FAQ

Psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological problems and mental illness.  They provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan for psychological conditions that range from mild, every day problems to severe and complex mental health disorders. All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the national registration board (AHPRA), which means they must be competent, follow a strict code of conduct, and ensure that they undertake regular professional development to ensure you get the best care possible. 

Some of the problems our psychologists may be able to assist you with include:

·       Depression;

·       Anxiety;

·       Personality disorders;

·       Adjustment to physical illness;

·       Chronic pain;

·       Adjustment to major life changes;

·       Grief and loss;

·       Trauma;

·       Addictive behaviours;

·       Parenting difficulties;

·       Personal and family relationship problems;

·       Sleep problems;

·       Workplace stress.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Whatever the problem, we will be able to work with you to achieve your goals. Contact us to find out how.

No, you don’t need a referral to see one of our psychologists. You are very welcome to contact us directly to self-refer and book an appointment. However, you will need a referral from your GP or psychiatrist if you wish to access Medicare rebates.

Please make a appointment with your GP, psychiatrist, or your child’s paediatrician to discuss your eligibility for a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Our psychologists work in collaboration with clients to provide individually tailored treatment interventions.  Therapy is aimed at making positive changes in the client’s life that results in reducing distress and improving the psychological wellbeing for the client.

Initial therapy sessions will typically include:

• Discussing the issues of concern for the client;
•  Assessing the client’s emotional, cognitive and behavioural functioning; and,
• Discussing the best possible course of treatment.

Future sessions will then usually involve:

• Exploring the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of the client;
• Helping the client to develop effective ways of controlling and coping with these difficulties; and,
• Helping the client to implement changes that enhance wellbeing and awareness, and alleviate the presenting problems.

Standard clinical consultations are 50 minutes in duration. We ask that you arrive 10 minutes early for your initial appointment to give you enough time to complete the required paperwork.

The number of sessions required will vary depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the difficulties you are working to address. Your psychologist will discuss a treatment plan with you in your first consultation.

Clients who are referred by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan can access 10 individual sessions per calendar year and access a rebate of  $129.55 for a clinical psychologist per 50-minute consultation.

*In 2022, the Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session fees vary depending on the qualifications of your psychologist. Please call the practice to discuss the fees that will apply to you.

Most private health insurers offer rebates on psychological services. Rebates will vary based on your level of cover. Please note you cannot use your private health insurance to top up the Medicare rebates for these services. You will need to decide if you will use Medicare or your private health cover to pay for psychological services.

Yes, Skype and telephone sessions are available. These sessions work well for clients who are remote, time poor or just enjoy the convenience of therapy from the comforts of their own environment, as well as not limiting you to your geographical location. All you need is a computer, internet connection and a private room.

Research tells us that online therapy sessions achieve positive therapy outcomes that are similar to those of traditional face-to-face therapy.

There are many advantages to using Skype and telephone as modalities for therapy:

·       Therapy can be accessible to everyone, including those who live in rural or remote areas, who are caring for young children, who have physical health concerns which limit their ability to leave the house, or who prefer to seek support from a professional outside of their geographical location.

·       You can access therapeutic support from the comfort of your own home or office, without having to factor in travel time and cost, or you can still attend your session if you happen to travel away from home (e.g., for work). This can be convenient for people who have a busy schedule and need more flexibility with appointments.

·       Some people also  report feeling more relaxed, with an increased sense of control and safety by engaging in therapy in their own environment, leading to effective rapport and trust-building.

It is important to note that Skype and telephone counselling is not suitable for individuals who are feeling suicidal, are in acute crisis, or have serious mental health concerns.

If you would like any more information about this service or wish to book a Skype or telephone counselling session, please feel free to give us a call on 0482849689 or send us an email at info@synergyinmind.com.au

Hypnosis is a state of complete relaxation where you can experience a steady, passively observant, focused inner awareness. This can feel a little bit like daydreaming, or the feeling that comes just before you drift off to sleep. Going into a deep state of relaxation allows you to access your subconscious mind and achieve positive change, calm your emotions and develop better ways of dealing with the stress of everyday life. Hypnosis is completely safe – it is a state that happens naturally to all of us with most of us not even realising, such as the case with “highway hypnosis” – where we may drive for long distances and respond appropriately along the way with no recollection of having consciously done so.

Hypnotherapy can be used to help you change unwanted behaviours, alter attitudes and alleviate symptoms. Hypnotherapy can help with a whole range of concerns, such as smoking cessation, overeating, nail biting, bed wetting, insomnia, headaches, exam nerves, wedding jitters, pain, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, mood swings, alcoholism, relationship problems, hostility, anger, resentments, worry, guilt, grief, asthma, blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, improving exam performance, overcoming fear of public speaking, personal growth, assertiveness, childbirth, communication, relaxation, counselling confidence, releasing the past, personal empowerment, and goal setting.