Psychological Therapy

Often referred to as 'talking therapy', psychological therapy involves exploration and discussion between therapist and client, to understand how past experiences, current difficulties or concerns about the future might be affecting your life. During therapy a psychologist will listen to you and help you understand how you respond to life events and reflect upon the ways in which you see yourself and others. Your psychologist will not tell you what to do or give you advice, but will guide and support you to make your own choices and begin the process of change.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

This depends entirely on your situation, the difficulties you experience, and your personal preferences.  Most clients attend over 10 sessions, while some will attend for over a year.  It may sometimes be possible to give a rough guide as to how many sessions are required after a consultation.  

COST 

For a standard 50 minute session the fee is $220.  Clients who have a Mental Health Care Plan and are referred by a GP are able to claim a Medicare rebate of $89.65 for up to 10 consultations a year (Jan-Dec). Reports to your GP are a Medicare requirement.   If you have private health cover you may be eligible to claim a portion of your fee without a GP’s referral. However, you cannot claim from both Medicare and your Health Fund at the same time. Contact your fund for information on psychology rebates.  

Therapy is collaborative and relational, a space for discovering who we are, making sense of life experiences, and developing our ability to see a meaningful future. All treatment is individually planned to your needs. Therapy provided is evidence-based, with an approach aimed to reduce distress and improve daily psychological well being and functioning. 

Samantha will draw upon 

• Interpersonal process,
•  EMDR Therapy, 
• Schema Therapy, 
• Mindfulness-based CBT, 
• ACT, Sensorimotor and
•  Interpersonal neurobiological therapy techniques.  

Samantha specialises in trauma focused therapy and is experienced at working with a wide rage of psychological difficulties including: 

• trauma, complex PTSD & dissociation 
• depression, low self-esteem & suicidal ideation anxiety, social anxiety, panic & OCD
• grief &  los
• stress & relational conflict 
• existential concerns

Samantha works at understanding the needs and concerns of each child and teen, in the context of their family, school and social world. Samantha uses a wide range of evidence-based approaches to plan treatment to meet each child’s psychological, emotional, relational, and developmental needs.  Samantha seeks to understand how children have come to think, feel, react, and behave in the way they do.

Samantha specialises and is experienced at working with a wide rage of psychological difficulties including:

• Trauma, complex and developmental trauma, dissociation 
• Depression, mood difficulties, 
• Low self-esteem, suicidal ideation
• Anxiety, phobias, panic, separation anxiety, social anxiety, OCD
• Relationship difficulties - family, peers, and bullying. 
• school difficulties and exam stress
• increasing self esteem and confidence

All appointments booked for children and adolescents require an initial parent consultation without the child or adolescent in attendance. Unfortunately, at this current time, Medicare does not pay a rebate for parenting support appointments however, private health rebates may apply (please check with your own provider). Children above age 6 will require a parent or caregiver to remain on the premise or nearby. Parents may be required to attend sessions with their child and attend review appointments as and when required. Children below age 5 will require a caregiver's participation in most appointments.  

Samantha is available to offer telehealth appointments for all that are unable to attend in person.

Telehealth is a very convenient & private way of receiving mental health support without the need to travel.

Psychological treatment provided using videoconferencing technology has been found to be as effective as a face-to-face appointment for a variety of mental health problems.

You will need access to:

•  a quiet, private space
• a device i.e. smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers
•  a reliable internet connection.

Confidentiality ensures that all personal information gathered remains confidential in accordance with Australian Psychology Society guidelines. 

Limits to confidentiality include: 

• Information that is subpoenaed or authorised by law
• If the information places you or another at serious risk
• If your prior approval has been obtained to share information with other professionals
• Medicare Better Access requires that psychologists write a brief report to your referring GP throughout the course of treatment.  

Privacy ensures that all personal information is stored securely for the duration that the information is required to be kept on file.