Ph: 0480 034 273
Fax: 07 3051 0480
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
To book online please click here and follow instructions.
To book through reception please call 0480 034 273.
If you are booking an initial appointment you will be sent an online consent and information form to be completed before your first session.
If you have a mental health care plan your doctor may fax it to us directly or you may bring it along to your first session.
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
Each session takes approximately 50 minutes. Sometimes a first session might take a little longer.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT MY FIRST THERAPY SESSION?
Many people feel nervous before their first session - this is normal.
Your first session will start with the psychologist reviewing what you can expect of them (e.g. confidentiality) and what is expected of you (e.g. to attend appointments or give 24-hours notice if unable).
You will then engage in a process of assessment in which you work together to get a shared understanding of what you are experiencing and what you hope to get out of therapy (i.e. your goals). The psychologist will probably ask a lot of questions here. Please note that you do not have to speak about anything you do not want to.
Finally, you will discuss plans for how to reach your goals, which therapeutic approach may suit you best, and set a follow up appointment. You may also agree on a task to complete before your next session.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS?
Each follow-up session will generally follow a similar format.
Your psychologist will check in with you regarding the week(s) since your last session, discussing any tasks that were agreed on the previous session, what went well, and troubleshooting any difficulties.
Depending on the agreed goals and plans for therapy, you may then discuss a new technique or concept and how it applies to your situation, or focus further on previously-introduced techniques.
Finally you may agree on a task to complete before your next session that will help you reach your goals.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Length of treatment varies from one individual to another. The total number of sessions will depend on your goals and the nature and severity of the difficulties you are experiencing.
Some clients are satisfied with their progress after a few sessions.
There are a growing number of psychological treatments of moderate duration (e.g. 12-16 sessions) that have been scientifically shown to result in clinically significant improvements.
Clients sometimes prefer to continue treatment over longer periods (e.g. 20 to 30 sessions) to achieve more complete symptom remission and to feel confident in the skills needed to maintain treatment gains.
Your psychologist will discuss treatment length with you.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND THERAPY?
As with length of treatment, frequency of sessions varies from one individual to another.
It is common to meet relatively frequently (weekly or fortnightly) in the early stages of therapy. Some clients elect to continue this schedule throughout treatment, while others schedule less frequent 'maintenance' appointments once significant progress has been made.
Your psychologist will discuss treatment frequency with you.
WHAT IF THERAPY ISN'T WORKING FOR ME?
If you believe there is insufficient progress after a reasonable period of treatment, it is always appropriate to discuss your treatment with another therapist and/or request a re-evaluation of the treatment plan with your therapist to assure that treatment is on track and helpful to you.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
Our fees can be found here.
The standard fee is $210 per session, but a rebate of $129.55 is available with a mental health care plan from your GP, leaving a 'gap fee' of $80.45 per session.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
For any other inquires please call us on 0478 222 023 or email admin@harbourclinic.com.au.
Please also always feel free to ask your psychologist any questions you may have.