I’ve never seen a psychologist before and I’m not sure what to expect. How do I know if this is right for me?

It’s very common to feel unsure before starting therapy - especially if you’ve never done it before. The first session is focused on understanding what’s bringing you in, what you’re dealing with, and what you’d like to change. There’s no pressure to “perform” or say the right thing.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or not functioning how you want to — therapy is worth considering. You don’t need to be in crisis. Many people come simply because something isn’t working anymore and they want clarity and direction.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

You don’t need a referral to book an appointment. However, if you’d like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. This allows you to receive a rebate for eligible sessions.

If you’re unsure how this works, I’m happy to talk you through it.

Is what I say in sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is confidential. There are narrow legal exceptions — specifically, if there is an imminent risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or if mandatory reporting obligations are triggered regarding a child. Outside of these specific circumstances, your information is not shared with anyone, including your GP, without your explicit consent.

What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor?

A psychologist is a university-trained professional registered with AHPRA who provides psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication and typically manages more complex or medication-dependent presentations. A counsellor works in a less regulated framework and typically offers supportive listening rather than structured psychological treatment. For most presentations including anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD and burnout, a psychologist is the appropriate first point of contact.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes. Telehealth sessions are available Australia-wide via a secure video platform. Telehealth is suitable for most presentations and has strong evidence for effectiveness across anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, insomnia, and other conditions. If you're unsure whether telehealth is appropriate for your situation, feel free to ask when you get in touch.

What does a first session involve?

The first session focuses on understanding what's bringing you in — your current symptoms, relevant history, and what you'd like to work toward. It's a chance for me to start forming a picture of your situation and for you to get a sense of how I work. There's no pressure to disclose everything immediately. The pace is always guided by what feels comfortable.

How is Medicare billed for psychology sessions?

After each session, you'll receive a receipt. You can then claim your Medicare rebate through the Medicare app, MyGov, or at a Medicare service centre. The rebate is currently $98.95 per session for a registered psychologist, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The rebate is typically processed within 24-48 hours.

Do you work with men specifically?

Men's mental health is one of my areas of focus. Many men find it difficult to seek support and prefer working with a psychologist who understands that context. Therapy here is direct, practical, and free of judgment — whether you're dealing with anxiety, performance pressure, relationship difficulties, anger, or something harder to name. See the About page for more on my background and approach.

Can I see you without a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Yes. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is only required to access Medicare rebates. You can book and attend sessions without one — you simply pay the full session fee rather than the gap after the rebate. Some people prefer this for privacy reasons or because they'd like to start immediately without waiting for a GP appointment.

How many sessions do I need?

Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions initially, and then space them out as you see progress. The sessions are for 50 minutes; sometimes a double or longer session may be required- depending on your individual needs.

How can I get the most out of therapy?

The most important factor is being open and honest — even when something feels uncomfortable or unclear. You don’t need to prepare perfectly; just bring what’s been on your mind.

Between sessions, it can also help to notice patterns, reactions, or situations that come up in daily life. Therapy works best as a collaborative process, where sessions are a place to reflect, make sense of things, and gradually apply changes outside the room.