Reflective Practices & Supervision - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I may have already answered the questions you were thinking about.

Do you have another question that isn’t listed below?

Please contact me via phone on (07) 5240 9006 or via email at admin@reflectivepractices.com.au and my friendly admin team will be happy to assist you.

WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER?

Mental Health Social Workers are social workers who have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the mental health field. Mental Health Social Workers help individuals to resolve their presenting psychological problems, the associated social and other environmental problems, and improve their quality of life. Social workers recognise the broader implications of an individual having an illness and the impact on friends, family, work and education.

Like other allied health professionals such as Psychologists, Mental Health Social Workers use a range of interventions in helping people with mental health disorders, including the following focused psychological strategies: cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, relaxation strategies, psychoeducation, narrative therapy and skills training.

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) information about Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW)

HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

As a Mental Health Clinician, I am highly-knowledgeable and highly-skilled, and have 15 years of experience in various counselling settings. You can read more about me here.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO ACCESS YOUR COUNSELLING SERVICES?

No. You are able to attend counselling without a referral. I welcome all private enquiries.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE MY INITIAL APPOINTMENT?

My registration forms will be emailed to you at the time of booking your initial appointment. These forms can be completed online and need to be submitted at least 48 hours before the time of your appointment to secure your booking.

DOES REFLECTIVE PRACTICES & SUPERVISION BULK BILL CLIENTS?

Reflective Practices & Supervision is not a bulk billing practice.

HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENT AND RECEIVE A REBATE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

I use a fully encrypted and secure online payment system to take payments. The full session fee is charged to the stored card on your file at the time of your appointment. Once payment is made, I am able to submit your Medicare rebate claim for you.

If you are claiming from your private health fund instead of Medicare, I will charge you privately and provide you with the paid invoice. I do not process any Private Health claims. It is up to you to determine eligibility and receive rebates from your private health fund.

Please note: You are unable to claim from Medicare and Private Health Funds for the same appointments.

DO YOU ACCEPT NDIS OR OTHER THIRD-PARTY FUNDED CLIENTS?

Yes. I regularly accept clients with third-party funding for their sessions. NDIS funding can be accepted if the client is either Self-Managed or Plan-Managed. I do not accept NDIA-managed referrals.

Any third-party funding needs to be approved by me. I am always happy to discuss your options with you.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND COUNSELLING AND FOR HOW LONG?

The number of sessions you attend is your choice. At your initial appointment, I will recommend how frequently you should attend sessions. I recommend booking in a few consecutive appointments to ensure you don’t miss out.

DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS?

Yes. I offer Nationwide Telehealth. Whether you live in a different state or would simply prefer to do your session virtually I am happy to accommodate you. Telehealth appointments can be either phone consultation or video consultation using Zoom. I strongly believe that location should NOT be a barrier to receiving support. However, face-to face appointments are preferred for trauma therapy and EMDR.

DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?

Yes. I require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellation of appointments. Any appointments cancelled or not attended without 48 hours’ notice are charged at the full session rate. Medicare rebates do not apply to non-attended appointments.

I understand that urgent matters may arise and situations can be out of our control at times. I try my best to accommodate my clients. A brilliant alternative to cancelling appointments is utilising Telehealth consultations. If you are unable to provide me with 48 hours’ notice, I greatly appreciate a courtesy message to advise me of your cancellation. I have a waitlist of individuals that are at times, in great need of an appointment.

DO YOU OFFER COUPLES OR FAMILY COUNSELLING?

No, I do not offer any couples/relationship or family counselling. I do provide individual support for relationship breakdowns or problems.

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO COUNSELLING?

No, you may not. I don’t recommend bringing your children to therapy. Children are little sponges for emotions and information that is inappropriate for their relationship with you and their psychosocial development. My primary aim is to do no harm.

CAN I BRING A SUPPORT PERSON TO COUNSELLING?

Yes. It isn’t uncommon to want to bring someone with you to your appointment for support. Whether they sit in with you or in the waiting room, this is absolutely fine with me. Please keep in mind that the booked appointment is for YOU as the client. I cannot provide supportive counselling to your support person.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on

(07) 5240 9006

or

admin@reflectivepractices.com.au