Your first telehealth session.

Getting ready

• Medicare rebate: book a longer appointment with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to me. With these, you'll receive $89.50 back from Medicare per session.
• Intake form: before we meet, I'll send you a short intake and consent form. It helps me understand what brings you here, so we can make the most of our time.
• Your link: you'll receive a secure video link by email. There's nothing to download beforehand.

Create a calm, private corner

• Choose somewhere private where you won't be overheard. Some people use a parked car or a quiet bedroom.
• Headphones help with privacy and sound.
• Check your internet, camera and microphone a few minutes before we start.
• Keep water and tissues nearby, and a blanket or something comforting if you like. Your nervous system will thank you.

What happens in the first session

Our first session is about getting to know you. We'll talk about what's brought you here, what you'd like to feel or change, and what support looks like for you. We'll go at your pace, and you only share what you feel ready to share.

• You don't need to know what to say. Many people start with "I'm not sure where to begin". That's a perfect place to start.
• Big feelings are welcome. If emotions come up, we'll slow down and use grounding and breath to help you feel steady.
• It's a conversation, not an interview. You're welcome to ask me anything about how I work.

Taking it with you

You'll leave with a small practice to try during the week, such as a grounding or breathing exercise. If it feels right, we'll book your next session. It's normal to feel tired or tender afterwards, so be gentle with yourself for the rest of the day.

The relationship matters

Feeling safe and understood is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes in therapy. That's why I offer a free 15-minute call first, so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether we're a good fit, with no pressure.