Frequently asked questions
If you’re considering therapy, you might have some questions about the process and what to expect. These questions might apply more generally and not just to working with me.
Below are some of the more frequently asked questions I get asked regarding psychotherapy…
Click on the question below to expand the answer.
If you cannot find your question below, you might also like to look at the How I work page or contact me directly.
Frequently asked questions
What happens in our first session?
Before your session, you may feel a little nervous or awkward. There may be some resistance to turning up on the day- this is perfectly normal!
During the first session, we will discuss the issues you want to work with. The first session can sometimes be the most challenging part of therapy and the most difficult, particularly if you’ve never spoken about your problems before. It can also be very relieving to get these issues off your chest!
We will go over the practicalities, such as professional boundaries, confidentiality, fees, cancellations and any questions you might have.
It is a chance for us to get to know each other. We can see if we are a ‘good fit’ to work together and if the way I work meets your needs. You will have a good sense of this after the session. You can ask yourself the following questions.
Did you feel:
- like we clicked?
- that I understood you and the issues you came with?
- safe or at ease to talk with me?
This advice also applies to any other therapist you want to work with.
How often will I need to attend?
If there is too much of a gap between sessions, progress can be slow or minimal. On the other hand, having sessions too frequently can lead to burn-out.
For that reason, when we first work together and depending upon your needs, I generally suggest meeting weekly for 6-8 sessions, so that we can build rapport and develop momentum. If more sessions are required, we will usually meet fortnightly or monthly depending upon your needs and circumstances.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends. Some people prefer to come to resolve a specific issue and are happy to go on with their lives. Others come for medium- to long-term therapy, which allows time and space to explore themselves and their relationships in greater depth and more resembles personal-development. Therapy can be a fantastic means to cultivate greater self-awareness and understanding.
During our initial session, we will discuss your goals and expectations and determine what suits you best.
I/We need therapy. Is there something wrong with me/us?
Absolutely not.
There is a perception that people who attend therapy have something wrong with them, are broken or just wallowing in self-pity. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It’s common for individuals and couples to seek out external help when they are unable to resolve personal issues themselves. An impartial person’s perspective can be valuable in providing insight that is not obvious from the inside.
Therapy can also be a fantastic form of personal development, even when there are no problems or issues. It can help develop tools and create greater insight into our lives and deepen our relationships.
Therapy is not a short-term fix, but it can provide long-lasting change.
How do I know you're the right therapist for me?
Therapy depends on the strength of the relationship between you and your therapist. For that reason, it’s essential to work with someone you feel like you click with.
I recommend reading my About and How I work pages to get a sense of me and my approach.
You can also book in a free 20-minute phone consultation, so we can discuss your needs and how I might be able to help.
Likewise, if I don’t feel that we are a good fit, I can refer you to another therapist who I think might be better suited.
Can you fix me/my relationship?
The short answer is that in therapy, there are no guarantees. It would be unethical of me to make such promises.
The longer answer is that I do not believe we should view people or relationships as broken. You may feel broken at times in your life. This is a common experience for many people. But humans are not machines to be repaired like a broken watch. We are complex, evolving organisms.
I think it is better to see ourselves having integrated parts and less integrated parts. When we feel broken, those unintegrated parts have more power. Therapy is a process of integration.
In our sessions, I will provide you with tools and resources and create a safe space for you. Ultimately the work that happens is your own. It is a process of self-discovery.
Why Right Relationship?
Right Relationship is more than a business name. It is my mission statement.
Right relationship is a concept that refers to a way of relating that honours and respects the integrity, dignity and sovereignty of ourselves and each other. When we meet each other (and our world) with these qualities then we are in right relationship.
Standing in a place of right relationship involves healing trauma, deepening connection, clarifying values, embracing integration and embodiment, and learning to love and respect the natural world we live in.
This has been my life’s work and I am passionate about helping people attain right relationship in their own lives.
Do you offer any concession rates?
I only offer concessions to individuals and couples who are in medium or long-term therapy and who have limited financial means. I do not offer concession rates for short-term therapy (less than 10 sessions).
Do I get a Medicare rebate?
No. Only clinical psychologists and mental health care social workers are eligible for Medicate rebates.
It will cost you less to see me than many Medicare providers, however, as their out-of-pocket expenses are still higher than my fee (even after the rebate).
The Medicare rebate is also only available for a limited number of sessions. Once you have reached your limit, you will be paying full price for a psychologist, which can be anywhere in the vicinity of $250 or more per session.
Can I get a health fund rebate?
I am registered with the following health funds: Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA and CUA Health (telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA and Westfund.
Please let me know prior to your session if you need an invoice for any of these funds. For any funds not listed, please contact your provider.
I see you are trained as a shiatsu therapist. Do you offer bodywork?
No. I no longer offer bodywork sessions to the public. However, my background in bodywork and movement has a significant influence on my approach to therapy.
Where appropriate, I often recommend clients obtain bodywork to accompany their sessions, as they complement each other. If this is something within your means, I can provide a referral upon request.
From time to time I run shiatsu workshops for couples. Register for updates to be notified of the next workshop.
I am an associate member of the Shiatsu Therapist Association Australia (STAA).
What is the difference between a counsellor, psychotherapist and psychologist?
In Australia, there is no formal distinction between a counsellor and a psychotherapist.
Generally, you see a counsellor for a specific issue and for a shorter period of time. You see a psychotherapist for more in-depth or general problems, across a longer duration. Some people like to attend psychotherapy to explore their lives and relationships, to gain greater clarity, meaning and purpose.
A psychologist is an individual who has completed a psychology degree and generally ascribes to the ‘medical model’ of mental health. This approach means they diagnose in terms of mental illness set out in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Many psychologists operate on a cognitive (thinking) level and are unconcerned with deeper aspects of the self. They are focused on treating symptoms and getting you back to ‘normal’.
As a psychotherapist, I do not work within the medical model, which means I do not diagnose or pathologize. I also do not prescribe medications. For more information about my approach, you might like to read the How I work page
