Psychotherapy simply means the `therapy of the psyche’, the healing of the human soul, spirit or mind.

Often this includes working with unconscious material, aspects of the self that are not within our awareness but which can be seen by a trained observer and gently brought out into the open and addressed. Different approaches have been developed over the years to treat different kinds of problems. But the term ‘psychotherapy’ simply refers to the art and science of addressing psychological problems or disorders.

It’s partly art because it is a creative enterprise. The therapist and the client together create conversations that aren’t scripted but help make something new out of old problems. It’s partly science because we now know quite a lot about what makes a difference in people’s lives and what works best with particular types of problems and issues. It’s important to use the right tool for the job.

How Does It Work?

For some people, psychotherapy has connotations of mind-reading or hocus-pocus – trickery, illusion or sleight of hand. This is an unfortunate distortion.

Rest assured that psychotherapy is not about signing over your dignity or control. A good therapist will work respectfully and collaboratively with you. And it is not an endless process with vague outcomes. You and the therapist will both know fairly early in the work whether it’s making a difference.

In psychotherapy, as with any approach, I aim to build genuine partnership with you. You bring the pieces of the jigsaw and lay them out as you feel able. I bring knowledge and experience as to how to put the pieces together. I do not take a one-size-fits-all approach, though I do apply broad, time-honoured principles which have been confirmed over many years to be sound and helpful.

Rebates

It may be possible for you to obtain a Medicare rebate if you attend for counselling or psychotherapy for particular psychological issues. For more information on eligibility, see ‘Rebates & Reduced Fees’.