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.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

At present, sessions are Telehealth only, available Australia-wide. Telehealth allows greater flexibility, easier scheduling, and removes the need for travel, while still being highly effective for most concerns.

In-person sessions are planned in the future.

Are people who go to therapy weak?

No. In practice, the opposite tends to be true.

Many people who come to therapy are capable, driven, and used to handling things on their own. Therapy isn’t about weakness - it’s about developing insight, emotional skill, and responsibility for your inner life, rather than continuing patterns that aren’t serving you.

Seeking help is often a sign that someone is serious about change.

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.