What to expect

A clear and supportive guide to starting therapy

Starting therapy can feel like a big step

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect, or whether you even “need” therapy. That’s okay. You don’t need a crisis, a diagnosis, or a perfectly clear plan to begin therapy. Often, the first step comes from something quieter: a sense that things aren’t quite right, that you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself.

You may be unsure about where to start, or hesitant about what opening up might involve. That’s entirely okay. It’s normal to feel protective, uncertain, or even sceptical. Therapy is a conversation where those feelings are welcome, not something to push past. This page is here to offer clarity on what our first steps together will look like and to help you feel more grounded as you begin.

The first sessions: a space to explore

Our first (few) meetings are a consultation phase, not the start of formal therapy. This is an important distinction, and one that allows us both to take the time we need to understand your concerns, explore what you’re seeking, and consider whether this work feels like a good fit.

We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, how your concerns have developed over time, and what you’re hoping might shift or feel different. We may also begin to sketch out a sense of what therapy could look like, together.

Sometimes, this happens in one session. Other times, it unfolds over several. The decision to continue is mutual and collaborative, based on clinical fit, shared understanding, and your sense of feeling safe, respected, and seen.

We’ll also cover the practicalities, including informed consent, confidentiality, and other essentials, and you’re welcome to ask any questions as we go. Importantly, informed consent isn’t a one-off task - it’s something we revisit together, especially if the direction of our work shifts. You’re always encouraged to ask questions or raise concerns at any point.

A collaborative process

Therapy isn’t something I apply to you, it’s something we do together. That means we shape the work together based on what feels most meaningful and helpful to you. This includes clarifying your goals, understanding the deeper patterns beneath your challenges, and developing a shared sense of how to move forward.

We’ll talk about both your hopes and your hesitations. Many people arrive with parts of themselves that want change, and other parts that are scared, protective, or unsure. That’s not a problem; it’s part of the work.

My role is to offer clinical insight, grounded support, and therapeutic structure, while always respecting your pace, autonomy, and voice.

Consistency and rhythm

Therapy works best when it’s consistent. That’s not just about logistics, it’s about creating a safe, stable environment where trust can grow and deeper work can unfold. In most cases, I recommend weekly sessions, especially in the early stages. This allows us to build momentum and stay close to the work. Think of it like tending to a relationship, one that needs attention, presence, and rhythm in order to deepen.

For meaningful therapeutic progress, I work with clients who can attend at least fortnightly. Less frequent sessions often make it hard to sustain the continuity that deeper work depends on. That said, life happens. If challenges arise, we’ll talk about them. While consistency is key, honesty and collaboration are equally important. Together, we’ll find a rhythm that’s sustainable and clinically thoughtful.

Importantly, some clients experience a sense of relief or clarity within a few sessions. For others, especially those exploring deeper emotional patterns, therapy becomes a longer-term process. There’s no one-size-fits-all. We’ll keep reflecting together to ensure the work continues to feel purposeful and supportive.

A note on cultural humility and respect

I recognise that therapy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s shaped by our histories, cultures, identities, and lived experiences. I strive to create a process that’s culturally respectful, inclusive, and open to the complexity of who you are, while striving to recognise and navigate the imprints of my own history on our process.

And if it’s not the right fit

Finding the right therapist matters. If it turns out that this isn’t the right match, whether due to clinical scope, style, or something you can’t quite name, I will always respect that, and support you in finding someone who may be a better fit.

Therapy is built on trust, and you should not feel like you have to force a connection. Part of my job is to be honest about when I’m not the right person to help, and to point you in the direction of someone who might be.

This is a place for care, not pressure. We’ll only move forward if it genuinely feels aligned.

Get in touch

FAQs

  • No. You’re welcome to self-refer. Just get in touch. If you'd like to access Medicare rebates, you'll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

  • Yes, Medicare rebates are available with a current Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). For private health funds, please check with your provider to confirm your eligibility for rebates.

  • My sessions typically run for 50 minutes. Some people find that a bit more time feels right for them, for instance, an 80-minute session, and we can talk about what feels most helpful for you.

    In most cases, I recommend weekly sessions, especially in the early stages. This allows us to build momentum and stay close to the work.

  • Yes, what you share in therapy is treated with strict confidentiality in line with legal and ethical standards. There are, however, a few rare and important exceptions:

    • If there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others

    • If I am legally required to provide information, such as through a court subpoena

    • If you disclose current or historical child sexual abuse

    If any of these situations ever arise, I will seek to discuss it with you first and explore how to manage any reporting requirements in a way that feels as safe and respectful as possible.

  • I ask for at least 24 business hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. “24 business hours” means one full working day’s notice, excluding weekends and public holidays. For example, to cancel a Monday appointment, notice would need to be given by the Friday before.

    Late cancellations or missed sessions incur the full session fee, unless we’ve agreed otherwise in exceptional circumstances.

    I understand that life can be unpredictable, and I’ll always take genuine emergencies or unexpected events into account. At the same time, I ask that appointments be treated with care and commitment, so that the therapeutic space remains protected and sustainable for you, for me, and for others who may be waiting for an appointment.

  • We’ll regularly check in on how therapy is feeling for you - whether things are shifting, and whether the process is aligning with your goals. I may also use outcome measures or questionnaires to support this reflection.

  • Yes, where clinically appropriate. Please note that more detailed reports or documentation may incur a fee.

  • No, I don’t currently provide diagnostic assessments or formal reports. If this is something you’re seeking, I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.

  • My work is integrative, relational, and grounded in evidence. I draw on a range of approaches, including psychodynamic, attachment- and trauma-informed, and systemic models, and adapt based on what feels most helpful and relevant to your experience. I also offer Cognitive-Behavioural and Interpersonal therapies where appropriate.

    Importantly, the relationship we build is central. I don’t follow a script or offer quick fixes; instead, I aim to create a space that supports honest reflection, emotional safety, and real change over time.

    To learn more about how I work after reading through this page, feel free to visit the About me page. And if there’s anything you’d like to know, I welcome your questions.

  • At the moment, I focus on working with individuals only. Even when working one-on-one, I consider your relational and social context: the connections, dynamics, and environments that shape your inner world.

  • Starting 01.01.2026, my session fees will be:

    • Standard session (50 minutes): $260 AUD

    • Extended session (80 minutes): $390 AUD.

    Medicare rebates are available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Depending on your private health insurance, rebates may also be available.

    I also accept WorkCover Queensland referrals for suitable work-related psychological injuries.

  • Yes. I offer sessions in both English and German. Many people find that certain emotions or memories are easier to express in their first language, and I’m glad to support that where possible.

  • Although I work with a broad range of emotional and relational difficulties, my practice is not the best fit for everyone.

    The kind of therapy I offer is steady, reflective, and depth-oriented. It works best for people who are safe enough in their day-to-day life to sit with their experience, be curious about it, and gradually make room for parts of themselves that have long been pushed aside.

    There are some situations where a different kind of support is more appropriate:

    Acute or Crisis Mental Health Needs

    If someone is in acute crisis or needs very intensive support, my practice is not the right service. This includes situations such as:

    • Recent psychiatric hospital admission (within the past year) for experiences such as psychosis, severe eating difficulties, or very high suicide risk

    • Ongoing, significant risk of harm to self or others

    • A current need for crisis management, close monitoring, or inpatient care

    In those circumstances, people are better supported by multidisciplinary mental health teams (such as hospital-based services, community mental health teams, or specialist programs) that can offer medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial care under one roof.

    NDIS and Support/Advocacy-Focused Work

    I do not currently provide services under the NDIS.

    As a result, I’m not the best fit for people whose main need is:

    • Support coordination or capacity-building within an NDIS plan

    • Reports, assessments, or documentation primarily for NDIS purposes

    If it becomes clear that a different service would better meet your needs, I will discuss this openly and, where possible, help you think through appropriate referral options.

  • It’s very common to feel unsure.

    If you’re wondering whether your situation is appropriate, you’re welcome to get in touch and share a little about what you’re hoping for. If I don’t think I’m the right person to help, I’ll let you know honestly and, where I can, suggest other types of services that may be a better match.

  • Yes. I accept selected WorkCover Queensland referrals for people seeking treatment for a work-related psychological injury.

    Before treatment begins, WorkCover says there should be either a referral from a registered medical practitioner or a current work capacity certificate. A work capacity certificate can only be issued by an appropriately registered medical practitioner, nurse practitioner for minor injury, or dentist for oral injury.

    I ask prospective WorkCover clients to contact me before booking so I can clarify documentation, claim status, billing arrangements, and whether the referral is likely to be a good fit for this practice.