WHAT TO EXPECT
Starting therapy can feel like a big step.
To help you feel more comfortable, here's what you can expect from the moment you first get in touch.
01.
Reach Out
Get in touch by completing the enquiry form. I'll within 24 hours to make a time to speak on the phone
to see if we're a good fit.
03.
Understanding Your Story
In our early sessions, we'll begin making sense of your experiences, patterns that keep you stuck and we'll make a plan for change
02.
Let's Talk
I'll call you to discuss what's bringing you to therapy, answer your questions, and decide together if we're a good fit.
04.
Meaningful Change
With a shared understanding in place, we'll work together towards lasting change and more fulfillment.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIRST FEW SESSIONS?
Many people wonder what to expect when they come to therapy for the first time.
Rather than rushing into strategies or asking you to tell your entire life story, our first few sessions begin by exploring the experiences that have shaped you, the patterns that keep showing up in your life.
We'll identify what the main drivers are for your difficulties and formulate a plan to address them.
You don't need to prepare. You don't need to have your story perfectly organised or know exactly where to begin. We'll make sense of things together, one step at a time.
WHAT MAKES SCHEMA THERAPY DIFFERENT?
WHAT MAKES SCHEMA THERAPY DIFFERENT?
Many therapies focus on reducing symptoms.
Schema therapy also asks why those patterns developed in the first place.
Rather than simply managing problems, we'll work together to understand the deeper emotional patterns that influence how you think, feel and relate to others. This understanding becomes our roadmap for therapy and helps us create meaningful, lasting change.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, respectful and grounded in a genuine understanding of your experiences.
My aim is to provide a space where you'll feel listened to, understood and gently challenged when needed. We'll move at a pace that feels manageable, working together to understand what's important to you and what meaningful change would look like in your life.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
If you're wondering whether working together is the right fit, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
The first step is simply reaching out. We'll arrange a brief complementary phone call to discuss what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and explore whether schema therapy is likely to be the right fit for your needs.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is schema therapy right for me?
Schema therapy is often a good fit if you've noticed the same patterns repeating throughout your life, despite your best efforts to change.
It may be particularly helpful if you're looking for a deeper understanding of yourself, value a collaborative therapeutic relationship, and are willing to invest in meaningful, longer-term change.
Many people seek schema therapy after finding that shorter-term approaches haven't addressed the underlying issues they'd hoped to resolve.
The best way to decide whether schema therapy is right for you is through a brief phone conversation, where we can discuss your goals and whether my approach could be a good fit.
I've had therapy before. Can schema therapy still help?
Absolutely. Many of my clients have had therapy before and found it helpful, but feel there are still longstanding patterns they'd like to understand and change.
Schema therapy is particularly well suited to people who want to move beyond managing symptoms and explore the deeper emotional patterns that continue to influence their relationships, self-esteem and wellbeing.
Rather than simply changing thoughts, we'll work together to understand where these patterns came from and how to create lasting change.
How much does therapy cost?
Sessions are $275 and run for 50 minutes.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $149.05 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
The rebate is processed on the day of your appointment, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $125.95.
Private health rebates may also apply (check with your fund).
Will we be a good match?
The most important factor in whether or not therapy will work is feeling connected with the therapist. For this reason, I call every single prospective client to ensure, as much as possible, that I can meet their needs and that we are good match.
I have been told that I am through, warm and honest but kind. While therapy is a serious matter, I do appreciate a good sense of humour.
My approach to therapy is to understand what’s driving the problem so I can help my clients bring about change. I treat the cause, not the symptom.
"Rarely does a response makes something better. What makes something better is connection."
Brene Brown
How can I get the most out of therapy?
To get the most out of therapy, I suggest attending therapy sessions regularly (every two or so weeks) and putting in practice what is learned in session.
I encourage clients to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and to practice their new skills in the real world. It is also useful to have a rough idea of what you wish to gain from therapy.
Therapy is like personal training, it takes the right guidance plus effort to create meanignful change.