You will receive a questionnaire in the intake pack where you can indicate your needs/preferences within sessions, for example, eye contact, lighting, movement (need to move around? take breaks?), contact from reception outside of sessions (phone? email? SMS?), communication (writing ideas down? drawing? no small talk? direct? literal?), and learning (visuals? written?), amongst other things. 

It is normal to feel nervous…maybe about meeting a new person…maybe because you do not know exactly what to expect…or worry you may be asked to answer sensitive questions, or worse – talk about your feelings!!! I aim to create a low-pressure environment and won’t pressure you to talk about things you don’t want to. In the first session, I will be keen to learn about you - what are your special interests…what are your strengths…what is challenging for you…what stresses you out…what you would like support with. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. Sessions will feel like a conversation and are fairly casual. I encourage you to wear comfortable clothes (I don’t mind if you’re in your pajama’s for Telehealth sessions!), sit on the floor, walk around…whatever you need to do to be you. 

In the 1st session, you also get a chance to see what I am like as a therapist and if I am a person you could begin to feel comfortable with. The fit between therapist and client is all-important; please give me feedback on anything I may be able to adjust from my end. You may even find that I am not a good fit for you, and you should trust your intuition and find a therapist that is a better fit instead.

Yes, absolutely! Supportive others (e.g., partners, family, friends) are welcome to attend sessions with your consent. We may discuss how they may best support you, for instance, what you need from them when you are upset, sensory needs within the home, reduced demands at certain times, communication preferences, etc. We will discuss beforehand what information you may want to keep confidential and what information you are ok with sharing. Please note that I do not provide relationship or family therapy, however. 

Your privacy is taken very seriously and is respected as part of the privacy policy (issued in the intake documents or available upon request). Your information is handled according to the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). By law, psychologists cannot release this information, except in the following circumstances:

• where you provide explicit permission 
• where there is a legal requirement to do so
• where you or another person is at immediate risk of harm that can only be averted by disclosing information. 

Please feel free to raise any concerns or questions about your privacy with me. 

Initial sessions run for 90 mins. Subsequent sessions can be booked for 50 mins (standard consultation) or 90 mins (extended consultation).

How often someone attends therapy depends on individual circumstances and needs. Generally, most benefit is found through regular and consistent sessions. Together we will work out what works best for you.