Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or not attended, incur the full session fee, as this appointment time has been reserved specifically for you.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We will explore what has brought you to therapy, learn about your experiences and history, discuss your current concerns, and begin identifying your goals.

There is no pressure to share everything in your first session. We work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you, creating a warm, compassionate space where you feel heard, respected, and understood.

How often should I attend therapy?

While every person's needs are different, therapy is generally most effective when sessions are attended regularly.

At Nourish, fortnightly appointments are often recommended during the initial stages of therapy to build momentum and support meaningful change. As your goals are achieved, many clients transition to monthly sessions for ongoing support and maintenance.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no set number of therapy sessions as every person's journey is unique.

If you are accessing therapy through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), Medicare currently provides rebates for up to ten individual therapy sessions per calendar year for eligible clients. This usually involves an initial referral for up to six sessions, followed by a review with your GP before accessing up to four additional rebated sessions, where clinically appropriate.

Together, we will regularly review your progress and discuss what feels most beneficial for your ongoing wellbeing.

What does therapy look like?

Every therapeutic journey is unique. Therapy begins by understanding your story, your strengths, and the experiences that have shaped you. Together, we develop goals and create an approach that best supports your individual needs.

Therapy with children and infants may include play, movement, creativity, and parent/carer involvement, recognising that young people often communicate and process experiences differently from adults.

Sessions may also draw upon attachment-based, developmental, and trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).

Please let Jeannie know if you have sensory, communication, access support needs.

Learn more about EMDR, CPP and IFS here.

Is what I share confidential?

Yes. All client records are stored securely and confidentiality is protected. The client’s informed consent will be obtained prior to initial session.

All personal information will remain confidential, except for the following circumstances-

  • It is subpoenaed by a court.

  • In my professional supervision with all identifying information removed

  • Failure to disclose information would place you or/and another person at risk.

  • Failure to disclose would place a child at risk of harm (mandatory reporting)

  • Your prior approval has been obtained to: Provide a written report or referral to another person or agency or discuss the material with another person.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. You are welcome to book an appointment without a referral.

    If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you will need a referral from your GP.

  • Your experience is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak openly with your therapist. We are committed to providing ethical, respectful, and evidence-informed care and welcome feedback at any stage of your therapeutic journey.

  • Both Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) and psychologists are qualified mental health professionals who provide evidence-based therapy and Medicare rebates for eligible clients.

    The main difference is their training and professional perspective.

    Accredited Mental Health Social Workers take a holistic approach, recognising how relationships, life experiences, family, culture and community influence mental health and wellbeing. While psychologists are trained to undertake formal psychological assessment and diagnosis, AMHSWs provide comprehensive mental health assessment, develop an understanding of symptoms and their underlying causes, and deliver evidence-based therapy tailored to each person's needs.

    There is no one profession that is better than another. The most important factor is finding a therapist whose experience, approach and therapeutic relationship are the right fit for you.

  • Nourish Psychotherapy and Counselling is not an emergency service, we are unavailable outside of opening hours. If you require immediate support, please contact emergency services or after-hours counselling services such as:

    Lifeline – 13 11 14

    Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (for young people up to the age of 25)

    Beyond Blue- 1300224636 (for depression, anxiety, and related disorders)

    SANE- 1800187263 (for people affected by complex mental health issues)

    Headspace-1800650890 (Young people aged 12-25)