Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out to us at if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

You do not require a referral to make an appointment, however, you are unable to claim Medicare rebates for your sessions without a referral. Private health insurance rebates may be available without a referral for a Psychologist or Counselling. Please check with your private health insurance provider before your appointment.

Who can provide a referral?

A General Practitioner (GP), paediatrician or psychiatrist can provide a referral. We recommend that you book a long appointment with your doctor so that they may determine that you are eligible for a mental health care plan.

How long are sessions and what should I expect?

When you contact us, please provide your name, your child's name, your mobile number and email address, as well as a summary of why you are seeking help for your child. This will help to ensure a clear understanding of your concerns and how best your child can be supported. You will then be sent an email with links to complete the online intake form.

If your child's difficulties lie outside our area of expertise, you will be assisted in finding the most appropriate service for referral.

What should I expect in the initial session?

The initial session is 50-60 minutes in duration. The aim of the initial assessment session is to develop a shared understanding of your concerns and your child's difficulties, as well as your goals and expectations. You will be invited to share information about your concerns, child's symptoms, history, current stressors, and strategies that have or have not worked in the past. This session is conducted in a collaborative manner and at a pace that is comfortable for you and your child. You may share as much or as little as you like. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as needed along the way. At the end of the session, treatment options can be discussed (i.e., therapeutic approach, frequency of attendance).

What should I expect in the ongoing sessions?

Ongoing sessions last for approximately 50 minutes with remaining ten minutes used for record keeping, administrative tasks, and treatment planning. These sessions are based on a balance between gaining insight and understanding, as well as, skill development. Children are invited to begin each session with any concerns they have and provide input into the areas they would like to focus on during the session. We explore and unravel the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that contribute to distress. We work together in targeting these factors in treatment. New strategies are introduced and practiced in session as well as outside.

To get the most from psychological therapy it is recommended that you and your child spend some time, at least 10 minutes, before each appointment reflecting on your hopes and goals for the session. After each appointment, it can be very helpful to spend another 10 minutes or so reflecting on what your child learned during the session and plan for any changes you wish to make in the weeks ahead. It can be helpful to write these thoughts in a journal to keep throughout the treatment.

''Therapy does not only focus on eradicating difficulties but also on discovering what you and your child value most in life and overcoming barriers to living a fulfilling life''.

HELPING CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS LIVE HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, RESILIANT LIVES.

Frequently Asked Questions

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