Frequently Asked Questions

If you're exploring support for yourself or someone you care about, this page answers some of the questions people often ask when reaching out.

Getting Started

How do I start therapy? What happens in the first session? Starting therapy can feel like a big step — and it’s okay to take it one conversation at a time. The first session is a space to talk about what’s bringing you here, what you’d like support with, and what matters to you right now. There’s no pressure to share everything straight away. It’s also a chance to ask questions, get a feel for how therapy works, and see if it feels like the right fit. From there, we can begin to shape a path forward together — at a pace that feels right for you.

Do I need to know exactly what’s wrong before starting therapy? Not at all. Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why they’re struggling—they just know they don’t feel like themselves. A big part of therapy is working through things together to understand what’s going on and find ways forward that feel right for you.

How many sessions will I need? The length of therapy is different for everyone. Some people find short-term support helpful, while others prefer longer-term therapy. Most people start with a few sessions to see how it feels and then decide whether they’d like to continue.

What to Expect

What if I don’t know what to say in therapy? That’s completely okay. You don’t need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Some people start by talking about what’s been on their mind lately, while others might not know where to begin. Therapy is a space where you can explore things in a way that feels right for you.

What if I get emotional during a session? It’s completely normal to feel emotional in therapy. Tears, frustration, or even feeling numb are all valid responses. Therapy is a space where you can express whatever comes up, without judgment and at a pace that feels safe for you.

What if I don’t feel like therapy is helping? Therapy is a process, and change can take time. It’s normal to feel stuck or uncertain at times. If something doesn’t feel helpful, therapy can be adjusted to better meet your needs. And if a different approach or therapist feels like a better fit, exploring other options can be a valuable part of the process.

Will therapy give me advice on what to do? Therapy isn’t about being told what to do—it’s a space to explore thoughts, feelings, and options to make decisions that feel right for you. While strategies or perspectives may be offered, the focus is on finding what best supports your needs.

What if I don’t want to talk about something? You never have to talk about anything you’re not ready to. Therapy moves at your own pace, and difficult topics are only explored when it feels right for you. If understanding past experiences feels important, it can be approached in a way that feels safe and manageable while staying focused on what’s most helpful in the present.

What if I need support between sessions? In therapy, we can work together on strategies to help you navigate difficult moments. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need immediate support outside of sessions, please visit my Helpines page for details on crisis helplines and urgent mental health services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical or mental health assistance, please call 000. If you’d like to check in between sessions about something non-urgent, feel free to email me, and we can discuss it at your next appointment. If something important comes up, let me know, and we can explore options for additional support—such as scheduling an earlier session, where possible.

Practical Information

Can I get a Medicare rebate for sessions? If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $96.65 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The rebate helps reduce the out-of-pocket cost of therapy. Please check with your GP to see if you’re eligible.

Can I use Victims of Crime funding for therapy? Yes — if you're eligible for support through a Victims of Crime scheme, therapy may be covered. Funding arrangements can vary depending on the state or territory you live in, and whether your support is through a government agency, insurer, or legal process. If you're not sure how to access this support or whether your sessions would be covered, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to talk it through or help you find the next step.

Can I use my NDIS funding for therapy? Yes — I work with both self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants under Therapeutic Supports – Improved Daily Living. If you’re self-managed, you can pay for your sessions and then request reimbursement through the NDIS portal. If you’re plan-managed, I can invoice your Plan Manager directly. If you’re not sure whether your plan includes therapy, it can be helpful to check with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator. You're always welcome to get in touch if you'd like to talk it through.

Can I use WorkCover or workers compensation funding for therapy? In some cases, yes. I’m able to see clients under WorkCover or workers compensation schemes in both New South Wales and Victoria, depending on the specific referral and approval process. In NSW, therapy usually needs to be approved by your insurer and referred by your GP or treating doctor. In Victoria, WorkSafe funding may be available with prior approval and a referral from your doctor or treating health professional. Because each case is different, it’s important to check with your insurer, case manager, or treating team before booking. If you're unsure what’s needed, you’re welcome to get in touch and I can help guide you through the next step.

How do I pay for sessions, and what if I need to reschedule? Payment is arranged through reception at the time of your appointment. If you're eligible for a Medicare rebate or another funding arrangement (like private health or a third-party referral), reception can help process this for you on the day. If you ever need to cancel or reschedule, just contact reception as early as you can. They’ll help find another time that works for you and let you know about any relevant cancellation policies.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Is what I share in therapy confidential? Yes — your privacy matters deeply, and everything you share in therapy is treated with care and respect. What you talk about stays confidential, except in rare situations where there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where I’m legally required to share information (for example, under child protection or court orders). Your personal and clinical information is securely stored using systems that meet Australian privacy standards. If you'd like to read the full Privacy Policy, you're welcome to ask at any time.

Can I bring a support person to therapy? Sometimes, having a support person alongside you in therapy can feel helpful — especially in the early stages. If you're thinking about bringing someone, we can talk it through together and decide what might feel most supportive for you and the work we're doing. There’s room to explore what works best for you.

Support for Parents & Caregivers

How do I talk to my child about coming to therapy? You don’t need to have all the perfect words — what matters most is that your child feels safe, supported, and not in trouble. It can help to keep things simple and reassuring. You might say something like: “Therapy is a place where you can talk, play, or just be yourself. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to. The therapist is there to help, and you’ll go at your own pace.” Let your child know that therapy isn’t a punishment or a sign that something is wrong. It’s just a way to get support — like seeing a doctor when you don’t feel well, or a coach when you want help learning something new. Most often, parents or caregivers meet with the therapist first. This gives us space to understand what’s been happening, explore your hopes for support, and talk about how to introduce therapy to your child in a way that feels gentle and affirming. Together, we can also find ways to help your child feel more comfortable and prepared for their first session.

What if my child is nervous or doesn’t want to come? It’s completely understandable for children to feel unsure or hesitant about starting therapy — especially if it’s something new. You might let them know they don’t have to talk about anything straight away, and that the first visit is just a chance to meet the therapist, look around, and see how it feels. Often, children begin to feel more at ease after a few sessions. If your child continues to feel unsure, we can work together to understand what’s going on and find gentle ways to support them — always at a pace that feels safe.

Will I be in the session with my child? It depends on your child’s age, their preferences, and what feels most supportive at the time. Some younger children feel more comfortable with a parent in the room, while older children or teens may prefer space to talk on their own. This is something we can talk through together — there’s no one right way, and we’ll make a plan that feels safe and appropriate for your child and your family.

Ending Therapy & Moving Forward

What happens when I feel ready to finish therapy? Therapy is different for everyone—some people come for a short time, while others attend for longer. When you feel ready to finish, we’ll talk about how to wrap up in a way that feels right for you. This may include reviewing progress, discussing coping strategies, and planning for the future.

Can I come back to therapy later if I need to? Absolutely. Many people return to therapy at different points in their life, even after taking a break. You’re always welcome to reach out if you feel you’d like more support in the future.