How to Prepare for your First Session?
Should I arrive earlier for my first session?
How do I get to the practice?
When do I pay for my therapy session?
Can I claim a Medicare Rebate for my session?
Welcome
All our clinicians at the practice understand just how daunting it may seem at first, but please remember it’s a safe space just for us to explore WITHOUT judgment. Your assessor is also a trained therapist and is there for you, to provide a warm & comfortable experience.
Tips before you arrive for your first session.
Tip 1. Be prepared.
Before you get to the session, know how to describe “what’s wrong,” and find some words to describe your feelings about your problem. One helpful way to prepare is to write down the reasons you’re seeking an assessment. Make a list and then read it out loud. Hearing yourself say it a few times will help you describe things more clearly.
Tip 2. Think about what you want to achieve.
The first session is a great opportunity to discuss your goals. Many of our clients feel stuck in the problem and setting goals is important. Take some time to think about what you would like to be able to do. This will help you get the maximum benefit from the assessment experience.
Tip 3. Bring your records.
Please bring any and all medical records that you have. The more information available to us, the more accurate be can be with the assessment. Therefore, our recommended next steps will in turn suit more appropriately.
Inquire with us about your next Assessment
Do I need to arrive early for my appointment?
Please arrive 5-10min early for your face-to-face appointment. This will ensure that you are able to start your appointment on time, and also allow you some time to pause and reflect prior to your appointment.
For tele-health sessions please test your link and browser prior to joining the session so as to ensure enough time to resolve any difficulties with the connection. Please ensure that your device has adequate battery power.
How do I get to the practice?
Please check our contact & location page for details on parking & public transport.
When & how do I pay for my psychology session?
Payment of fees will need to be made by credit/debit card at the time of your appointment, either your therapist can process your payment, or front reception if you are having a face-to-face appointment.
Do I need to be there for my child’s or adolescent’s appointment?
For the first appointment at least one parent or caregiver is required to attend the session so as to discuss the privacy and confidentiality information on the consent forms that you will co-sign with your child.
Your clinician will then ask information related to your child’s history and anything that you would like for them to know as part of their initial assessment, and you may consider whether you would like to stay for the entire appointment or leave at a certain point.
For this first appointment it is best to allocate the time to be available for the full session.
Useful Links
Assessment options
Where are we located?