Clinical Psychologist
Medicare provider
Telehealth Available
Adults 18 years +
New to therapy?
Your therapist will ask you many, many questions. To get the best out of the experience, I encourage clients new to therapy to find an opportunity to ask the following questions of their therapist : Have you seen people with similar problems before? Having heard my story, what do you see as the most important thing to work on first and why? What will we be doing in the next few sessions? How the therapist answer your questions will give you some idea of how they work and how well they listen to you and address your concerns. Their answers may also give you some idea about what kind of work lies ahead. A good therapist will make you feel welcome to seek clarification about the therapy being offered, so that there is a shared understanding and expectation about the work ahead. It may take a few sessions to reach this shared understanding, but it is worth taking the time to create this important foundation for a successful partnership.
About
Clinical psychologists are trained to use evidence based treatment. These are methods that have been scientifically tested for safety and effectiveness. Our job is to take the science and translate it into a treatment plan that addresses the needs of each client.
The rewards of good therapy are created within a relationship of mutual trust and respect. We follow strict professional codes of conduct and ethics around confidentiality and privacy, and I welcome any questions you may have about the safety of your information. During our initial sessions, we figure out together what is most important for you to get out of therapy, and draw up a plan together. Sometimes, the plan could involve collaborating with your GP, psychiatrist, or other significant people in your life.
The duration of treatment varies according to what you need. We will spend some time developing realistic, achievable goals. This may depend on the amount of time you are able to give to therapy. Some clients come through like a race car at a pit stop. Others may be able to invest more time to make long term changes.
Professional Bio
Since graduating from Sydney University with a Master of Clinical Psychology 24 years ago, I have worked as a clinical psychologist in both private and public sectors. I have enjoyed a broad range of work as a member of several multidisciplinary adult mental health teams around Greater Sydney ( St George and Sutherland, Macarthur Mental Health, Central Sydney and Northern Beaches Mental Health Services) including three early intervention services for psychosis over 8 years.
I started my first private practice in Dee Why in 2010, then moved to the Central Coast in 2017. There, I was a group facilitator for inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for depression and anxiety at Berkeley Vale Private Hospital, while continuing private practice work in Erina, Wyong and then Ourimbah.
I am enthusiastic about the science of psychology, and I avidly follow new developments in psychological therapies for psychosis, trauma, depression and anxiety. I have delivered lectures at the University of Western Sydney, supervised intern and registrar psychologists, and given talks to community organisations to promote greater understanding of mental health. In 2020, I was a clinic supervisor for the Psychology Clinic (Ourimbah) at the University of Newcastle, supervising clinical Masters students.
In February 2022, I am excited and privileged to join a group of excellent clinicians at The Psychological Health Centre in Dee Why.
FAQ
Do I need a referral from a GP?
A referral from a GP is not required for private appointments. However, under the Better Access to Mental Health Care program, clients referred by a GP or psychiatrist are eligible for a rebate of $129.55 per 50 minute session when they see a clinical psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan. For more information, please talk to your GP, or read more about the Better Access program.
Fees
NEW rebates for telehealth (eg. phone, video conferencing) sessions now available from Medicare to support people affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Please check with your GP about your eligibility.
Private rates:
Standard Consultation ( 50- 60 minutes) $240.00
Long Consultations ( 90 minutes) $350.00
A Medicare rebate for the private rates is available if referred under a Mental Health Care Plan by a GP or psychiatrist. For more information, see rebates under the Better Access To Mental Health Care program.
Private rates:
Standard Consultation ( 50- 60 minutes) $240.00
Long Consultations ( 90 minutes) $350.00
A Medicare rebate for the private rates is available if referred under a Mental Health Care Plan by a GP or psychiatrist. For more information, see rebates under the Better Access To Mental Health Care program.
Private Health Cover rebates
Many private health covers do offer limited rebates for psychological therapy, but the terms and conditions vary widely. The best way to be sure is to contact your private health insurance company for more information about your existing cover.
Psychological trauma
Talking about traumatic events risk setting off a series of highly distressing reactions that most people would prefer to avoid. This presents a strong disincentive to seek help, so help is often delayed. This could mean years of living with a lower quality of life, and increasing sense of helplessness and shame.
Much of this can be avoided if people come to their first few sessions of therapy with the understanding that the therapist will not be immediately examining the details of the traumatic events. Instead, the priority is to establish a strong and safe working relationship first, and to offer clear information about what to expect in therapy for trauma. Then we proceed at a pace that is tolerable to the client.
Much of this can be avoided if people come to their first few sessions of therapy with the understanding that the therapist will not be immediately examining the details of the traumatic events. Instead, the priority is to establish a strong and safe working relationship first, and to offer clear information about what to expect in therapy for trauma. Then we proceed at a pace that is tolerable to the client.
Caring for the Carers
Living with and caring for someone with a chronic illness or disability can present many unique challenges of its own. According to the Mental Health Commission of NSW, 1 in 3 carers are living with high to very high levels of distress. This demanding role carries high risk of burn out and development of mental health problems.
Carers can benefit from setting aside a regular therapy time to attend to their own needs around resolving grief, learning better stress management approaches, and managing trauma reactions.
There are other supportive resources available to carers that is worth taking a look at: Carers NSW and more specifically for carers of people with a mental illness, the Family and Carers Mental Health Program.
Carers can benefit from setting aside a regular therapy time to attend to their own needs around resolving grief, learning better stress management approaches, and managing trauma reactions.
There are other supportive resources available to carers that is worth taking a look at: Carers NSW and more specifically for carers of people with a mental illness, the Family and Carers Mental Health Program.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression symptoms are naturally occurring in many life situations and many mental health conditions. The first step is to take a close look at how you have been affected and what kind of changes would be most meaningful for you. Then we will discuss what kind of therapy is most likely to bring you the results you want.
What is Telehealth?
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many health services are now offering 'telehealth' options to support 'social distancing' for the protection of the patients and the health care providers. Psychologists are offering phone and online video contact in place of face to face sessions. At the appointed time, you can either select to receive a phone call or click on a video link sent with the booking to start a standard session. Medicare will offer the same rebates for Telehealth sessions as for face to face sessions until the end of September 2020. We are awaiting news about whether the government will act to extend this arrangement beyond September.
Phone sessions
At the appointed time, I shall ring you on your mobile number, unless you indicate you prefer to use a different number. Please ensure that you are in a private place where you can speak freely about sensitive issues without interruptions, and you are able to sit/ stand/ walk ( but no driving, please!) comfortably for 50 - 60 minutes. If the phone connection is poor and we drop out, I will ring you back.
Video sessions
When you make the appointment and indicate a preference for a video session, you will be emailed a link for a 'Zoom' session. Just before the appointed time, please click on the link and follow the instructions. If I follow the instructions correctly on my end too, my face should pop up on your screen at the appointed time. Just as for phone sessions, please ensure that you are at a private location where you can speak freely about sensitive issues, without interruptions. If for any reason the video connection is interrupted, I will be scrambling on my end to reconnect with you, or I will ring you on your mobile.
Phone sessions
At the appointed time, I shall ring you on your mobile number, unless you indicate you prefer to use a different number. Please ensure that you are in a private place where you can speak freely about sensitive issues without interruptions, and you are able to sit/ stand/ walk ( but no driving, please!) comfortably for 50 - 60 minutes. If the phone connection is poor and we drop out, I will ring you back.
Video sessions
When you make the appointment and indicate a preference for a video session, you will be emailed a link for a 'Zoom' session. Just before the appointed time, please click on the link and follow the instructions. If I follow the instructions correctly on my end too, my face should pop up on your screen at the appointed time. Just as for phone sessions, please ensure that you are at a private location where you can speak freely about sensitive issues, without interruptions. If for any reason the video connection is interrupted, I will be scrambling on my end to reconnect with you, or I will ring you on your mobile.
Resources for Clients
Contact
- 10/2a Redman Road, Dee Why NSW, Australia
- Please contact us ahead of time if you anticipate trouble getting up and down one flight of steps.
- 0481 308 742 - Voice call only. No SMS/Text
- 02 9972 9973
- clinpsychmail@gmail.com
- Bookings are available for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Telehealth sessions can be arranged if required. Please let us know at the time of booking if you prefer this option.
