Frequently Asked Questions

The perinatal period refers to before, during, and after pregnancy; it is any part of conception planning, conception, pregnancy, birth, and post-partum including loss, grief and adjustment. A perinatal psychologist has completed extra training to provide evidence based support and treatment during this life stage. 

Seeing a perinatal Psychologist can be helpful for a variety of reasons, from having a place to share your worries, help to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, through to treatment for specific concerns. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space to work with a trained professional on your emotional wellbeing, your bond with your baby, relationship with your partner or how to raise your family in line with your values.

If you book via the link to my online booking portal, I will receive an automated notification and will send you a ‘Welcome’ email with more information about working with me and registration forms to complete prior to the appointment.  

Your initial appointment is often a lot of information gathering about your therapy goals (it’s okay if you are not sure initially), what has led to you to come in and current symptoms you may be experiencing. It is not likely to fix any troubles but will give you a sense of how I work and respond and give you an opportunity to assess whether my approach feels a good fit for you. 

Psychologists understand that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element of treatment. You need to feel safe for your journey of self exploration, to be curious about your thoughts and reactions and sometimes uncomfortable feelings as you experience personal growth. Some nervousness at the start is quite normal and I will provide safe support and guidance.

Baby and partner, absolutely ! Dog, no too tricky.

I look forward to meeting you and your baby and anyone else that you would like to include from time to time. The rooms are easily accessible for prams, and I have toys and playmats for bub while we chat.

While I do not offer couples counselling a partner may benefit from sharing their perspective in a session and sharing in some session content as agreed with you.

No, you don't need a referral to make an appointment.

You will however need to provide a valid referral at or before your appointment to receive a Medicare rebate.

Mental Health Medicare Rebates. For clients with a diagnosed mental health disorder you will need a Medicare compliant mental health care plan from your GP to claim a Medicare rebate. This allows clients to receive a rebate of $96.65 for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

The above Medicare rebate is $121.35 when face to face sessions occur outside the consulting room. For example home visits or walk & talk appointments.

Pregnancy Counselling Medicare Rebates. For clients that have had a pregnancy within the past 12 months - $70.85 per session for up to 3 sessions. A letter or note addressed to Psychologist and signed by Doctor is required by Medicare to access this rebate. 

Private Health Fund Rebates. Check with your fund for eligibility and rates.

We are lucky to have the options of using zoom for video sessions or simply talking over the phone. You can even arrange a phone session where we both walk while talking over the phone, using your appointment for getting active and outdoors at the same time. For local clients there is the option to find a quiet area to walk together and in some cases home visits can be arranged for a small travel fee.

No, my services are unable to extend to emergency situations. I do not provide crisis services however there are other services set up to help in times of crisis. Please call one of the services below or attend your nearest hospital emergency department if you need urgent mental health care.  

Emergency Services - call 000 in any life threatening emergency. 

Lifeline – call 13 11 14
For support and advice in a personal crisis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lifeline also has online chat available from 8pm - midnight seven days a week.

Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467
For free telephone counselling related to suicide prevention and bereavement, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Psychologists are required to determine what is within their scope of practice based on their experience and training.

I do not provide court related work and reports as part of the scope of my service.

On some occasions, at an enquiry or maybe after your initial appointment, I might on-refer to a more intensive service where there are more resources, greater flexibility and more staff that are likely to better suit your needs.