FAQ

1. What is the difference between psychotherapy, psychiatry and psychology?

The area of therapies relating to the psyche (mind) is very confusing.  There are psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors. While all are trained to help individuals with mental health issues and may have a similar approach, the training undertaken is different.

  • Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who have a post graduate specialisation and are able to prescribe drugs.
  • Psychologists have a psychology degree and tend to practice an approach called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT tends to occur over a number of sessions (typically 6-10).  CBT has been shown to be effective with certain conditions but research indicates it may not always be the most effective approach over the long term. Psychologists often specialise in a particular condition.
  • Psychotherapists and counsellors are generally a lot more varied in terms of their training, their professional orientation and their work. Psychotherapists tend to undertake a process that is undertaken over the medium to long term to provide deep lasting changes, at the neurological level.  Their processes takes into account the emotional and physical world of the individual, not just the cognitive.  Counsellors focus more on the short to medium term, emphasising the cognitive.

When choosing a therapist:

  • Ask what professional association they belong to
  • Ask if that association is a member of PACFA. If their professional association is linked to PACFA, this can give you some confidence.
  • Find out if they have been involved in their own long term process of psychotherapy. Those who have experienced psychotherapy themselves will tend to have a much better understanding of what their clients are going through.

I firmly believe that my clients are helped by the personal care and intellectual rigour that psychotherapy offers.

2. What are your fees?

My fees are scaled $170 – $187 for a 50 minute session. I  provide the initial session at a reduced fee so that you can explore whether we can work together on your unique issues.

While I don’t offer Medicare rebates, you will find that my fees compare well with those charged by most psychologists, even after rebates. (The Australian Psychological Society  recommends an average fee of $280 for a 50 min session)

I take on a limited number of clients through Victim Services NSW and NDIS where there is no out of pocket costs to the client.

3. What associations do you belong too?

I am a Clinical Member of the somatic psychotherapy branch of Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and belong to the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology. As a member of these associations, I continue to undertake professional development training, including regular clinical supervision of my work and my own psychotherapy to help me to continue to grow personally. I practice in accordance with the stringent ethical guidelines of PACFA

4. What are your qualifications?

5. What is your policy about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. All sessions are treated with strict confidentiality. No information will be shared with other health practitioners or services without prior consent, unless you are in danger of harming yourself or others.

6. Client records

Client records are strictly confidential and are stored under lock and key.  These records will not be released to anyone without your written authority.

7. Medicare Rebates, NDIS & Private Health Insurance Payments

As a psychotherapist, belonging to PACFA, I am a registered provider with the NDIS, BUPA and Medibank Private. NDIS will provide funding for a limited number of counselling sessions if they are part of your NDIS plan. For private health insurance rebates, please contact your health insurer directly to enquire about your entitlement to claim for counselling sessions.

Psychologists and social workers are able to provide medicare rebates.  These rebates are for 6-10 sessions.  To get access to these rebates, clients are required to see a medical Dr, get a mental health plan with a referral to a clinical psychologist, psychologist or social worker.  Note that your mental health issue will also be on the public record and in most cases you will still need to pay the total fee upfront before claiming the rebates.