FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy differs from psychology and counselling in significant and complex ways. Psychotherapy has developed from psychoanalysis and as such, dates back to Freud. It is, however, not 'analysis' and has instead evolved to encompass a broad range of psychoanalytic, psychological and human development theories. There are many specific modalities within psychotherapy. But overall, the term refers to a depth approach that seeks to resolve mental health issues at their root cause. Psychotherapy treats clients from a humanistic stance - rather than a medical, scientific or pathologising one. Key to psychotherapy is the development over time, of a particular kind of therapeutic relationship. This relationship between the therapist and the client is at the centre of the psychotherapeutic process and is considered the primary vehicle of change. I use a contemporary psychotherapeutic approach that sits at the cutting edge of therapeutic practice. I am also a fully qualified contemporary somatic psychotherapist - including the body in all aspects of the therapeutic work. Contemporary psychotherapy is an integrative approach that draws on a wide range of cutting edge insights in neuroscience, attachment theory, trauma theory and more. My clients often comment that therapy with me bears no resemblance to sessions they may have previously undertaken with psychologists or counsellors.
How do I know if I have relational trauma?
Trauma is extremely common among humans. Where once it was only considered a relevant term for experiences such as wars, car accidents or other obviously damaging events, trauma is now understood to include a far more wide ranging set of experiences - including trauma that occurs interpersonally, between people. Because of the way we are wired, humans are easily traumatised in relationships. Any relational experience in which we feel unsafe, has the potential to result in trauma. Due to our extreme vulnerability in childhood, early life relational experiences can often be the source of trauma we are not conscious in. Unsafe relational experiences can have a profoundly traumatising impact on us - even where that trauma did not involve physical or other obvious abuse. Trauma lives in the body and as such most people are unaware they are carrying it. Often people have no explicit memory of the events that led to them being traumatised. Complex trauma, attachment trauma, or developmental trauma are even harder to self identify, or to witness in our own selves. Many of my clients have spent years in mental health treatment that has failed to identify their relational trauma.
How can I tell if your therapy is right for me?
Research shows the single most important element to any successful mental health treatment is the quality of relationship between client and therapist. On that basis, I provide a free consult, so we can assess whether my therapy is the right fit for you. The free 15 min Zoom consult is a requirement for all new clients.
How regularly does therapy take place?
Psychotherapy sessions occur weekly - on the same day and at the same time each week. Because it works at depth, psychotherapy is most commonly a long term process. Full terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, are provided during intake.
Do you offer online therapy?
All services to clients nationally and internationally occur online via Zoom only. Online therapy requires specific conditions to be effective. Clients are advised of the conditions necessary for having online therapy during the intake process.
Do you offer online therapy to clients outside Australia?
Yes. I offer psychotherapy to English speaking clients globally. Please note that I am regrettably unable to offer my services to clients in the US or Canada.
Do I need a referral to access your services?
No referral is required to access psychotherapy.
Are you a confidential service?
Yes. Psychotherapy in Australia sits outside of any reporting obligations to doctors, insurers or government agencies. As such it offers the highest level of confidentiality available in mental health.
What are your session fees?
Session fees vary according to whether you are located in Australia or internationally. Please get in touch to enquire about fees for the service you are interested in.
Can I claim my session fee from Medicare (Australia)?
No. Unfortunately, psychotherapy is not funded by Medicare.