FAQ’s
How do I contact you?
Thanks for wanting to reach out to me.
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, health care professional, or looking to get in touch, please feel free to reach out via email: hello at polysoma dot au.
Or you can call on 0402 315 699. Please add 61+ if calling from overseas.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Please note it can take up to 48 hours to receive a reply from me.
What are your fees?
Professional Fees as of 29th August 2024*
Our therapeutic relationship is founded on trust and mutual understanding. To maintain this, I kindly request your cooperation with my payment policy. As a independent practitioner collecting payments upfront allows me to dedicate our sessions entirely to your wellbeing. More information about my costs and investing in yourself can be found here.
All fees are due in advance via Credit/Debit card to reserve your appointment. This ensures our time together focuses solely on your therapeutic journey, free from administrative interruptions. Payments are processed securely through Stripe.
Please be aware that fees may vary based on your individual therapeutic needs, including personal health factors, goals, and progress. This can influence session frequency and overall costs over time. While I cannot provide a precise long-term estimate, I offer session packages for those interested in extended work together (details below).
Your first visit: is a 75-minute Session: $275 (incl. GST).
The 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.
My 60-minute session package options offer great value:
- 1-Single Session: $209 (incl. GST). (One 60-minute session).
- 5-Sessions Package: $992.75 (incl. GST), saving you 5% (Five 60-minute sessions, $198.55 per session).
- 10-Sessions Package: $1,881 (incl. GST), saving you 10% (Ten 60-minute sessions, $188.10 per session).
- 15-Sessions Package: $2,664.75 (incl. GST), saving you 15% (Fifteen 60-minute sessions, $177.65 per session).
- 20-Sessions Package: $3,344 (incl. GST), saving you 20% (Twenty 60-minute sessions, $167.20 per session).
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with me. I am committed to making my professional services accessible and may be able to offer alternative arrangements or resources to support your continued care.
Are flexible payment options available for session packs?
Yes flexible payment options are available for session packs. You can choose to pay up front or on an instalment plan. Check out the options below.
Pay Fully Upfront
- Pay the entire cost of your session pack upfront.
- Ideal for those who prefer a one-time payment.
OR
Pay by an Instalment Plan
Invest in your wellness journey with flexible session packs – enjoy the benefits now and pay at your own pace, with no added interest.
- Spread the cost over 4 interest-free payments.
- Payment schedule:
- First payment: Due after your initial session.
- Remaining 3 payments: Spread over the following 6 weeks, deducted fortnightly.
Benefits of the Instalment Plan
- Makes session packs more accessible.
- No interest charges.
- Manageable payments to fit your budget.
How to Choose
- Tell me your preferred payment option at the end of your first session with me. Either pay fully upfront or ask for an instalment plan.
- I can assist you in setting up the payment plan that works best for you.
Terms and Conditions
- The instalment plan is subject to funds being available in your account.
- Missed payments may affect your ability to book future sessions, and incur fees owed.
- Unused session pack visits remain valid for 48 months after your last appointment with me.
- Session packs are non-refundable, excepts in cases of extenuating circumstances or evidence of severe financial hardship.
- The session cancellation policy for non-attendance applies and the full fee will be charged.
Who do you work with?
I work with people who are aged 21 years or older.
Who don't you work with?
I do not work with:
- Children, teens or young adults. (This is out of my scope of practice, I don’t have child and youth qualifications).
- Families or couples counselling.
- Court mandated counselling,
- Acute crisis situations.
- Anyone with active suicidal and, or homicidal intentions or plans.
Getting here, parking and public transport options.
You can find me: Consult 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 policy and refunds.
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.
Can I get NDIS funding to see you?
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.
What are the advantages of seeking private psychotherapy and counselling?
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.
What are the differences between Psychotherapists-Counsellors and Psychologists?
Mental health practitioners include a diverse range of professionals: psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. While all these professions require advanced degrees, they differ significantly in their training and scope of practice. 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.
Professional counsellors and psychotherapists: typically hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees, or doctoral degrees, focusing on human well-being, psychotherapy modalities that are evidence based, or experiential modalities that clients might be curious about exploring. They can undertake client assessments, but are unable to diagnose mental health conditions, and are involved in client recovery provisions. Psychotherapists and counsellors will use the same the modalities as psychologists. Often specialising in a specific field. In Australia a counsellor and psychotherapist will be registered with the ACA or PACFA.
Psychologists: usually possess bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees with additional specialised training in psychological assessment and research. Their primary clinical focus includes assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Psychologists may write reports to support clients access the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Disability Support Pension (DSP). They may also write clinical reports for insurance companies and court related matters. 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.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners: can prescribe medications for mental health conditions. Their primary clinical focus is diagnosis and treatment under the medical model. Usually found in Hospitals, Mental Health Units or private practice, forensic settings.
Choosing the right specialist often depends on your specific needs, for example, requiring an assessment, diagnosis, therapy, or medication. However, practical considerations like availability and cost frequently play a crucial role in this decision.
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.
What's the Welcome Here Project?
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.
I am worried about sharing personal information with you - is this confidential?
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.
What happens after each visit?
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.
How often do I connect with you?
Weekly, fortnightly or tri-weekly, depending on your goals, my availability and yours.
Do you work with people from interstate or overseas?
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.
Are your fees covered by Medicare?
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.
I have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder are you able to work with me?
I work with people who have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. My work can be synergistic with your other practitioners.
Is there disabled access?
Polysoma is an accessible space, with wheelchair access and disabled parking.
Are there inclusive washroom spaces?
There are single toilets and washrooms for all genders. Despite the toilets being gendered signage.
How do I give you feedback or make a complaint?
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.