Starting therapy shouldn’t feel uncertain

Starting therapy — Melbourne psychologists

Most people arrive unsure what will happen, what they’re expected to say, or whether they’re “doing therapy correctly”.

This page explains how therapy works here — so you can decide comfortably before booking.

You don’t need to prepare anything before a first appointment.

Who we typically work with

We work best with adults who want therapy to be thoughtful and structured rather than open-ended conversation.

You don’t need a diagnosis or clear explanation of the problem — part of the work is understanding what’s actually happening.

This approach tends to suit people who:

  • think a lot about their experiences

  • want clarity rather than reassurance alone

  • have tried to “figure it out themselves”

  • prefer a steady pace over quick fixes

How therapy works

Step 1 — Initial consultation

The first session is not an assessment or interrogation.

We begin by understanding what has been happening recently, what has been difficult, and what you want to change.
You can speak freely, and you won’t be pushed to discuss anything before you’re ready.

By the end of the session you should have:

  • a clearer sense of what we are working on

  • an idea of whether the approach feels right

  • a recommendation for next steps

Step 2 — Understanding & plan

After the first sessions, we build a shared understanding of the patterns maintaining the difficulty.

Therapy becomes clearer once the problem is mapped.
Rather than revisiting the same topics each week, sessions begin to follow a direction.

We discuss:

  • what keeps the problem going

  • what needs to change

  • how therapy will approach it

Step 3 — Ongoing work

Sessions focus on gradually shifting patterns — thinking, behaviour, emotional responses, and relationships.

Most people attend weekly or fortnightly initially, then space sessions as things stabilise.

Therapy is reviewed periodically so it doesn’t continue longer than needed.

What the first session feels like

The first appointment is a conversation.
There are no forms to complete in session and no expectation to tell your whole history.

Many people worry about “what to say”.
It’s fine to start wherever feels easiest — recent events, a pattern you’ve noticed, or simply why you decided to book now.

You can ask questions about therapy before deciding to continue.

Ask a question →

Fees and referrals

Sessions are 50 minutes.

We can work with or without a GP referral (Mental Health Care Plan).
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates apply.
Private sessions are also available.

Payment is processed at the end of each session on the day so there are no later invoices.

Fees are discussed before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

Initial $290
Subsequent $270
Medicare rebate $145.25

In-person and telehealth

Both formats follow the same structure and pace.

Some people prefer the focus of the consulting room, others find it easier to speak from home.
We can adjust depending on what helps the work feel easier.

Common questions before starting

  • No. You can begin privately, or obtain a GP referral if you would like Medicare rebates.

  • This varies, but therapy is reviewed regularly so it remains purposeful rather than indefinite.

  • You won’t be pushed to discuss anything before you’re ready. Therapy proceeds at a manageable pace.

  • Many people come after unstructured therapy experiences. A clearer shared plan often changes the experience significantly.

  • Yes. The first appointment is an opportunity to see if the approach feels right.

  • We are not an emergency service and may help you find more appropriate supports if urgent care is needed.

You don’t need to be certain to begin

If you feel ready, you can book an appointment below.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to contact us with a question first.

Book appointment