What to Expect from the Therapy Process

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to have questions about what’s involved. Below is an overview of how the process works—from making your first booking to the structure and flow of sessions, and how we know when it’s time to conclude therapy.

1. Booking Your Appointment

To get started, simply use the online booking calendar or contact us directly by phone or email. During the booking process, you’ll be asked to provide some basic details such as:

  • Your full name and contact information

  • Reason for seeking therapy (a brief summary is enough)

  • Preferred session format (e.g., in-person or telehealth)

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, WorkCover referral, NDIS plan, or intend to use private health insurance, please have those details ready so we can process them efficiently.

2. The First Session: Clinical Interview

Your first session is primarily a clinical interview, designed to help us get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. We will discuss:

  • Your current concerns and challenges

  • Relevant history (psychological, medical, and social)

  • Any past experiences with therapy

  • Your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy

This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

3. Assessment and Intervention Go Hand in Hand

In therapy, assessment and intervention are often interwoven. While we continue to understand the patterns underlying your difficulties, we also begin to introduce tools, strategies, and new perspectives that can help you right away. This means that from the very beginning, therapy is both reflective and practical.

Where appropriate, we may also use brief questionnaires or other structured tools to clarify your symptoms or monitor progress.

4. Ongoing Sessions: Tailored to You

Subsequent sessions build on the foundation of the first, with a focus on working collaboratively to:

  • Build coping skills

  • Process difficult emotions

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Support behaviour change and emotional regulation

The number of sessions required can vary depending on your individual needs and the nature of the issues you’re facing. Some clients benefit from just a few focused sessions, while others engage in longer-term therapy for more complex or longstanding difficulties.

We regularly review your progress together, ensuring that therapy remains aligned with your goals.

5. Finishing Therapy: When Goals Are Met

Therapy typically comes to a close when there has been a sustained improvement in symptoms and you feel confident to continue independently. Discharge is a collaborative decision, and we will plan the final sessions to help consolidate gains and prepare for long-term wellbeing.

Follow-up or booster sessions can also be arranged if needed in the future.

Funding Your Therapy

Accessing mental health support shouldn’t be complicated. In Australia, several funding options are available to help cover the cost of psychological services. Below is a summary of the main funding streams you may be eligible for.

1. Medicare Rebates

If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist. After paying the session fee, you can claim a partial rebate back through Medicare.

Tip: Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan before your first session.

2. Private Health Insurance

If you hold extras cover with a private health insurer, you may be eligible for rebates on psychology services. Coverage varies depending on your insurer and level of cover.

Note: You can’t use private health insurance and Medicare for the same session, but you can choose to use one or the other depending on your situation.

3. WorkCover & CTP Claims

If your psychological concerns are related to a workplace injury or a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for sessions funded under WorkCover or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance.

Your sessions must be approved by the relevant insurer, and a referral from your GP or treating physician is often required.

Important: Ensure your claim is accepted and you have prior approval before booking.

4. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

If you have an approved NDIS plan that includes funding for psychology under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, you can access therapy services at no out-of-pocket cost (if you are self-managed or plan-managed).

We welcome NDIS participants and can work collaboratively with your support coordinator or plan manager.

Reminder: Please bring your NDIS details (including plan dates and goals) when you get in touch.

5. Self-Funded / Private Pay

If you prefer not to use a third-party funding option or are not eligible, you can choose to privately fund your sessions. This offers flexibility in the number and frequency of sessions without restrictions from insurers or government schemes.

Still Unsure?

If you’re not sure which funding option applies to you, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help guide you through the process.