Do I need a referral to see you?
No, you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates through the Better Access initiative, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Many clients in Lilydale and surrounding areas choose to see me privately, while others bring a plan from their doctor.
Can I use my Mental Health Care Plan for EMDR therapy?
Yes. EMDR is a recognised evidence-based therapy under the Medicare Better Access program. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for a rebate on your sessions.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. I offer both in-person appointments at my Lilydale clinic and online sessions for clients across Australia. Online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions and allows you to access support from the comfort of your own home.
What happens in my first session?
Your first session is a chance for you to share what’s been happening in your life and what has brought you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions to understand your goals and background, and together we’ll develop a plan for moving forward. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to, we’ll work at your pace.
What kinds of issues do you help with?
I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, low self-worth, and relationship difficulties. Many of my clients are seeking help with the long-term impacts of childhood experiences, attachment wounds, or past relationships. My approach is trauma-informed, using EMDR therapy, Schema Therapy, CBT, and attachment-based methods.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how you’d like to work. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others prefer ongoing support over a longer period.
Do you work with children or couples?
I currently work with adults (18 years and over) in individual therapy. I do not offer couples counselling or child therapy at this time.
Where are you located?
My practice is based in Lilydale, VIC, and I also work with clients from Mooroolbark, Croydon, Yarra Ranges, and across Australia through online therapy. The clinic is easy to access with parking nearby. See Contact page.
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact me directly by phone, email, or by using the contact form on my website. If you’d like to use a Mental Health Care Plan, please bring it along to your first session.
Many people aren’t sure if their past experiences warrant therapy, I can often hear "compared to others it my experience wasn't that bad". If you however experience ongoing anxiety, intrusive memories, difficulty trusting others, people-pleasing, or feel emotionally disconnected, trauma therapy might help, especially approaches like EMDR, which are safe and effective for those who find “talk therapy” daunting.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and store distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. It’s often used for trauma, anxiety, grief, and other emotional difficulties. You can read more about EMDR on my EMDR Therapy page.
In trauma-informed therapy, the first priority is building emotional safety and ensuring you feel in control throughout the process. EMDR sessions involve identifying the memories or themes you’d like to work on, then using structured eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g. tapping your legs or feet) to help the brain reprocess them. You do not need to retell every detail of the experience for it to be effective. Many clients notice a reduction in emotional intensity, anxiety, and physical tension as the memories become less distressing. Sessions are paced to suit your needs, and we work together so you feel supported before, during, and after.
It’s good to ask about their experience with trauma clients, modalities they use (like EMDR or attachment-based therapy), how they maintain safety, and how they tailor sessions to your pace and needs.
Online therapy can be just as effective, especially with trauma-informed approaches like EMDR or CBT. Many of my clients in Lilydale and across Australia find it flexible, accessible, and equally impactful. It is really up to you and what you feel more confident with. With also have the felxibility of changing between in person and online if you are able to access the clinic in person.