FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We can of course discuss any questions that you may have about therapy when meeting together, but below are some answers to common queries:

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
You don’t need a referral to make a consultation appointment, but if you are able to bring a referral from your GP it will enable you to have access to the Medicare rebate system.

WHAT ACCESS WILL I HAVE TO MEDICARE?

As a psychiatrist, I do provide treatment under the Medicare rebate system, which requires first a referral from your GP.   We can discuss more about how that might work for you specifically in our meeting, as it may be directed by your specific struggles and any associated diagnosis.

WHAT IF I NEED MEDICATIONS?

Generally I do not prescribe medication when working with someone in psychotherapy or psychoanalytic treatment, but instead may work in collaboration with a prescribing psychiatrist if that is required.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE FIRST TIME WE MEET?

Meeting together is with the aim of both of us considering together what it might be like to embark on therapy together. This is a shared decision.

I will usually meet with you on two occasions to discuss your current situation, relationships and any struggles, as well as those of your early life. Together we will then discuss what might be helpful and if we agree about the potential merit to commencing working together, the logistics, frequency and timing of therapy sessions can be addressed.

IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?

Your privacy is important and confidentiality is paramount to developing a sense of safety together. I usually confirm with your GP whether we are planning on commencing treatment, but will not share information about you with anyone without your consent, unless there are specific safety issues to be addressed.

HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME?

Every therapy session is fifty minutes long, ranging in frequency from weekly sessions to coming five times across the working week. Telehealth sessions are available.

How often you come depends on what you wish to address, as well as what other demands you have to manage in your wider life. Sometimes people may wish to increase the frequency of sessions as they gain confidence in working together in therapy.