Everything you need to know before your first session, from fees and payment to what to expect when we meet.
You don’t need a referral to book.
For sessions in person, you can pay at the end of the session by cash or credit card (Visa or Mastercard), or by direct debit two days before your session. Online sessions are paid by credit card at the end of the session, or by direct debit two days before.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, are charged the full fee. New sessions can’t be booked while a payment is outstanding.
I’m not part of the Medicare Mental Health Care Plan scheme, so Medicare rebates aren’t available for my sessions. The scheme covers a limited number of sessions each year, which often isn’t enough for deeper therapy work.
Some private health funds offer rebates for psychotherapy, depending on your level of cover. Please check with your fund before your first session.
No. You can book directly without a referral from your GP or anyone else.
Your first session is a chance to talk about what’s brought you here and what you’d like to be different. There’s no pressure to have the right words or a clear story. You’ll also get a sense of whether we work well together.
It’s different for everyone. Some people come for a handful of sessions around a particular issue; others find that deeper, more lasting change develops over a longer series of sessions. We’ll talk together about what feels right for you, and you’re free to stop at any time.
Yes. I offer online video sessions as well as sessions in person at my Nerang practice, so you can see me from anywhere.
Yes. What you share in sessions is kept confidential. As with all therapists, there are some limited exceptions required by law, such as when there’s a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s. I’ll explain these in your first session.
Process work, or Process Oriented Psychology, is the approach I use. It pays close attention to your direct experience, including feelings, body sensations, dreams and relationships, to understand what sits beneath what you’re going through. Read more about process work.
That’s okay. Many people feel unsure at first. You’re welcome to get in touch with any questions before booking, or to book a single session and see how it feels.
No. Gold Coast Psychotherapy isn’t a crisis service. If you need urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
My practice is at Suite 7, 1 Nerang Street, Nerang, on the Gold Coast. You can also see a map and contact details.
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out on your own. Take your first step to becoming a more confident and connected you today.