INDIVIDUAL
THERAPY
Empowering you to achieve your goals and live a meaningful life with experienced psychological services for adults 18 years and older.
INDIVIDUAL
INDIVIDUAL
THERAPY
Empowering you to achieve your goals and live a meaningful life with experienced psychological services for adults 18 years and older.
Optimise Psychology
Support to help you navigate life's challenges and achieve mental wellbeing.
Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck or burnt out?
Life can be challenging, and it is normal to experience periods of stress, anxiety, sadness or uncertainty. Everyone has unique struggles, and one of the best things you can do is seek support when your coping resources are stretched. Whether you are dealing with an immediate challenge or more profound emotional difficulties, I am here to support you in navigating life’s challenges and finding a path to a healthier, more balanced life.
Offering Telehealth psychological services to support you to:
- Work through life’s changes and transitions, with support to help you adapt and thrive.
- Overcome relationship and interpersonal challenges, improving communication, resolving conflict and building healthier connections.
- Manage and alleviate depression.
- Heal and recover from traumatic events.
- Overcome anxiety and social phobia.
- Manage workplace stress and burnout.
- Gain solace and move through periods of grief and loss.
WorkCover and Workplace Services
- WorkCover Support
- Fitness for work assessments provide employers with independent and objective advice on an employee’s capacity to carry out their usual duties in a safe and healthy manner. A fitness for work assessment usually follows an injury, illness, period of sick leave, or disclosure of mental health concerns.
My Approach
I integrate both my academic knowledge and practical experience to tailor treatment plans that align with each individual’s unique needs. Rather than adhering strictly to one therapeutic approach, I work within a Positive Psychology framework, drawing on various evidence-based modalities to provide the most effective support. My approach includes:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP)
I am committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. Building a strong, trusting relationship is central to my work, helping clients feel empowered on their journey to well-being. The right therapeutic relationship is vital to achieving mental well-being: when the connection is strong, outcomes improve.
Fees and Rebates
Accessing Psychological Services
We offer flexible options to access your sessions, depending on your needs and eligibility:
Private Sessions:
For those who prefer not to use Medicare or insurance, private sessions are available. Payment can be made at the time of the session, and we provide receipts for you to submit to your insurance provider if applicable.
Medicare – Mental Health Care Plan:
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) through your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for psychological sessions. This is a simple process, however GPs prefer you schedule an extended appointment with them to better understand your concerns and complete the care plan. For more information on Mental Health Care Plans click here.
Please ensure you provide a copy of your MHCP 48 hours prior to your first appointment. You can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year under this plan.
Private Health Insurance:
Many private health insurers cover psychological services, depending on your policy. If you have private health insurance, you can use your extras cover to claim rebates for your sessions. Please check with your insurer to confirm coverage and rebate amounts.
Workplace or Insurance Related Claims:
If your sessions are covered by your workplace, WorkCover, or other insurance-related claims, please let us know. We can provide the necessary documentation to support your claim and ensure that you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.
Therapy Fees and Rebates:
Session fees vary based on the type and duration of the session. After-hours appointments are available before 8 AM, after 6 PM, or on weekends, with a $30 surcharge.
Rebates and Coverage
Mental Health Care Plan rebates are available to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Clients covered by Workcover may access fully funded sessions.
Booking Policy
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to secure your initial appointment. This deposit will be applied toward your session fee on the day of your appointment. Deposits are not required for subsequent sessions.
Types of Appointments and Fees
- Initial therapy session – 50 minutes $250 MHCP: Out of pocket $153.35 | Rebate $96.65 Private $250 | No Rebate
- Subsequent sessions – 50 minutes $240 MHCP: Out of pocket $143.35 | Rebate $96.65 Private $240 | No Rebate
- Half an hour of power – 30 minutes $140 For existing clients who have an immediate concern or question. Private $140 | No Rebate
- Fitness for Work Assessments and Report Writing – Fees cover the administration of basic psychology symptom screening tools, a comprehensive 90-minute assessment session, preparation of a detailed report, and any additional time required for case-specific review and recommendations. Quotes can be provided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the assessment’s specific requirements. Report fees are subject to GST.
Policies and Session Details
How do I book an appointment
Booking Enquiry
Make a booking enquiry in one of three ways:
- Website: complete the booking enquiry form below
- Phone: 0416 008 105
- Email: psych@optimisingpeople.com
Complete Enquiry Form
Complete the online intake form sent to you. The form includes important information about our privacy, cancellation, fee and payments policies.
Schedule Your Appointment
Once we receive your completed intake form, we will contact you to schedule your initial appointment details and a secure link to access your session.
Welcome Pack and Client Portal
We will send you a Welcome Pack with information about Optimise Psychology, our full policy documents, and tips for maximising your Telehealth appointments. This message will also include a link to set up your client portal where you can manage your details and future appointments.
What to expect at your sessions
First sessions
It is natural to feel nervous prior to your first appointment. I hope the following information alleviates some of your concerns and helps you prepare better for your first session.
Before your first appointment you will receive information about Optimise Psychology and an intake form that outlines important information about fees, confidentiality and our privacy policy. You will also need to complete some paperwork electronically. This helps in gaining a better understanding of your current situation and how I can best support you. Completing this information beforehand saves time and means you do not miss any therapy time.
Your first appointment typically takes 50 minutes to an hour, involving a comprehensive assessment where your goals for therapy are discussed and how we will work together. It is an opportunity for you to share your concerns, thoughts and feelings. It is important to be honest and open as possible, as it helps me to understand your unique needs and tailor my approach to best suit you. This first appointment and possibly some of the second session are used to gather as much information as possible to form an assessment and treatment plan. I will also discuss the importance of confidentiality and explain the limits of this confidentiality. The first session is just the beginning of the therapy process. It takes time and effort to make changes in your life, but with the support and guidance of a skilled psychologist, you can make lasting improvements in your mental wellbeing.
Some tips for your first appointment:
- Be prepared: Before your session, ensure you have completed any necessary paperwork. If you have a referral letter or other paperwork from your GP, make sure it has been sent in. Think about why you are attending the appointment and find some words to describe your feelings about the problem. One helpful way to prepare is to write down the reasons you are seeking help.
- Think about what you want to achieve: The first session is a great opportunity to discuss your goals, it gives us both something to aim for. Take time to think about what you want to be able to do in the future. This will help you get maximum benefit from therapy.
- Allow a little extra time: it can be an anxious time trying something new and unfamiliar. Give yourself time to be a little early, to unwind and relax before the session. Allow some time at the end of the session, in case we go over time.
- Ask questions, and make notes: These sessions are for you. There are no magic or secret formulas; you need to understand the content of our discussion. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about therapy or tell me things you have tried in the past that haven’t worked. We discuss A LOT in our sessions, so it helps to take notes, especially when it comes to your homework.
- Remember that I am on your team: If you can’t find the words to explain what is going on or what your goals might be, I am here to help you. This is part of my role in working with you. We work together on achieving YOUR goals. It may only take a few sessions to learn the strategies and skills to overcome the problems you are seeking help for, while others may come for more sessions. There is no right or wrong, only what is best for you.
- Follow through on homework: Homework is designed to reinforce what you have learnt in your sessions and to help integrate strategies into your daily life. Part of our agreement in therapy is that you will complete homework exercises. The only homework I give is work that has been agreed to at the completion of the session.
How do I make a payment
We accept credit card payments, with details securely stored in our payment system.
Payment
When you book your initial session, a non-refundable $50 deposit is required. This will be credited to your session on the day of the appointment. Subsequent appointments do not require a deposit.
Session fees will be charged to the stored card on the day of the appointment.
Privacy and Confidentiality
At Optimise Psychology, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. Our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information in compliance with Australian privacy laws, ensuring that your data is handled with the utmost care and respect. The policy also includes protection of sensitive discussions and records, along with exceptions to confidentiality.
We will provide the full Privacy and Confidentiality Policy at intake.
Cancellations
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required if you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment without penalty. This notice ensures we have sufficient notice to offer the time to other clients in need of support.
For example, if you have an appointment Monday morning and cancel on Friday afternoon, this will be considered within the 48 hours and will incur a 50% payment. Cancellation made within 24 hours of the appointment or non-attendance will require full payment.
Please be aware that rebates through Medicare or private health insurance are not available for cancelled or unattended appointments.
Please remember when you do not attend I am still providing my time and there are clients who could have had the benefit of that session.
We will provide the full Cancellation and Attendance policy at intake.
Late for a session
If you are late for an appointment your session may be less than 50 minutes in duration. Please note you will need to pay the full amount in these circumstances. However, your insurance rebate (if any) may be reduced.
We will provide the full Cancellation and Attendance policy at intake.
What I will do to help
An appointment reminder will be automatically sent via email 7 days prior to the session with important information and Telehealth link. Another reminder will be sent via SMS 3 days prior which requires a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ response to confirm or cancel the session. Please note, these reminders are a courtesy message, it will be your responsibility to keep your appointment time documented in a safe place.
Ready to take the next step?
Finding a psychologist and booking your first appointment can feel overwhelming. At Optimise Psychology we make it
simple. You can complete our booking enquiry form, call or email us to begin the process.
Online Enquiry Form
Complete the form and we will be in touch the same day, guaranteed!
