Cost

Session cost is $140. Please note, Medicare or health insurance rebates are not offered for this service and my lower fee reflects this. Doctors referrals are not required. You can call directly or send me an email and we can discuss how to proceed.

Payment methods

EFT, cash or card for face to face sessions. EFT only for online therapy sessions.

20 minute free telephone conversation

Finding the right therapist can be tricky. For many people, taking that first step to seek help can also be anxiety inducing. I offer a free 20 minute telephone conversation. this will give you an opportunity to find out more about me and to see if you feel comfortable opening up to me. I will ask you for a synopsis of what is troubling you and we can determine whether I am someone who can assist you. There may be better suited therapists and it is imperative that you find the right therapist for you. If you decide after, or during, the phone conversation that I am not the therapist for you, that is perfectly fine.

What does the first session entail?

Prior to our first session together we may have a 20 minute phone conversation.

From there, the first appointment is booked and confirmed.

In the first session, I will collect information on what you are coming to therapy for and goals and expectations. We will also complete an intake form which will ask you about your previous and current health. It’s also a good opportunity to ask questions and for us to get to know each other.

Session times

Sessions run for 50 minutes however longer sessions can be organised if requested.

How many sessions

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on what the issue is, how long the issue has been ongoing, and what kind of change you are wanting to create.

On average, for short term therapy, clients tend to stay for 6-10 sessions, but it’s also common for some clients who are working on long-standing issues to choose to continue working with me for significantly longer periods. They see the value in doing long-term therapy work. Occasionally some clients only require a small number of sessions because they want to resolve a very specific issue that doesn’t require longer work.

It’s important to know the best results from counselling and psychotherapy are achieved when appointments are scheduled and attended on a regular basis.

Can I do online or telephone sessions?

Yes, you can, a number of my clients are in rural areas, also. For some people online sessions may be the only option. Travelling for a session while juggling a demanding job and home life can be tricky. You may live in an area where there are limited therapy options. Online or telephone counselling can also offer a safer, more anonymous option for someone who finds it difficult to open up. During this current pandemic all sessions are conducted via online or telephone.

Mental health plan

A mental health care plan is a referral given by your doctor, this referral enables you to access up to 6 sessions (sometimes up to 10) with a psyciatrist or a psychologist and claim a rebate via Medicare. As a psycotherapist I do not offer these rebates and my lower cost reflects this.

Cancellation policy

Sometimes things come up, if you need to cancel or re-schedule your appointment, 24 hours’ notice is required.

I have a firm 24-hour cancellation policy, if you cancel your session in less than 24 hours you will need to pay a 50% cancellation fee.

Privacy

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to me. I adhere to the ethics and guidelines set out by the industry’s peak professional bodies of which I am a member of.

Membership Associations

PACFA- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia, Barry Lewis PACFA Reg. Provisional #23813 

To hold memberships with the above association members must ensure that they meet the minimum annual standards for professional development and supervision. And, in order to provide the best service for my clients, I continue to engage in regular professional development, personal work and clinical supervision to keep my skills relevant and up-to-date.

Referrals

My practice thrives on referrals from my clients. If you like the services you receive, please refer me to your friends and family.