW, a rebate is available for eligible clients, provided you have a GP referral.  The fee for an individual counselling session is $175.  If you are eligible for a GP Approved Mental Health Care Plan you are able to access the Medicare rebate.  At present eligible clients can claim rebates on up to 20 sessions per year.

In addition to Medicare, some private health insurers provide rebates for counselling sessions.  At present NIB, GU Health, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health and Uni Health Insurance all provide rebates for my counselling.  Please check with your provider to see if you are eligible.

I combine a wide range of therapeutic approaches which I adapt and integrate depending on your personal concerns and goals.  Working together we will identify  which approach, or combination of approaches, might work best for you.

In addition to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I may incorporate trauma therapy, person-centred counselling, mindfulness techniques, sensorimotor psychotherapy, recovery models, systemic therapy, Gestalt therapy, emotional focussed couples and relationship counselling, and strength-based techniques to name a few.

Generally, a session will be one hour.  However, please allow up to 90 minutes for your initial session.  This will give us time to get to know one another.  You can ask me any questions you may have to help you decide if I’m the right counsellor for you.  We will talk about what brought you to counselling, and what you hope to gain from our time together.  There will also be some basic housekeeping to take care of.

This depends on a number of things, including your concerns and goals for counselling.  Some people find a few sessions is sufficient, others attend for longer periods.  Part of our first session will be talking about expectations and timeframes, and as we progress we can review this expectation together.  Please be mindful that for best results, it is important to attend sessions regularly.

No formal referral is required, and you can make an appointment by contacting me directly.  However, if you wish to make a claim through Medicare, a GP referral is needed.

Absolutely.  Everything you tell me is treated as strictly confidential and your client records and session notes are kept in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.  They are stored on an encrypted, password-protected computer.

However, there are a couple of exceptions to this.  If either your or I feel that you may hurt yourself or others, or a child is at risk of harm, I have a duty of care to report this to the appropriate authorities.  If you report to me your knowledge of a significant crime that is about to be or has been committed, or if your notes are subpoenaed as part of a legal matter, I am required by law to abide by and notify the appropriate service.  Wherever possible, I will make every effort to let you know and include you in any discussions about this process.

Your session will be tailored to suit your counselling goals, but typically we will explore the issues and concerns you’re experiencing and then look at strategies to support you to bring about the changes that will assist you in moving forward.

For your first appointment, it will help if you take some time to think about why you’re coming to counselling.  It’s important you know what you might want to get out of our time together so we can both monitor your progress.  Feel free to write a list and bring it with you for us to discuss.

If you are having a Walk and Talk session, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.  And don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and some water.

Telehealth refers to any medical appointment, including counselling, held either by phone or via online platforms like Skype or Zoom. Your appointment works exactly like a normal counselling session, but there are a number of additional benefits.

Absolutely.  Most people feel a little apprehensive before starting counselling.  Nervous anxiety is not unusual, but try not to worry.  I make every effort to put you at ease.

Most definitely.  Even if your partner won’t come along, please don’t let this put you off.  Many people find they can still benefit from attending individual sessions and see positive improvements in their relationships.

Don’t worry, it is my responsibility to ensure your privacy.  The paths we take through the parklands are open and not busy.  In the unlikely event we do see someone you know we will just look like two people out for a walk.

Yes, I do.  Whilst working with women is my specialty, I do have male clients, both as part of a couple in relationship counselling, and individually.

If you are pregnant, or have been pregnant in the past 12 months, and are struggling with any issues relating to your pregnancy, birth or parenting, Medicare will provide a rebate for three counselling sessions with a registered Non-Directive Pregnancy Counsellor.  This might include, but is not limited to; unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, prenatal or postnatal depression.  Please see your GP for a referral.

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It’s great if you can make all your appointments as we schedule them to provide optimum results.  However, I understand sometimes life can get in the way.  If you need to cancel your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.  All cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice.

If you do not attend your appointment without letting me know, or cancel with less than 12 hours notice there will be a $50 cancellation fee, which will need to be paid before any more appointments can be booked.

Where possible, contact me as soon as you can before your scheduled appointment, and we can move it to another day and time that suits.