Individual

Frequently Asked Questions | Counselling and Psychotherapy in Balmain, Sydney

It is completely normal to have questions before beginning therapy. Whether you are curious about how the process works, what to expect in a session, or how to find the right fit, this page offers clarity and reassurance. My hope is that these answers help you feel informed and comfortable as you consider taking the next step toward therapy or couples work.

Frequently Asked Questions | Counselling and Psychotherapy in Balmain, Sydney

It is completely normal to have questions before beginning therapy. Whether you are curious about how the process works, what to expect in a session, or how to find the right fit, this page offers clarity and reassurance. My hope is that these answers help you feel informed and comfortable as you consider taking the next step toward therapy or couples work.

About Therapy

People often start therapy when something feels stuck, uncertain, or overwhelming, or when they simply want to understand themselves more deeply. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. It is a space for clarity, steadiness, and growth.

That depends on your goals. Some people come for a few months to address a specific issue, while others stay longer to explore patterns, relationships, or life transitions. We review progress together and adapt the process to your needs.

Yes. I work with clients online across Australia through a secure video platform. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions and are a practical option for those with busy schedules, privacy needs, or who live outside Sydney.

Booking and Fees

Yes. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to help you decide whether we are the right fit before booking a session.

Individual sessions (60 to 90 minutes): $175 to $250

Couples sessions (60 to 90 minutes): $265 to $355

Fees vary depending on the session length and type.

As a PACFA registered psychotherapist, I am not eligible for Medicare rebates. I offer a limited number of hardship rates for clients experiencing financial difficulty. Documentation may be required to support eligibility, and these places are subject to availability.

You can send an enquiry through the contact page to express your interest. I will be in touch personally to arrange a time and share next steps. Once your session is confirmed, you will receive a welcome email with intake information and guidance on how to prepare for your first appointment and what to expect.

The Process

The first session is a chance to get to know you and what brings you here. We will talk about what has been happening, what you would like to work on, and what you hope to gain from therapy. From there, we will begin to build a direction that feels meaningful and achievable.

 

Most clients begin weekly or fortnightly. Consistency matters more than frequency. It helps momentum build and allows insights to become part of daily life.

Therapy with me is thoughtful, real, and attuned. I hold a relational space that allows for both depth and lightness. Some sessions are reflective and quiet, while others are more active and coaching in style. At times there may be challenge or humour. Both can open space for honesty and change. My role is to help you make sense of what is happening beneath the surface and to support you in living with greater clarity, steadiness, and authenticity.

Couples and Relationship Work

Yes. I work with couples across all stages, including those newly together, in long-term partnerships, navigating separation, or reconnecting after conflict. I welcome all sexual orientations and relationship structures.

My approach draws on the Couples Institute Developmental Model. It is not about quick fixes but about learning new ways to communicate without falling back into long-held patterns of criticism, withdrawal, or defensiveness. Each partner is invited to take responsibility for their part in the dynamic and to stay steady when conversations become tense, rather than slipping into old protective habits. This process helps both people recognise how their reactions shape the relationship and how to engage more thoughtfully, even during conflict. The aim is to strengthen emotional safety, honesty, and genuine connection.

Yes. I work extensively with long-term and married couples who want to rebuild trust, repair communication, or reconnect after years of distance or resentment. Sessions help partners understand their emotional patterns and move toward greater openness and respect.

Special Focus Areas

You may be considering estrangement counselling if there is ongoing tension, distance, or disconnection within your family, or if you are living with the emotional weight of someone else’s decision to step away. Therapy can help you explore whether to seek contact or maintain distance, untangle guilt from self-preservation, and find peace with choices that protect your wellbeing. If you are unsure whether this work is for you, we can use the first session to explore what feels most needed.

If your personal life often feels shaped by the demands of visibility, leadership, or performance, therapy can offer a rare space to pause and reflect. You may appear composed on the surface but feel stretched, isolated, or uncertain beneath it. This work is designed for people whose roles require constant decision-making, composure, or public presence. It helps you maintain clarity, perspective, and emotional steadiness while navigating complex pressures, relationships, and responsibilities.

Practical Details

Yes. Two-hour street parking is available on Darling Street and surrounding lanes, and several bus routes stop close by.

Confidentiality is central to my work. Sessions take place in a private and secure environment. All client records are stored confidentially and protected by both physical and digital security, including locked filing systems and password-protected files. I take great care to ensure that all client information remains private and handled in accordance with professional ethical standards.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your appointment at no charge. Cancellations made within 24 hours are charged at 50 per cent of the full session fee, including missed appointments.

Getting Started

The best way to find out is through a brief initial consultation. It gives you a sense of how I work and whether the approach feels comfortable and aligned with what you need.