FAQ

Where is your office?

As you can see from the map, we are on Seventh Avenue just off Cameron Road, down from Warehouse Stationery.
We do not have a receptionist so please come in, make yourself comfortable in the waiting room, and help yourself to a tea or coffee.

What happens when I come?

In the first session we will discuss what your concerns are at the moment and also your history and background. We will then set some goals and direction so we know what we are working on and how we’ll know when we’re finished. We’ll also discuss what particular treatments or strategies might be helpful and how long therapy might take.
Once we have decided on where we are going, how we’ll get there, how we will know if we’ve arrived and how long it might take, then most clients will come once a week. I may ask you to do certain things in between sessions like writing down thoughts or feelings, or keeping a diary.
The more you put into therapy the more you will get out of it.

What about confidentiality?

In therapy what you say is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your permission and, wherever possible, prior discussion with you. There are exceptions to this:
If you are a risk to yourself or others. If you are seen under ACC I am required to submit reports to them regarding diagnosis, treatment and outcome. If there are other professionals who are working with you we may share information but I will usually ask you to sign a Release of Information form. I may also discuss aspects of your situation with my clinical supervisor but without identifying you.
If you have any questions about confidentiality please ask.

How long will therapy take?

If you have an ACC Sensitive Claim or ACC Physical Injury claim you may have a specific number of sessions already allocated.
If you have been referred through your company’s Employee Assistance Program you will have 3 sessions. If your GP referred you through the WBOP Primary Health Organisation you will have 6 sessions.
For other clients the average number of sessions is around 12 but I see some clients for less than 6 sessions and some for 50 sessions or more.
In general, short-term therapy is anything less than 12 sessions. Medium-term therapy is 12-40 sessions. Long-term therapy is 40 sessions of more. For long-standing, complex or severe problems, changes can be expected after 6-12 months of therapy.
You should try not to decide too soon if therapy is working or not.

What kind of therapy do you do? I use evidence-based, scientifically supported treatment methods including:

Psychotherapy involves exploring thoughts and feelings that may contribute to your difficulties.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is one of two treatments for PTSD that are approved by the American Psychologial Association and the American Psychiatric Association.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works with conscious thought processes and behaviours.
Mindfulness skills training
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

Who do you work with?

My practice is limited to adults. I no longer work with children, adolescents, couples or families.