Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you might want to know before getting in touch.

  • No. You can get in touch directly — there’s no referral or mental health care plan needed to begin.

  • There can be considerable overlap in the support offered by psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, so the practitioner’s qualifications, experience and therapeutic approach are often more informative than the title alone.

    In Australia, “psychologist” is a protected title. Psychologists are registered through AHPRA and may work across psychological assessment, diagnosis, research and therapy, depending on their training and area of practice.

    The titles “psychotherapist” and “counsellor” are not government-protected in the same way, and practitioners’ training can vary. Appropriately qualified psychotherapists and counsellors may voluntarily register with professional associations such as the Australian Counselling Association, which sets requirements for education, ethical practice, supervision and continuing professional development.

    Psychotherapy often involves sustained exploration of emotional, relational and developmental patterns, although many psychologists and counsellors also work in these ways. The most important questions are whether the practitioner is appropriately qualified and registered, whether their approach suits what you are seeking, and whether you feel comfortable working with them.

  • Sessions at Hear and Now Psychotherapy do not currently attract a Medicare rebate and the full session fee is payable by the client. You do not need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to make an appointment.

    Under the Medicare Better Access initiative, eligible clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan may receive rebates for a limited number of sessions with participating psychologists and certain other eligible mental health professionals. Practitioners set their own fees, so a gap payment may still apply.

    If receiving a Medicare rebate is important to you, your GP can discuss your eligibility and suitable local services. Please contact me if you would like to clarify the fees before making an appointment.

  • I work one-on-one with adults. If I think you’d be better served by another practitioner or a specialist service, I’ll say so and can help you find the right fit.

  • I see clients in person in Mornington, on the Mornington Peninsula, and online by secure video anywhere in Australia.

  • Yes — secure video sessions Australia-wide. I don’t offer therapy by phone, as I find the visual connection matters to the work.

  • You can begin by booking a complimentary 20-minute telephone call. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, briefly discuss what you are looking for and consider whether working together feels right. If we decide to proceed, we can arrange an initial therapy session.

  • No. The introductory call is a brief conversation about what you are seeking, whether my approach may be suitable and the practical arrangements for beginning therapy. It does not involve a detailed assessment or therapeutic work.

  • Mostly, we talk. I’ll want to understand what’s brought you here and what you’re hoping for, and our first couple of sessions will be about me getting to know your history and you’ll get a sense of what working together feels like. There’s nothing to prepare.

  • It varies enormously, and it’s your decision throughout. Some people come for counselling on a specific concern over a few months; others are seeking a longer-term relationship to explore deeper issues. We’ll review how things are going as we go.

  • Your privacy is central to our work. What you share is treated confidentially, subject to limited legal and ethical exceptions around safety, which I will explain before therapy begins.

  • Payment is due on the day of each session. An invoice will be sent with a confirmation of appointment email prior to each session. Payment can be made via direct transfer, on file payment method or in-clinic.

  • Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, are charged in full. In the case of mild illness or other unavoidable situation, it can sometimes be possible to move your appointment online. In any event we appreciate as much notice as possible and will endeavour to work with you, to ensure continuity of care.

  • This website and my enquiry form aren’t monitored continuously and aren’t suitable for emergencies. If you ever need to talk to someone immediately, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14. If you’re experiencing family violence, 1800RESPECT is on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, always call 000.