Frequently Asked Questions
What does a psychologist do?
In Australia, the title “psychologist” is protected by law and can only be used by professionals who are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and listed with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This registration ensures they’ve completed a minimum of six years of university study and supervised practice. To maintain their registration, psychologists must also commit to ongoing professional learning. Psychologists work in a wide range of settings and play important roles across different areas of the community.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist or sex therapist?
No, you do not need a referral.
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If you are seeking a Medicare rebate or payment via your DVA card (white/gold), then a referral from a GP is required.
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Please note: sexual concerns are recognised under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which can be provided by a GP, and may be eligible for Medicare rebates.
Will I be able to access rebates via Medicare?
Yes – you can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year for services provided by a psychologist (you can attend more sessions than this without the rebate).
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You will need to provide a valid referral from your doctor to be eligible for Medicare rebates. Please note: Medicare rebates are not available for relationship therapy.
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After attending the first six sessions under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you are required to attend a session with your referring doctor to be re-referred for an additional four sessions. Currently the same rebates apply for telehealth sessions as for in-person sessions. The rebate you will receive for your psychology session will be $98.97 (higher if you have reached the Safety Net).
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If you intend to claim a rebate via Medicare, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid referral before you attend. Medicare rebates can be processed online for you if accounts are paid on the day.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
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Somatic Therapy / Body-Based Approaches
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Sensate Focus Therapy
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Communication and Assertion Skills
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Sex Education
What concerns or issues can I seek support for?
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress
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Erection problems
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Difficulty experiencing or inability to orgasm
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Ejaculation difficulties
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Low desire/libido
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Painful sex
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Problematic sexual behaviour (porn use or masturbation which has impacted on daily functioning and is causing distress)
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Sexual trauma
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Performance anxiety
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Sexual shame
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Body image concerns
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Unfulfilling sex life
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Difficulty communicating sexual needs and desires
What Are Your Payment Methods?
The session fee will be charged automatically during your appointment.
When you make an appointment, an intake form will be emailed to you to enter some details and to (securely) store a credit card on file for secure automatic processing.
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The session cost is reviewed periodically, and you will be advised of any changes to the fees via email. Occasionally sessions need to be longer, such as for certain treatment modalities, and these are negotiated with you in advance.
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Therapy sessions do not attract GST.
What if I need after hours support?
This service is not available to provide support between sessions or after hours. We will endeavour to return emails within 48 hours during the week, but work emails are not accessed on the weekends or evenings. Email is the best way to reach our admin team, for anything you may need.
If you require urgent psychological support, please use a phone crisis service such as Lifeline 13 11 14.
Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
I offer online appointments on a Monday and Friday. These sessions are done via a virtual platform or telephone. This helps me to be more accessible to clients.
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I also offer in-person appointments on a Friday.
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Please note, I am unable to see clients based in the US or Canada.
How many sessions will I need?
The number and frequency of sessions depends on the issues being addressed, and on how willing you are to practice strategies discussed in between sessions. You are invited to discuss with your therapist any questions about session focus, frequency and duration. Therapy is a collaborative process, it is something done ‘with you’ rather than ‘to you’ and so your feedback about how you are finding therapy is welcome and necessary.
What is a sex therapist and sex therapy?
A sex therapist is a person who has undertaken university studies in the field of human sexuality and sexual behaviour.
Sex therapy is a specialised form of therapy for people which focuses on sexual wellness. It addresses a person's psychological and/or physical sexual problems and/or helps people to improve their sexual intelligence.
What isn't involved in sex therapy?
A sex therapist will never ask you to remove your clothings or be naked ourselves, touch you or your genitals, watch you or engage in sexual activity with you, judge or shame you, use any form of conversion therapy or give you medication to treat your sexual concern. ​