Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I speak to immediately if I am in a crisis, or experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts?

If you are in a crisis, if another person may be in danger, or if you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, don’t use this site. Call 000 or the following resources can provide you with immediate help:

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 – Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential.
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – This is a 24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 – This is a national service that provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. However, please note that you will not have access to a Medicare rebate without one.

How do I make an appointment?

We do not employ reception staff (i.e., you will not see someone at the “front desk” when you come in). Bookings are made via our online booking system, or with your psychologist after you have attended your first booking. We do suggest making a few appointments when you first book to avoid waiting times in between your first and subsequent sessions. Essentially, you come in for your therapy session and make yourself comfortable with a tea or coffee in our waiting area and your therapist will meet you there at the time of your appointment.

Why should I commit to therapy?

Friends and family have their limitations.
We all use family and friends for support. However, there are times when we might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to discuss certain issues with them, when we might feel like they see things differently from the way we do or when they might be part of the problem that we are having.

Relationships need work, they are important to all of us.
We all seek to have happy fulfilling relationships with the people in our lives. At times we develop concerns about parts of our relationships and are worried about how things are going. Sometimes we just want to make things better and strengthen the ties we share with people.

From time to time we don’t feel like life is plain sailing.
We all experience the ups and downs of life. Addressing a difficult problem or a painful emotion can be hard work on your own.

Recurring issues or problems perplex us.
We have all said “why do I keep doing this?” in relation to some problem. Often important issues can stump us and as a result they remain unresolved and we find ourselves repeating behaviours that make us unhappy.

We need to develop particular skills.
Life presents many challenges and we are constantly having to adapt. This can be difficult to develop on our own. Personal development ensures we have the skills to meet these challenges.

We can’t see the forest for the trees.
Sometimes the more and more we stare at something the less and less we see and understand; it all becomes blurred and confusing. When we attempt to struggle with it on our own, we rely solely on our own perspective and problem solving with all its associated blind spots.

We need to understand ourselves better.
The expression “the tip of the iceberg” is similar to people and their personalities, that is, large parts or ourselves are usually hidden, and we are unaware of them and the impact that they have on our lives. People make positive progress as they understand themselves better.

How should I prepare for my first treatment?

You will need to fill in the health history intake form before you arrive. It will be sent to you by email once you book your appointment and completing this confirms your first appointment. Please upload your mental health care plan if you have one, into the intake form and provide your medicare card number, expiry and reference number so we can process rebates for you.

What is the length and frequency of our sessions?
Our standard sessions are 50 minutes and take place on a weekly, fortnightly or, in some cases, monthly basis. Frequency is best discussed with your therapist and is typically agreed upon together in your first session.

Where do I park?

There is free 2 hour parking out the front of our clinic on Gladstone Rd. Alternatively, you can park for free on Emily St, which is around the corner.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Our clinic is on the lower floor, so after passing through the big white gate, turn right down the stairs and this will take you through to our clinic space. The waiting room is at the end of the hall. Feel free to make yourself tea or coffee when you are waiting to see your clinician.

Contact Us

Address

Gladstone Rd Highgate Hill 4101

 

Opening Hours:

Monday-Wednesday 9-5 face to face and telehealth
Thursday 9-5 telehealth only