Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral in order to make an appointment 
No. You do not need to see a Doctor first in order to make an appointment with a Counsellor or Psychotherapist.

To contact me simply pick up the phone and call me on 0412 518 024.  I am happy to talk with you about your circumstances and see if an appointment is right for you at this time in your life.

How long are the sessions?    
Sessions are generally 50 minutes long.  Usually I will offer people a regular time so that it is easy to remember and plan for attending.

How many sessions are needed?
This varies from person to person and depends upon the situation and context for each client.  The sessions are based upon conversations between us. I aim for us to talk about what is most important to you and this can mean reviewing past situations, what you hope for in the future, or what might be happening now or between sessions.  This helps to develop a story or picture about what causes problems, how they can be understood, and what could be done to address them.  Along the way life can change too, new things happen, and situations develop. I do aim for us to review what has been useful in our conversations and how it has     
been helpful so you can see yourself changing, growing in awareness, understanding and managing better. 

What methods of payment do you accept?     
I accept cash, cheque or direct deposit. Unfortunately I am not able to offer credit or EFTPOS facility.

Can I claim on Medicare?
The services of counsellors and psychotherapists are not claimable on Medicare, though some private health funds do offer limited rebates.  Please contact your insurer to see if you are eligible to make a claim.

If claiming on Medicare is important to you I am happy to discuss your situation and possible options. 

Is relationship counselling claimable on Medicare?    
Relationship counselling is not currently an item that is claimable under Medicare and is not covered for a rebate.

Where are your rooms located?  
I practice from two convenient locations. These are located at:

City:
As Sydney therapist, I currently provide sessions for adult individuals or couples from rooms in Macquarie Street, Sydney. 
Suite 11, Level 1, 183 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Click here to view on Google Maps.

Byron Bay:
I also work in Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
Suite 3, 9 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Click here to view on Google Maps.

I will give you instructions on how to find these locations when you make an appointment.

Is there transport or parking close by?    
Yes, transport and parking is convenient to both locations.

City:
The room is located opposite the NSW State Library so is near Wynyard Station, Martin Place and St James, or via city buses.  There is also city parking close by.

Byron Bay:
There is street parking nearby.

Do you offer Skype or telephone appointments?  
Yes. I am happy to discuss your needs and circumstances and work through Skype with counselling and therapy clients as well as with supervisees.

What types of service do you offer?
I am trained in individual, relationship counselling, and group work. My background also draws upon significant agency experience with telephone and face-to-face services so I can also provide sessions by telephone including Skype.

Do you have areas of speciality?    
I am a generalist counsellor and therapist having supported clients with many differing issues. However there are a number of key themes that emerge from my work with clients.

Crisis counselling: Much of my agency experience had the focus of assisting clients in crisis, either to manage it, or prevent it, including suicide intervention.

Loss and grief: Themes of loss have been a major part of my client’s experience, ether because they are grieving, or anticipating a loss or significant change in their life.

Men’s issues: Over the years many of my clients have been men exploring questions about their identity, marriages, relationships, sexual intimacy, separation and divorce, family life, anxiety, depression, work life, health and life’s direction.

Relationship and couple counselling or therapy: This includes heterosexual and same sex relationships where couples have been facing problems or conflicts, felt drawn to others, been unfulfilled, or had difficulties balancing differing roles, parenting with home and work life.