FAQS

Finding the right therapist is essential for a successful therapeutic journey. A huge part of the therapeutic process depends on the strength of the relationship you have with your therapist. Here are some steps to help you determine if we are a good fit:

— Read my About page: Have a look at my qualifications, experience and therapeutic approach to see if this resonates with what you are looking for in a therapist.

— Book in a free 15 minute consultation: This is a space for us to briefly connect, and get to know your goals for therapy to see if I am the right person to support you on your journey.

Here some other steps to consider when choosing a therapist in general:

— Trust your instincts: Pay attention to how you feel during and after your sessions. Do you feel heard, respected, and understood? Trust your instincts in assessing whether the therapeutic relationship is working for you.

— Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions. The therapist should be transparent and open to addressing your concerns.

— Compatibility: Choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings.

It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist may take some time. If, for any reason, you don't feel a connection with your therapist, it's okay to explore other options until you find the best fit for your needs.

The number of sessions and the frequency of appointments can vary based on individual needs and goals. Therapy is a personalised process, and the duration and frequency will be discussed and agreed upon between us.

Factors influencing the recommendation for the number and frequency of sessions include the nature of the concerns you're addressing, your goals for therapy, and your personal preferences.

Short-term vs. Long-term:

Some individuals find resolution to specific issues in a relatively short time, such as a few sessions, weeks or months, while others may choose to engage in more extended, ongoing therapy for personal development and ongoing support.

Frequency:

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled weekly, especially at the beginning of the therapeutic process. This consistent schedule helps build momentum and allows for a more in-depth exploration of your concerns. As progress is made, the frequency of sessions may be adjusted to bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your needs and my recommendation.

Open Communication:

The number and frequency of sessions are always open for discussion. I will regularly check in with you to assess progress and discuss any adjustments needed to the treatment plan. Additionally, your own feedback and comfort level will play a crucial role in determining the ongoing structure of your therapy.

It's important to note that therapy is a collaborative process, and the decision about the number and frequency of sessions ultimately rests on what works best for you. I am here to support you in achieving your goals, and together we will determine the most effective and beneficial treatment plan for your unique circumstances.

The first session, often referred to as an initial consultation, is a crucial step in the therapeutic process. Its primary purpose is for us to begin establishing a therapeutic relationship and to provide you with an opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask questions. It's important to note that I take a person-centred approach to therapy, so this is a general outline of how an initial consult may look and can be adapted based on your specific needs. Here's what you can generally expect:

Establishing Rapport:

Building a trusting and comfortable relationship is a key focus of the first session. You'll have the opportunity to express any questions or concerns you may have about the therapeutic process.

We will begin with introductions, allowing you to become familiar with me. I will briefly explain some practical pieces like the therapeutic process, professional boundaries, confidentiality, fees, cancellations and answer any questions you have here.

Information Gathering:

You will have the chance to share the reasons you're seeking therapy. This will include a discussion of your primary concerns, challenges, or areas of your life you'd like to explore.

I will gather relevant information about your background, history and current circumstances.

This can be the most challenging part of therapy for some people, especially if you have not spoken about your concerns before, and for some it can feel relieving to get this off your chest.

Goal Setting:

Together we will begin to identify specific goals for our therapy journey and discuss the changes you hope to achieve.

Future Sessions:

Towards the end of the session, we will discuss how to move forward including the frequency and duration of sessions.

As the first session is a collaborative and exploratory process. You are encouraged to be open and honest about your feelings and expectations. I will take all of this information in to meet your unique needs.

No, not specifically. Only clinical psychologists and mental health care social workers are eligible for Medicate rebates.

But I do offer discounted concession rates for those in need.

It is likely that it will cost you less to see me than many Medicare providers, as their out-of-pocket expenses are still higher than my fee (even after the rebate).

Most psychologists charge approximately $250 per session and the sessions you can get on a Mental Health Care Plan are limited, which means you will have to be the full consultation amount once finished.

In the case that you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please give me at least 24 hours advanced notice and ideally 48 hours notice. You can do this yourself by clicking 'Change/Cancel Appointment' in the email you would have received, or by contacting me directly via email. If you must cancel, you will not be charged for the appointment if you notify me 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, if you do cancel within the 24 hour timeframe, you will be charged the full amount (unless there is an emergency).

It is really important that my work is accessible to those who wish to access it:

— I offer a 10% discount to those with a health care card, enter the code SUPPORT

— I offer a 20% discount to those under the age of 16 years old, enter the code YOUTH.

— I offer a 30% discount to those with a mental health care plan, enter code PLAN.

- Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), 2014- 2019, Southern School of Natural Therapies, Australia

- Post Grad. Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (Process Work), 2020-2022, Metavision Institute, Australia

- You can read more about my other personal and professional qualifications at brontepurcell.com/about

Counselling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses specific life challenges. Counsellors help individuals develop skills and strategies to manage challenges and make positive changes in their lives.

Psychotherapy tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic. It addresses the root cause and core issues of current problems so that lasting change and personal growth may occur. Psychotherapists use different therapeutic modalities (techniques) to address the client’s concerns.

Psychology takes place within more of a medical framework. Psychologists use treatments which identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and use tools like psychological testing to inform strategies for therapy. This approach means they diagnose in terms of mental illness set out in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

It is important to note that as a counsellor & psychotherapist, I do not work within the medical framework, which means that I do not diagnose, pathologise or prescribe medication.