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.
What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?
A previous therapy experience that didn’t feel helpful can understandably shape how you feel about trying again.
There are many reasons therapy may not have landed in the past, including timing, approach, or simply not feeling the right therapeutic fit. These experiences don’t mean therapy can’t be helpful now.
At the core, effective therapy is often about finding a space where you feel understood, safe enough to explore what’s going on, and able to work in a way that aligns with your needs.
Do I need to know what I want to talk about?
No. You don’t need to arrive with clarity or a structured list of topics.
Many people begin therapy with a general sense that something isn’t feeling right, even if they can’t fully articulate it yet. That uncertainty is often a meaningful starting point in itself.
Part of the process is slowing things down enough to begin noticing patterns, experiences, and internal responses that may not yet have been put into words.
What if I feel stuck but can’t explain why?
This is a very common reason people seek support.
Feeling “stuck” can show up as emotional fatigue, lack of direction, overwhelm, disconnection, or a sense that things look fine externally but don’t feel that way internally.
You don’t need to explain it clearly in order to begin. Therapy can be a space where that experience is gradually understood, rather than something you need to present in a resolved or articulated form beforehand.
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.
Booking & Next Step
You're welcome to reach out if you're considering therapy and would like to know whether this approach may be a good fit. There is no obligation to proceed.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask a question before booking, you can get in touch via the contact form and a response will be provided as soon as possible.