Frequently Asked Questions

Is counselling and EMDR Therapy confidential? 

 

Yes. Engaging in counselling and EMDR Therapy is completely confidential within the limits of the law. No one will know that you have used the service unless you choose to tell them. Any limitations to confidentiality are outlined in my privacy and confidentiality policy. 

How long are individual sessions and how much do they cost? 

 

A standard sessions last 60 minutes and costs $185 (No Medicare). Standard sessions are sessions conducted within my standard practice hours. Sessions requested outside of these times cost $230 for 60 minutes. Longer sessions are available if required and prices can be provided accordingly.

 

Concession rates may be available in certain situations. Please contact me to discuss this support further.

Where are you located?

 

I work from two different locations in Sydney. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I see clients at my therapy space in Marrickville, and on Wednesdays and Thursday I work from a space in Sydney's CBD (very close to Town Hall). If you decide to book an appointment you will be provided with comprehensive details of how to find my therapy spaces. 

What is your approach to therapy?

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My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate and tailored to you. I recognise that each person brings their own experiences, strengths and challenges to therapy, and I don't believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to healing and change.

 

I take an integrative approach, drawing on different therapeutic frameworks and techniques depending on your needs, preferences and goals. This may include talk therapy, somatic/body-based approaches, parts-based therapy, EMDR and other approaches that help us explore your experiences, understand your responses and work towards meaningful change.

 

I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to be curious about yourself, explore what matters to you and move at a pace that feels manageable. Together, we can draw on the approaches that feel most helpful, adjusting our work as your needs evolve. My hope is that therapy helps you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, feel more connected to your own resources and move towards a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

What is EMDR therapy, and how does it work?

 

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapy that can help people process distressing experiences, memories and emotions that continue to affect their wellbeing. During EMDR, I guide you through a process involving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating sounds or tapping. This may help reduce the emotional intensity associated with difficult memories and support you to develop a different relationship with past experiences.

What can EMDR therapy help with?

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EMDR is best known for its use in treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it may also be helpful for difficulties connected to other distressing experiences. These can include childhood adversity, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, bullying, medical experiences, negative self-beliefs and persistent emotional reactions. Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, needs and therapy goals.

With EMDR, do I need to talk about my traumatic experiences in detail?​

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No. You do not necessarily need to describe every detail of a distressing experience for EMDR to be helpful. I will work with you to understand what you would like support with while respecting your comfort, boundaries and readiness. Although you may connect with difficult memories, feelings or body sensations during treatment, you will be supported throughout the process, and you can communicate whenever you need to slow down or pause.

Is EMDR only for people who have experienced major trauma or have PTSD?​

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Not necessarily. People can be affected by a wide range of experiences, including events that others might not consider traumatic. Sometimes, an experience continues to influence your confidence, relationships, sense of safety or emotional responses long after it has passed. EMDR may be worth exploring if you feel that past experiences are still affecting your present, even when you understand them intellectually.

How many sessions do I need?​

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There is no set number of sessions that suits everyone. The length of therapy depends on factors such as your goals, the nature and complexity of your experiences, your current circumstances and how you respond to sessions. Some people seek help with a specific event, while others need more time to work through a range of experiences. I can discuss a treatment approach with you and review your progress along the way.

Do I need a referral? 

 

No, you do not need a referral to see me.

Who can book an appointment?

 

Any individual aged 18+ that would like a confidential and supportive space to explore and address issues or concerns that are impacting their life and well-being.

Can I make an appointment without a mental health care plan?

 

Certainly! You do not need a mental health care plan to see me. However, please note that sessions with Proud Place Therapy are not subsidised by Medicare and are charged at the full fee. This means that you will be responsible for covering the full cost of the session yourself.

Do you accept Medicare mental health care plans?

 

In Australia, only psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists are authorised to work with Medicare for mental health services. Unfortunately, this means that Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Therapists, like myself, are unable to accept mental health care plans and offer Medicare rebates.

 

However, choosing not to use Medicare can come with several advantages. One significant benefit is the freedom to choose a provider that you truly connect with. Every provider has their own unique style and approach to therapy, so it's essential to find someone you feel comfortable with.

 

Another advantage is the flexibility to choose the type of therapy that resonates best with you. Medicare approves specific types of treatment interventions, but by not using Medicare, you are not limited to these options.

 

Additionally, there are no restrictions on the number of therapy sessions available when you are not relying on Medicare. Medicare coverage tends to have limitations on the number of sessions covered, but by choosing Proud Place Therapy, you can have the freedom to determine the frequency of your sessions.

 

Finally, when it comes to cost, you may find that Proud Place Therapy offers more affordable prices compared to out-of-pocket expenses with a practitioner seen under a mental health care plan with Medicare.

Can I have sessions online by video call?

 

Yes, I offer counselling services both in-person or via video call (online). However, I am unable to offer counselling services simply over the telephone.

What do I need to do before our first appointment?

 

Prior to your first appointment, you will receive a link to some forms via email. Please complete these before your appointment if you can. The forms cover off important information about my services and privacy, and give you the opportunity to let me know more about you, including recent and past experiences, which will help guide our conversation in our first appointment.

What happens in a first session?

 

In our first session, we will spend time to get to know each other and begin to establish what your main concerns are, the changes you may be seeking and how we might move towards your desired outcome in future sessions. There are also some intake things to go over, such as consent, confidentiality and appointment formalities.

What's the cancellation policy? 

 

If for some reason you need to postpone or cancel your session, please note that 48 hours notice is required for cancellations.

 

Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to the session will be charged at 50% of the consultation rate, and less than 24 hours prior to the session will be charged at 100% of the consultation rate.

 

Please note that weekends are not included in the notice period. Under exceptional circumstances, the notice period is discretionary and will be assessed by Proud Place Therapy.

 

Cancellation > 48 hours prior No Fee

Cancellation < 48 hours prior 50% of fee

Cancellation < 24 hours prior 100% of fee

No notice (No show) 100% of fee

How do I provide feedback or make a complaint?

 

I take all feedback and complaints seriously and I endeavour to provide the highest level of support possible.

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Feedback or complaint pathways -

• Phoning on 0499 273 696

• In writing via email to: feedback@proudplace.com.au