Low-Cost Private Psychology
As far as we know, the most important thing for a positive therapy experience is the relationship between the client and the therapist, regardless of the health issue or type of therapy.
Without having met you, I cannot tell you whether our working relationship will be suitable, and it is difficult to see from a website whether a psychologist is going to be the right fit for you. To learn a little bit about me, please scroll down or reach out with any questions, and I have endeavoured to answer frequently asked questions about my services and the therapy process below. You can make a referral here.
For the purposes of your own learning and expectation, I have also introduced different therapies and interventions that we could use in our sessions together. I kindly invite you to provide feedback through the Contact form if you would like to see further information about a particular type of therapy, health issue, or other aspects of the therapy process.
My Background
I initially followed a stereotypical career path from high school. I completed my Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Monash University and entered into the mental health workforce as a disability support worker in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) residence. After I graduated, COVID hit, and I spent three years continuing work in NDIS disability as a support worker and behaviour support practitioner, while also working actively as a psychological researcher. I have led several published scientific articles and two book chapters on therapist training and processes within the therapeutic relationship. You can view my publication history here. I also began training and competing in martial arts, and have studied complementary and alternative health approaches advocated for by the National Institute of Health, such as breathwork, mindfulness, cold and heat exposure, and natural remedies. Following the end of the pandemic, I completed my Master of Clinical Psychology from La Trobe University. I have worked with people across the lifespan, experiencing the spectrum of mental and physical health issues, in private practice, forensic settings, residential settings, and public mental health.
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart…the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Carl Gustav Jung, renowned analytical psychologist.
Image Source: scrapbookgraphics
“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” - Lao Tzu, legendary Chinese philosopher.
My formal training and diverse work experience has provided me with technical skills and knowledge in providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health and disability support. Honestly though, when I think of what it is that makes me a great health practitioner, it is my experiences as a human, just like you. I’ve struggled and I’ve lost. I’ve felt shame and guilt. I’ve made mistakes, and regretted the person I’ve been at times. I have been broken and I have put the pieces back together. I have witnessed change in myself, and observed the processes, internally and externally that helped me change. More than any of this, I have seen people far worse off than me overcome challenges far greater than I have experienced. I share this with you to show that if you work with me, I will understand you as a person not from my textbooks, and I will take the greatest care in helping you get to where you want to be, because it is possible for all of us.
Frequently Asked Questionss
-
$80 per session.
As I will not be able to provide Medicare rebates while I am overseas, I have currently set a flat rate of $80 because I believe health services should be accessible and affordable for all. Even with Medicare rebates, people are typically out of pocket more than $100 per session. I aim to maintain affordable prices for as long as possible. If you require further financial assistance, please speak to your GP about referral to financial aid services, such as CAREinMIND who can provide free mental health services for those in North Western Melbourne. Please click here for further information on free/low-cost mental health services and specialist services.
-
No, you do not need a referral to see me privately, however, if another health professional has recommended psychology to you, it would benefit our work to have that referral information.
-
Yes, sessions are confidential. Confidentiality is only at risk of being breached when it is required by law, when there is risk of harm to you or others, or if files are subpoenaed.
-
From March to June 2025, I am available from 11am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
From July to December 2025, I am available from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Sunday.
-
Sessions are typically around 50-minutes.
-
This can be a difficult question to answer, and it will depend on the reasons that you are coming to therapy. I aim to provide you with the most cost-effective service while balancing your needs and wants.
For focused and targeted issues, we could follow a treatment plan of weekly, fortnightly, or even twice weekly as some research has shown this higher frequency of sessions per week can lead to positive outcomes in a shorter period of time. However, most research has shown that the number of therapy sessions does not have a relationship to your therapy experience, so we will create a treatment plan that is best suited to the issue you want to work on, and your availability of time and finances.
Other issues may require long-term therapy because some emotions and experiences in life can take a bit of time to process. There may be times when you also feel you need a break from therapy to work on skills and strategies before continuing sessions. We design your treatment to work specifically for you and your needs, whatever they may be, and as your needs change, our work together will change as well.
-
Our first session will typically involve questions about what brings you to the session, your history, your current situation, and what you want to get out of therapy. By the end of the session, we will clarify your treatment plan, including how many sessions, our approach to sessions, and any questions you may have.
-
A psychologist is a person whose job it is to care for your health, and minimise as much potential harm to you as in their power. Seeing a psychologist is far from the only way to heal and resolve issues, but seeing a psychologist gives you one of the essential ingredients in healing, someone who will support you and be honest with you. Not everyone has a person or people like that in their life, and we need other people to help us work through those parts of ourselves that are hard to see. The benefit of seeing a psychologist is that they have extensive experience and skills in helping people work through difficult issues, and they are working solely, and confidentially, for you.
-
A psychologist is a mental health professional who has completed specialised training in the psychological diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural issues. Psychologists use counselling, evidence-based psychological therapies, and assessment methods in treatment.
Psychologists differ from counsellors in terms of their training. Unlike psychologists, counsellors’ training does not involve learning how to deliver therapies and diagnose clinical mental health disorders, but they may complete these trainings at further length after study.
Psychologists differ from psychiatrists in training and approach to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, having completed medical school and specialised in psychiatry, referring to the medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.