Frequently Asked Questions
Alignment Psychology in Eltham, Templestowe and via Telehealth
Seeking support is an important step and it's natural to have questions before getting started. Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about therapy, appointments, Medicare rebates, Telehealth and the counselling process. My aim is to make accessing support as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You are welcome to book an appointment without a GP referral.
Some clients choose to attend privately, while others access support through a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP, which may allow them to claim Medicare rebates on eligible psychology sessions.
If you're unsure which option is right for you, I'm happy to discuss this when you enquire.
Can I claim Medicare rebates?
You may be eligible for Medicare rebates if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral from your GP.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, will allow you to receive a rebate of $98.95 per psychology session for 10 sessions per year.
Many clients choose this pathway when seeking support for anxiety, stress, burnout, adjustment difficulties or other mental health concerns.
Private appointments are also available and do not require a referral.
If you have questions about fees, rebates or referrals, please get in touch and I'll be happy to guide you through the process.
Do you offer Telehealth?
Yes.
Telehealth appointments are available for clients across Melbourne and Australia, providing flexibility and access to support from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Many clients find Telehealth particularly helpful when balancing work, study, family responsibilities or travel.
Research has shown that Telehealth can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, stress and burnout.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some clients attend for a small number of sessions focused on a specific challenge or life transition, while others choose longer-term support to work through more deeply rooted patterns and build lasting change.
During our initial sessions, we'll discuss your goals and develop a plan that feels appropriate for your circumstances.
Therapy is a collaborative process and the pace is always guided by your needs.
What happens in the first appointment?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what has brought you to therapy.
We'll explore:
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Your current concerns and challenges
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Relevant personal history
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Factors contributing to stress, anxiety or overwhelm
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Your strengths, supports and coping strategies
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What you would like to achieve through therapy
There is no pressure to share everything at once. The first appointment is about creating a safe and supportive space where you can begin to feel understood and develop a clearer path forward.
Many clients tell me they feel relief simply from having the opportunity to talk openly about what has been weighing on them.
Do you see Year 12 students?
Yes.
I work with Year 12 students navigating the pressures that can accompany their final years of school, including:
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Academic stress
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Performance anxiety
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Perfectionism
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Exam preparation
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Study-life balance
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Confidence and self-esteem
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Uncertainty about future pathways
The final years of school can be demanding emotionally as well as academically. Therapy can provide practical strategies, emotional support and a space to build resilience during this important stage of life.
Do you support menopause-related anxiety?
Yes.
For many women, perimenopause and menopause can bring significant emotional and psychological changes alongside physical symptoms.
Hormonal changes may contribute to:
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Increased anxiety
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Mood fluctuations
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Sleep difficulties
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Reduced confidence
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Emotional overwhelm
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Changes in identity and self-worth
These experiences can feel confusing, particularly for women who have previously managed life's challenges with confidence.
Therapy can provide support in understanding these changes, developing effective coping strategies and navigating this transition with greater self-compassion, clarity and confidence.
What is burnout?
Burnout is more than simply feeling tired or stressed.
It is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can develop when the demands placed upon us consistently exceed our capacity to recover.
Burnout often affects people who are highly capable, responsible and committed - those who are accustomed to pushing through and meeting the needs of others.
Common signs of burnout include:
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Feeling emotionally exhausted
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Difficulty switching off
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Reduced motivation
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Increased anxiety or irritability
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Brain fog or poor concentration
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Feeling disconnected from yourself, your work or the people around you
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A sense that life feels full, but no longer fulfilling
Burnout is not a sign of weakness. It is often a signal that something important needs attention.
Therapy can help you understand the factors contributing to burnout, restore emotional wellbeing and reconnect with the values, needs and priorities that support a more sustainable and meaningful way of living