FAQ’s

Wonderful to hear from you!

If you’re a new client eager to connect, I’d love for you to schedule some time to talk with me. You can do this here.  It’s during these personalised sessions that I can best address any questions or concerns you might have. This is the best way I can support you.

And if you’re a service provider, professional, or someone else looking to get in touch, or a new client having tech issues with the client portal please feel free to reach out via email: hello at polysoma dot au. I look forward to hearing from you!

Please note it can take up to 48 hours to receive a reply from me.

I work with people who are aged 21 years or older.

I do not work with:

• Children, teens or young adults.*
• Families or couples counselling.
• Court mandated counselling,
• Acute crisis situations.
• Anyone with active suicidal and, or homicidal intentions or plans.

*I do not specialise in working with children, teens or young adults, this is out of my scope of practice. However, there are some great professionals who do. If you are a someone that requires help please connect with Headspace or Kids Helpline.

If looking for a  helping practitioner that works with children and young people, make sure they have additional qualifications in Child, Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing on top of their base university qualification.  The practitioner ideally should have a solid history in specialising with children and young adults. They must also have a valid child and vulnerable person-related employment check.

My fees are requested upfront using a Credit/Debit card to reserve your time with me, ensuring that our session is dedicated solely to your therapeutic needs without any interruptions for payment processing. This practice also helps streamline administrative tasks at the end of our session. Payments are processed securely through Stripe.

Please note that fees may vary depending on your unique therapeutic needs, including personal health, goals, and recovery progress. This can affect the frequency of sessions and associated costs over time. I am unable to give you an estimate at what that might look like.

Your first session  – $250+GST 90 minute session – (Your first visit with me is longer than the standard session. The extra time is used to get to know you and delve into your concerns).

All other sessions  – $190+GST per 60 minute session.

You can find me: Suite 1, 98-100 Goodwood Road, Goodwood.

Public transport: There are various public transport options available, regardless of your starting point. If you’re in the outer suburbs, you can take a bus or train heading towards the city of Adelaide. From there, you can easily transfer to a tram at either the Adelaide Train Station or Victoria Square. The tram ride from the city to Good Hub takes approximately 15 minutes. Once you’re on the tram, alight at Stop 3, which is conveniently located right in front of Good Hub. For assistance in planning your journey, please explore Adelaide Metro’s “Plan My Trip” tool here.

Cycling: For assistance in planning your journey, please explore the Government of SA ‘Cycle Instead Planner’ tool here.

Parking: Limited free parking for clients is available  at the front of Good Hub on Railway N Terrace. There is also a designated disabled parking spot. Alternatively on Hampton St N or Essex St N, you’ll find free parking spots available from two hours or more.

Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will be charged the full fee and be given the option to reschedule at the standard rate, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Cancellations made with more than 48 hours notice will be eligible for a full refund or offered the chance to reschedule.

In the event that I must cancel your session, you will receive a full refund or be provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Unused visits within the session packs remain valid for 24 months following your most recent appointment with me. Session packs are non-refundable except in extenuating circumstances or severe financial hardship.

Medicare-funded mental health services are unfortunately limited to psychologists and some social workers, excluding counsellors, psychotherapists and other important mental health specialities from the Medicare-funded system. If you want to advocate Medicare funding for counsellors and psychotherapists please consider writing  to your federal member of Parliament.

However, there is an advantage to this. Choosing a private practitioner can have huge benefits. One key advantage is the freedom to choose a provider based on personal compatibility and therapeutic style, as each practitioner has a unique approach. Besides the personal connection, there are additional advantages for clients not to rely on Medicare mental health plans, including:

• Freedom from treatment constraints: Non-Medicare providers are not restricted to specific treatments dictated by Australia’s Medicare system, such as favouring Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Private treatment allows for a broader range of therapeutic interventions, controlled by you, rather than Medicare guidelines.
• Increased confidentiality and privacy: Since clients cover the entire cost, their personal and confidential records aren’t shared with government entities, their medical practitioner, or insurance agencies unless safety concerns arise. This means you get greater confidentiality and privacy. While clients have the option to disclose information to any healthcare professional of their choice, some prefer to maintain the confidentiality of such details.
• Unlimited sessions: Without the limitations of mental health care plans and Medicare, non-Medicare providers can offer unlimited sessions. This flexibility allows for personalised pathways to healing and recovery, accommodating clients who may require more than the typical 8 to 10 sessions.
• Potential cost savings: Some highly skilled psychotherapists may have lower costs compared to out-of-pocket expenses associated with the Medicare Benefits Scheme. Opting to pay directly for therapy removes external influences and allows clients to maintain control over their therapeutic journey.

Psychotherapist and counselling experience: Psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists all have a distinct perspective. While all hold value and require comprehensive education and training, our different therapeutic approaches can create a unique client journey.

As a counsellor and psychotherapist, I hold an advanced degree  (AQF Level 9 Masters) and additional specialised qualifications. I am registered practitioner with the ACA, and certified with the SSEAA and ASIS.

As a somatic practitioner I work with the whole body and mind from a biopsychosocial perspective. While I do not provide diagnoses like some psychologists, I am adept at observing my client’s thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and working with them, while undertaking a variety of specific clinical assessments, if required. For example, depression scales and trauma scoring systems.

When trained at Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 7 (Bachelors), and AQF Level 9 (Masters), psychotherapists and counsellors may use the same modalities as psychologists—except for diagnostic assessment. For example, both may use therapies like Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and many other specialist modalities if they have training in them.

There are situations where a psychotherapist or counsellor may not be suitable, for example, situations of psychosis or acute mania, acute suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or persistent depression. In these situations, psychotherapy and counselling alone might not be useful. Some clients might need to see their medical practitioner or be referred to a psychiatrist.

Psychologist experience and diagnosis: Psychologists are often sought for psychological diagnoses, treatment and reports. This can be beneficial for some people, and facilitate access to services like the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Disability Support Pension (DSP). Psychologists typically assign a mental illness or disorder using diagnostic methods based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This is based on the mental health-medical model of care. A Psychologist will be registered with AHPRA.

Not everyone needs a psychologist: Opting for private therapy with a psychotherapist or counsellor allows people to seek consultation without the need for medical systems and diagnosis, offering an alternative for those who do not require the medical model of psychology, or prefer something different. Some people may want a diagnosis, which can be incredibly useful, especially when it comes to accessing support. A diagnosis can be empowering for some, but everyone is different.

Synergistic care and collaboration: You also have the option to work collaboratively with both a psychologist and psychotherapist or counsellor simultaneously. This approach is entirely acceptable; for instance, one might consult a psychologist for diagnosis and a mental health plan, and concurrently engage with a psychotherapist or counsellor for additional support.

Agency and choice: Ultimately, the choice is yours. And it’s crucial for you to choose what you think will be best for your healing and recovery. It’s important you have the freedom to make decisions that align with your needs, values, and body and mind.

Polysoma is a member of the Welcome Here Project. This is a project run by ACON that supports business and services throughout Australia that aim to promote environments that are visibly welcoming and inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities. Where possible Polysoma promotes the project by using the Welcome Here location rainbow logo on all of its marketing material.

Yes. I have assessed clients and provided supporting evidence for NDIS ‘plan managed’ situations.

Collaborating with me should align with your NDIS objectives. For example, if you’re grappling with severe depression and facing challenges in sexual functioning due to medication-induced erectile or arousal issues, engaging with my services can equip you with the skills and capability to navigate these concerns more effectively in your daily life. It’s important to note that the guidelines for NDIS are subject to regular updates, so it’s advisable to verify the current information with your NDIS provider.

Rest assured, I am mindful of protecting your privacy and personal information. I know how hard it can be to share your thoughts with me. I provide a safe space to talk and work through your concerns – this includes maintaining your confidentiality. Exceptions exist, and you can locate them in the Guide to Working with Me upon signing up as a new client.

I am legally bound by the Privacy Act 1988. I must protect your information and always will. You can check out my privacy fine print here.

You evaluate how you are feeling and what might need to be worked through next, and practice some self-care. This might involve self-soothing techniques that you learn from me.

Fortnightly or tri-weekly, depending on your goals, my availability and yours.

I work with people from all over Australia and overseas. If you are in the United States or Canada I am unable to work with you.

I work with people who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. My work can be synergistic with your other practitioners.

I am a private practitioner. Unfortunately, the Australian Government does not acknowledge psychotherapists or counsellors within the Medicare Benefits Scheme.

At present, my fees are not eligible for coverage under the Medicare Benefits Scheme, and I am unable to accept Mental Health Care Plans from your medical practitioner. It is not necessary to possess a current Mental Health Care Plan to schedule time with me.

Polysoma is an accessible space, with wheelchair access and disabled parking.

There are single toilets and washrooms for all genders. Despite the toilets being gendered signage.

Giving me feedback:  As a professional, I am mindful of my working practices. Feedback is important—and I am grateful to receive yours. I ask all clients to voluntarily submit a feedback questionnaire after we have worked together. Of course, you’re also welcome to pass on feedback at any time.

Making a Complaint: In the event of any therapeutic challenges or concerns, I would sincerely appreciate it if you could reach out to me directly. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m here to address any issues you may encounter.

If, however, you find that your concerns persist or if you believe there has been a breach of professional ethics, please know that I am committed to ensuring your well-being. You are more than welcome to contact the following organisations, to share your feedback and seek further assistance.

If it relates to psychotherapy and counselling contact the  Australian Counselling Association here.

If it relates to integrative, somatic sexology or somatic sex education contact the Somatic Sex Educators Association of Australasia here.

Your comfort and trust are my top priorities, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.