What We Do
Clinical Psychologists have extensive training and experience in treating a wide range of common everyday issues such as work stress, relationship difficulties, health issues and more. If you find your functioning, wellbeing and general enjoyment of life is being impacted, then we can help!
We use evidence-based treatments that are tailored to suit your individual needs and goals, in consultation with you. There is no such thing as ‘one size fits all!’ Seeing a psychologist is like having a ‘mind’ coach. We can help you gain the insight and skills need to improve overall functioning and enjoyment in life and your relationships as well as prevention of future problems.
Clinical Psychologists can make informed and accurate diagnoses and provide information about medication however cannot prescribe. We can make appropriate recommendations or referrals to doctors or other health professionals if necessary.
What To Expect
Treatment is a relaxed conversation in a comfortable chair. The setting is a pleasant professional consulting room. An initial consultation is usually 60 minutes but may take a little longer. Subsequent sessions will be between 50-60 minutes. A longer session can be booked on request.
Your First Visit
The first appointment is about listening to your reasons for coming and any relevant information. Information provided by a referring Doctor can be brought with you at this time.
Liz will then ask you questions and listen to your answers. Together you will identify the main issues and things you would like to achieve. Your treatment plan will be designed specifically to your needs and incorporate strategies to assist you to achieve your goals.
How many sessions will you need?
The number of sessions will depend on the nature of your situation. Fortunately for most clients Medicare offers a substantial rebate for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. Your specific circumstance, progress and treatment goals will be regularly reviewed (after the first 6 sessions and then again at 10 sessions). If you require further sessions after this time you will need to return to your GP for a renewed referral to continue to receive the Medicare rebate.
Types of Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is mentioned a lot in the press as an effective psychological therapy. CBT can be particularly helpful for the treatment of depression and anxiety in addition to many other issues. It involves helping you to understand your thoughts better particularly in relation to any problems you are having. From a better understanding of your thoughts you can exert improved control over them and the behaviors that are generated by them. Although CBT is not a “magic bullet” (or sole answer for all problems) Liz does utilize CBT with many of her clients with excellent results. There have been other versions of CBT including the combination of Eastern approaches such as “mindfulness” which are currently being used with CBT (Mindfulness based CBT) with some very promising results.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) represents one of the third wave cognitive behavioural therapy interventions. The aim of this therapy and other third wave therapies including mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and dialectic behavior therapy (DBT), is to change the relationship people have to psychological events through strategies such as mindfulness, acceptance or cognitive diffusion rather than changing the psychological events directly.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the interpersonal context and on building interpersonal skills. IPT is based on the belief that interpersonal factors may contribute heavily to psychological problems. It is commonly distinguished from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on the interpersonal rather than the intrapsychic. IPT aims to change the person's interpersonal behavior by fostering adaptation to current interpersonal roles and situations.
Fees
Initial consultation fee $330 - (This will typically take over an hour - maximum 1.5 hours)
Subsequent sessions $280
Longer sessions can be requested - 1.5 hours = $330
Discount available when booking more than 6 sessions up front with a holding deposit of 50%.
Medicare rebate for seeing Liz (Clinical Psychologist) = $137.05
Private health insurance funds usually pay part of the cost of Psychological therapy however private insurance payments cannot be used to top up medicare payments. Contact your Private Health fund to check your cover and rebate you will receive, as this may vary.
Medicare
Many clients receive a Medicare rebate of $137.05 per session with Liz. Because Liz is a Clinical Psychologist she qualifies for a higher Medicare rebate for her clients. To be eligible for this rebate you must first consult your GP or Psychiatrist if you have one. If your GP or Psychiatrist initiates a Mental Health Care Plan and refers you for treatment from a Clinical Psychologist then you will receive the Medicare rebate.
You will be entitled to up to 10 treatment sessions per calendar year under the Medicare rebate scheme.