It takes courage to say "This is it. I need some help". Sometimes a life crisis precipitates the decision. Sometimes a loved one or doctor suggests it. Sometimes you've been thinking about it a long time and finally feel ready. Some of us even feel guilty simply talking about ourselves when we are so busy taking care of others.

Whatever brought you to the point of taking the leap, you probably realised that good self-care is important: that your happiness and wellness matters. Sometimes it's okay to ask for help from a professionally trained person who specialises in exactly what you need.

It is important that you feel a sense of ownership for your therapeutic journey and that starts with choosing the right professional to talk to: Somebody who has the skills, experience, qualifications and personality that you need. Definity explore the recommendations of your GP and loved ones whose opinion you trust. Doing a bit of homework is often worthwhile so search around, read the profiles of the Psychologists, and see who feels right for you.

Please arrive about 15 minutes early to complete some paperwork. We will ask you for some contact detail information about what's troubling you and your consent to service. Like all practitioners, we are bound by strict rules of confidentially, and you can be assured that all your information will be dealt with in a confidential and respectful manner.

What sets therapy apart from a regular conversation with a friend is that the session time is 100% yours and the focus is wholly on what is relevant and most helpful to you.

It is sometimes a great relief to talk to somebody who does not know you and who does not move in your social circles, who will be impartial, non-judgmental, and compassionate to your experience.

You can expect Mark to be thoughtful, considerate, and genuinely interested, asking you questions to truly understand you and what troubles you, and what you would like to attain through your therapeutic journey. Your background and the people in your life, your work or studies, and what is important to you, as well as how your challenges affect you uniquely as a person will likely also be discussed.

At the end of your session the aim is for Mark to have a good idea of the challenges you face, your goals in therapy, and the evidence-based treatment that would most likely be of help to you. Mark will typically offer you some suggestions or strategies to try in between sessions.

Following your time with Mark, you will be invited to make a follow-up appointment at a time of your choosing.

If you attend with a valid GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates of $141.85 can be processed on the spot (provided you have a debit card linked to a cheque or saving account). Depending on your circumstances there will likely be a gap of between $18.15 and $53.15. Please see our fees and referrals for more information.

You will receive an SMS at 9.00am on the day before your next appointment. If you can not attend the scheduled appointment please help us by giving us more than 24 hours notice to avoid possible cancellation fees and allow other clients to see Mark.