FAQs
FAQs
Have a question in mind? We are committed to providing our clients with the best care and experience possible. When it comes to mental health, no question is too small or unimportant. Explore the answers to some common FAQs below, and feel free to reach out if you have any additional queries.
GENERAL TOPICS
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE? Each therapy session typically runs for 50 minutes, with the remaining 10 minutes of the 60-minute session block allocated for note-taking, reviewing your progress, and planning for the next session. This ensures we maintain accurate records to provide the best possible care. For certain types of therapy, such as EMDR, longer sessions (e.g., 1.5 hours) can be arranged. However, these are subject to availability in the clinician’s schedule. If you feel a longer session would be beneficial, please let us know, and we can discuss options that suit your needs.
DO YOU ACCEPT MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLANS AND HOW DO THEY WORK? Yes, we accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs). These are provided by your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician and allow you to access Medicare rebates for a certain number of therapy sessions each year. Here’s how the process works: 1) Visit your GP: Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health needs. They will assess your situation and, if appropriate, create a Mental Health Care Plan for you. 2) Provide your MHCP to us: Once you have your MHCP, you can bring a copy to your first session or email it to us beforehand. 3) Medicare rebates: If eligible, Medicare rebates will be applied to the cost of your sessions, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses*. The rebate will be processed after payment for the session is completed, and the rebate amount will be deposited by Medicare into the account linked to your Medicare card typically within 24 to 48 hours. Session allocation: MHCPs typically provide rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Initially, you’ll receive a block of 6 rebated sessions. After these, your therapist will send a letter to your referring provider (e.g., your GP), requesting approval for the remaining 4 sessions. *Please note that MHCPs do not cover the full session cost (i.e., they are not bulk-billed), so there will be an out-of-pocket expense. If you have any questions about the MHCP process or fees, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to assist!
DO YOU ACCEPT NDIS REFERRALS? Yes, we accept NDIS-funded clients. If you are an NDIS participant, therapy sessions can be covered under your NDIS plan, depending on your individual funding and goals. Here’s what the process typically involves: Provide your NDIS plan details: At your first session, please provide a copy of your NDIS plan or relevant funding information. Plan Review: We’ll discuss your goals with you and ensure the therapy services align with your NDIS plan. Sessions and billing: We will invoice the NDIS directly for eligible services. If you are self-managed or plan-managed, we can provide you with invoices for reimbursement. If you have any questions about how NDIS funding works or need assistance with the process, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!
DO YOU COMPLETE ASSESSMENTS? Yes, we do complete assessments at our practice. For more detailed information, you can visit the Assessments tab on our website, which provides an overview of the types of assessments we offer, what the process looks like, and how to get started. Our aim is to ensure the process is thorough, tailored to your needs, and provides meaningful insights and practical recommendations to support the next steps. If you have any questions or would like to book an assessment, please feel free to contact us directly.
THERAPIES
WHAT IS EMDR? EMDR is a structured therapy approach that helps individuals process distressing or overwhelming experiences that may continue to affect their mental and emotional wellbeing. It is often associated with treating trauma, including PTSD, but its benefits extend beyond trauma-focused work. EMDR can also assist with difficulties like anxiety, phobias, low self-worth, persistent feelings of shame, and relationship problems. These issues can sometimes stem from earlier experiences that were not necessarily traumatic but were still difficult or distressing—such as criticism, rejection, or feeling unsupported. These experiences can leave emotional “traces” that shape how individuals think, feel, and respond in their current lives. Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements) while recalling challenging memories, EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences in a way that can reduce emotional distress and lessen their influence on day-to-day thoughts and behaviours. This process can lead to a greater sense of emotional stability, reduced reactivity to triggers, and an increased capacity to manage life’s demands. EMDR can be especially valuable when other talk-based approaches have not led to the progress hoped for, as it works on a deeper, often non-verbal level. By addressing the underlying emotional patterns that contribute to current distress, EMDR supports individuals in feeling more at ease, improving their confidence, and engaging more fully in relationships and daily life.
WHAT IS ACT? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to help us learn to avoid causing ourselves extra suffering on top of what life can already throw at us. ACT helps individuals handle difficult thoughts and emotions without getting overwhelmed by them. Instead of struggling to eliminate discomfort, ACT teaches ways to accept what can’t be changed and focus energy on actions that align with personal values. This approach can improve mental flexibility, reduce avoidance, and support living a more fulfilling and meaningful life, even when challenges arise.
WHAT IS CBT? CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT helps identify these patterns and develop more balanced ways of thinking, while also building practical coping tools. This approach can reduce distress, increase problem-solving confidence, and help individuals manage everyday challenges more effectively.
WHAT IS DBT? DBT teaches practical skills for managing strong emotions, reducing impulsive behaviours, improving relationships, and staying present. These skills can be especially useful for people who feel overwhelmed by emotions or who struggle with conflict in relationships. DBT supports building emotional stability, improving decision-making, and strengthening connections with others—helping individuals feel more capable and in control of their lives.
WHAT IS ERP? ERP is a specialised form of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) often used to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety-related difficulties. It is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is also helpful for phobias and other issues involving avoidance or compulsive behaviours. ERP works by gradually exposing individuals to situations, thoughts, or triggers that cause anxiety or discomfort, while resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviours or avoidance strategies. This process helps the brain learn that these triggers are not as dangerous as they feel and that distress naturally reduces over time without needing rituals or avoidance. While ERP can feel challenging at first, it is a structured and supportive approach that helps reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts and break the cycle of anxiety and compulsive responses. Over time, individuals often experience greater freedom and control over their actions, allowing them to engage more fully in daily life without being ruled by fear or rituals.