Frequently Asked Questions

Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who have chosen to specialize in the field mental health. Some psychiatrists chose to  further specialize in psychotherapy. Psychiatrists also have the capacity to prescribe medication when thought to be required,  Psychotherapists can however come from wide variety of a backgrounds, including Psychology, Social Work, Occupational therapy and counselling. Each Psychotherapist brings a richness of experience from their own previous trainings and background. All Psychotherapists are trained to help clients with emotional and mental health issues through talking therapy. There are many different types of psychotherapy models and psychotherapists are often informed by a variety of models. The models from which I am most informed are listed here.

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Please submit a request via the webform, or call on (02)90984449 to contact myself if you have any questions. Please note you will need a referral letter from your GP.

The first appointment would usually have myself undertake an assessment, including the current problems, goals and needs. If both of us are comfortable after this, we would then contract to have further sessions. The aim is for clients to feel some improvement after each session with gradual sustained improvement over time. 

The model of psychotherapy that I practice seeks to address problems at the deeper underlying level rather than at the symptomatic level. It may be especially useful for people who have longer standing issues, for those who often find themselves conflicted about their experiences, and for those who would like to try alternate psychotherapeutic approaches before deciding on medication. The ultimate aim is to achieve fundamental change in people’s experiences of themselves and their relationships.

Most of my practice in the CBD practice is focussed on adults, though I can also adolescents 16 and above there. I also see a wider range of children (7-18) in my Calliope (Annandale) and Family Talks Clinic (St.Leonard's) rooms. My approach to seeing children and adolescents is predominantly family therapy based. 

As a Psychiatrist I do have the ability to prescribe medication, and I am constantly straddling two truths. One is that there are situations where medication is necessary, the other is that medications are sometimes also prescribed when it isn't necessary. My preferred way of working is to first try employ the therapies mentioned here and getting the maximum benefit from those before considering the use of medication. My approach may be best suited to those who are looking to trial either a psychotherapeutic approach for the first time, or a different form of psychotherapy than what has been used in the past.

My fees are consistent with the standard psychiatric rates. Medicare rebates apply. A substantial rebate may apply once the Medicare safety threshold is met. This would typically take effect after 10-12 sessions . Please note the Medicare safety threshold resets every calendar year.