Common Questions Before Starting Therapy

  • Your first call is an obligation-free opportunity to see if Self Space Therapy is right for you.

    During this call we discuss any issues that you want to work on and address any questions you have.

    Our conversation will help you determine whether I’m a good match for you and your needs.

  • Confusing isn’t it! Why make accessing mental health services harder than necessary?

    To give a brief overview:

    • Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors with a post graduate specialisation. They are able to prescribe drugs.

    • Psychologists are trained to primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating specific issues over the short-term. Accessing a psychologist can require an assessment and referral from your GP for a limited number of sessions per year.

    • Psychotherapists tailor therapy to you by drawing on a broad range of modalities to meet your individual needs including:

      • psychodynamic

      • internal family systems (IFS)

      • somatic

      • relational

      • humanistic

      • CBT.

      Psychotherapy is typically conducted over the medium- to long-term and creates lasting neurological changes by working with your emotional, physical and cognitive worlds. You don’t need a diagnosis and referral from your GP to access a psychotherapist.

    There is a time and a place for each of these approaches. You will know what you need right now.

  • There is no set time frame when working on self-healing, personal development and growth.

    Depending on the issues you’d like to work on and the changes you’re looking to make, therapy can last from a few sessions to much longer. Some choose to make it a long-term process or to re-engage at different times of their life as needed.

  • The benefits to therapy are as individual as you are! Some changes you might notice along the way include:

    • a better understanding of yourself

    • reduced anxiety or depression symptoms

    • greater insight into and management of triggers

    • improved personal relationships

    • more effective coping skills

    • increased self-esteem and confidence

    • more compassion for yourself and others

    • an increased sense of clarity and calm

    • and a stronger connection to your mind-body-soul and the world around you.

  • Some people come to therapy with a specific problem or issue in mind. Others may just feel curious and want to better themselves.

    No matter the reasoning, therapy is a safe space for you to explore and grow.

  • Coming weekly helps to establish the continuity and strong therapeutic alliance needed for effective therapy. In times of particularly high-need, some clients choose to come more than once a week.

    If this recommendation doesn’t suit you, we can work out an alternative schedule together.

  • Online therapy sessions are also beneficial.

    While I primarily recommend face-to-face therapy, I also offer remote telehealth sessions.

    You can access online therapy as needed when travelling or sick or on a regular basis depending on your schedule or location.

  • The therapeutic process is tailored to you. I take an interactive and collaborative approach to our sessions. This might involve exploring thoughts, feelings, sensations, behaviours, the conscious and unconscious, and the past and present.

    My work is influenced by Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Mate, Stephen Porges, Richard Schwartz, Allan Schore and Peter Levine among others.

  • Confidentiality is a vital component of therapy. An effective therapeutic bond has to be based on a high degree of trust.

    The things you choose to share stay between you and me. There are a few exceptions:

    • You may ask me to share information with someone else (e.g. your GP, naturopath or attorney). I would only do that with your written consent.

    • If I suspect you are at risk of harming yourself, others or in cases of child abuse, there are legal reporting requirements I have to meet to keep you and others safe. Where possible, I will discuss these disclosures with you beforehand.

  • Self Space Therapy’s rate is $150 + GST per 60 minute session

  • Click here to schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation.