How long does a counselling session go for?

A session goes for 50 minutes.

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What do I need to bring with me?

• If you have a referral, please bring this with you along with your Medicare Card.

• Your Health Care Card / Concession Card / DVA card (if you have one).

• You're also welcome to bring along anything else that you think might be helpful
  (e.g. doctors certificates, psychology reports, any notes you may have written or a notepad etc.).

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Can I book an after-hours appointment?

Madeline offers 5pm and 6pm appointments. Please note that these appointments incur a higher fee.

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Can I request a video / phone appointment?

Yes Madeline offers video sessions and telephone sessions. The same fees apply.

 

What can I expect from the first appointment?

When you arrive you will be greeted by our lovely receptionists and then provided with some paperwork to fill out including a brief (1-page) questionnaire. Once completed, your session can begin. The main aims for the initial session are for Madeline to get to know you and what has brought you to therapy as well as for Madeline to understand what you're hoping to get out of therapy (if you're not sure that's okay!). This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions and decide whether you think Madeline will be a good fit for you.

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What are some common reasons people seek help from a psychologist?

People seek help for a broad range of reasons. These include everyday problems such as work stress, relationship troubles or coping with illness as well as problems such as depression, anxiety, grief, substance issues, trauma, bullying, poor body image, low self-esteem etc. 

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What does counselling involve and how can it help?

Counselling is a unique process that typically involves talking, exploring past and/or present concerns and introducing evidence-based strategies to assist you to get the most out of life. When talking to a psychologist you will experience non-judgemental support and undivided attention. Clients often comment that this process creates a sense of feeling heard and understood and helps them to understand themselves better and gain clarity.

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Some of the ways in which Madeline has helped others include:

• Introducing ideas to improve your mood

• Implementing ways to relax and de-stress

• Building your self-esteem and confidence

• Assisting you with problem-solving and decision making

• Developing a sense of self-compassion to combat your inner self-critical thoughts

• Helping you to let go of self-limiting beliefs

• Learning about the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours

• Supporting you to develop more healthy ways of thinking and challenge those negative or anxious thoughts that arise

• Helping you to learn to forgive yourself or others and to let go of painful thoughts and feelings

• Supporting you to overcome life's challenges

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Do I have to be struggling to see a psychologist? 

Absolutely not. Anyone can benefit from seeing a psychologist for any reason, big or small. You do not have to wait until you are really struggling before you see a psychologist. For example, you might feel relatively happy but are having some difficulty managing your work life balance or would like to improve your confidence etc. Psychologists can assist you to enhance your strengths and help you to thrive.

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Is my information kept confidential?

Yes, all personal information gathered during the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except when: (1) it is subpoenaed by a court; (2) failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at risk; or (3) your prior consent has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g. a doctor, insurer or a lawyer) or to discuss the material with another person (e.g., a parent, case manager or employer).​ 

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Can you provide a report for my court case?

No. Madeline's focus is on therapeutic services, therefore she does not provide legal assessments/reports.

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