Have some questions about working with me? Let’s answer them for you.
It’s common to have lots of questions when you start working with a Psychologist.
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that get thrown my way. Is a question that’s on your mind, not in this list? No problem, just reach out here and ask!
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When you book a time to meet with me, I’ll send you some forms to fill in. One of these forms is a questionnaire that will help me get to know you, and what’s going on in your life, before we meet.
From there, we will have our first session. Every session is different and I allow them to be free flowing so you can express and share what you feel called to. I will hold space for you, listen compassionately and help you explore what is arising in your heart. Everything is welcome in this space - tears, laughter, frustration, anger. You are free to be 100% you.
By the end of our first session, we will have a framework for the rest of our time together. You will feel a sense of clarity about what you need, and what goals you want to focus on over the coming weeks and months.
I suggest a minimum of 10 sessions to help you get to the core of what is arising for you and create sustainable (and joy filled!) change in your life.
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Therapy is about teamwork and working together to reach your goals. As each person is unique with their own set of values, strengths and challenges, I adapt my approach to suit your individual needs.
I am trained in a wide variety of therapies including:
· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
· Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
· Mindfulness Based and Self-Compassion Therapies
· Interpersonal Therapy
· Person centred and humanistic therapy
· Psycho-dynamic Therapy
· Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition Coaching -
That’s totally normal and understandable. It takes courage to meet with someone you don’t know and open up to them. I commend you for even being here, opening yourself up to the possibility of connecting.
Please know that I have decades of experience, have worked with hundreds of women and truly care about everyone I cross paths with. I can’t promise that our time together will feel easy (because self reflection and growth rarely is!), but you will feel safe and supported.
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They do! If you live in Australia, go and speak with your GP about accessing a Mental Health Care Plan. This plan entitles you to up to 10 sessions with a Psychologist over a 12-month period. You just need to explain to your GP how your mental health is impacting your everyday life. Although your plan won’t cover all the costs, it will cover a big chunk of it!
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Yes, you sure can! Go and see your GP to discuss getting onto a Mental Health Care Plan and if s/he agrees that you qualify, you’ll get $145.25 back per session.
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Telehealth is a great Australian government initiative that allows you to claim a rebate if you see a Psychologist online. The Australian government made Telehealth permanent at the end of 2021.
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It all depends on your cover and extras. I suggest giving them a call and asking. One thing to be aware of is that your private health cover cannot be used in conjunction with a Mental Health Care Plan.
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You can find my fees here.
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You can, but you’ll see the results you desire if you make a longer-term commitment. The things you’re struggling with are likely issues that have existed in your life for a long time. Because of this, they need time to explore, undo and rewire themselves and that takes dedication and often, multiple sessions.
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Absolutely not. As long as I’m not concerned about your safety, or the safety of anyone else in your life, then what you share stays between us. If I did have concerns, I would always speak with you about them first. Your privacy is REALLY important to me!
If you are on a Mental Health Care Plan, it’s important for you to know that I am required by Medicare to write a report for your GP after our first, sixth and tenth sessions.
PAYMENT, FEES AND CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENTS
We will process payment for your online sessions once they are completed and receipt details will be emailed to you. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, we will also organise for your rebate to go straight back into your account. If you have Private Health Insurance you will be able to use your receipt to make an online or in-person claim.
Should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we respectfully request 24 hours’ notice. Whilst we understand life can be unpredictable, cancellation at late notice means we are unable to offer this appointment to another client who may be on a cancellation or waiting list for an appointment. Failure to provide this minimum notice may incur the full consultation fee being charged.
We certainly understand that you may not be able to keep an appointment due to sudden illness or an unexpected personal emergency. If this does happen to you, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know.
ONLINE BOOKINGS TERMS AND CONDITIONS | PRIVACY
Online bookings are made under the below terms and conditions and management of your private and confidential information.
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As part of providing a psychological health and wellbeing service to you, Blue Turtle Psychology needs to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation.
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The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s condition, and is seen only by the Psychologist, Doctor or relevant Allied Health Professional. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the Psychologist, Doctor and Allied Health Professional to provide a relevant and informed service.
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At any stage you as a client are entitled to access to the information about you kept on file, unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise. Your clinician may discuss with you appropriate forms of access. Client information is generally stored electronically and only accessible by authorised employees or practitioners. While every effort is made to ensure your data remains in a data centre within Australia this may not always be the case.
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All personal information gathered by your clinician during the provision of the service will remain confidential and secure except where:
It is subpoenaed by a court, or
Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
Your prior approval has been obtained to: provide a written report to another professional or agency. e.g. a GP or a lawyer; or discuss the material with another person, eg. a parent or employer; or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.
Access to client information is limited to administration staff, professional advisors if required in a strictly confidential manner, another health professional if required by way of handover or third party professional consultation and finally the Clinic Director to ensure that the highest levels of professional treatment is provided.
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While there are many benefits from online therapy it is also important that you are aware of the following:
· Potential limits to privacy and confidentiality. While we provide secure communication there have been computer viruses or hacking, which have exposed even governmental and banking data. Whilst we have never had an issue with this when conducting online sessions, it needs to be noted for your consideration. The same confidentiality principles apply to on-line therapy as in person therapy in terms of sharing of information and storage of notes.
TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ONLINE APPOINTMENT:
Try to find a suitable place within your home (or wherever you will be during your session) where you have privacy and feel comfortable to talk freely without concern about being overheard by others.
Try to sit in a well-lit area so we can see each other.
For your additional comfort, try to minimise background noise – turn off televisions, music or other sounds, and close the door to the room that you are in.
Minimise distractions – During sessions please avoid using your device for other tasks at the same time (social media, work etc.). Sometimes interruptions are unavoidable but this is your precious time and as much as possible we don’t want anyone or anything disturbing you, although all 4-legged furries are welcome!
Please ensure you have a device with a camera and microphone (phones, tablets, laptop and desktop computers are suitable) and a reliable Internet connection.
During sessions, please place your device on a steady surface and remain in one position rather than holding your device in your hand or walking around.
Try to ensure that you are available promptly at the appointment time for the call/video session (you will receive a separate calendar invite with details and link for the session.
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