What to Expect

Starting therapy can feel daunting - especially if you’re not sure what to say or where to begin. Some people come in knowing exactly what they want to work on. Others aren’t sure, or don’t know how to explain what’s been going on. All of that is okay.

You don’t need to rehearse what you’re going to say - it’s not a job interview. We can start with a feeling, a half-formed thought, or even, “I’m not sure where to start.”

Therapy isn’t about us telling you what’s wrong. It’s a space for us to be curious together - to notice what’s on your mind, the feelings that keep showing up, and the patterns you’ve spotted (or haven’t). There’s no script here. We’ll work out what’s important as we talk.

Your First Therapy Session

Your first session is simply a starting point. We’ll begin by talking about what’s brought you here and what’s been happening for you recently. We might ask questions to get a sense of who you are, what’s important to you, and what you hope might change.

We’ll also use this time to see if working together feels like a good fit. If another service or approach might be more helpful, we’ll talk this through with you and suggest referrals where we can.

We’ll discuss how often we might meet - many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions to build momentum - and we can reserve a regular time for you if that feels helpful.

You’ll have space to ask us any questions about therapy, how we work, or anything else that would help you feel more comfortable.

We know the first session can sometimes feel like a mix of talking, listening, and figuring things out as we go - there’s no “right” way for it to look.

After Your First Session

It’s normal to leave your first session feeling a mix of things - lighter, more understood, tired, or even unsure. Sometimes you might not notice much of a shift straight away, and that’s okay too.

In the days after, you might find yourself:

  • Thinking more about things we discussed.

  • Remembering experiences you hadn’t thought about in a while.

  • Feeling more reflective, relieved, or perhaps a bit heavy.

There’s no one “right” way to feel after starting therapy, and there’s nothing you have to do between sessions unless we agree on something together.

It’s also okay to take your time deciding if we’re the right fit. We’ll keep checking in with you as we go, and if it seems like another approach or practitioner might suit you better, we’ll talk it through and help with referrals.

How We’ll Work Together

Session Length & Frequency

  1. Individual sessions: 50 minutes.

  2. Couples sessions: 90 minutes for the first session, then usually 50 minutes for subsequent sessions.

  3. We’ll agree on weekly, fortnightly, or other intervals based on your needs and availability.

Rescheduling & Cancellations
If you need to reschedule or cancel, please give at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee. You can read our full policy here.

Online & In-Person Options
We offer sessions in-person at our Melbourne practice, or online via secure telehealth. You’re welcome to choose the format that works best for you - and switch between them as needed.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay - most people aren’t. You can book a first session, or reach out for a short phone chat to see if we feel like the right fit.

  • Book online via our secure Halaxy portal, or email us with your preferred days and times.

    Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you an intake form to complete before your first session.

    A 50% deposit is required to secure your first appointment as a new client.

    Cancellations made outside our notice period won’t incur any fees - see our cancellation policy for details.

  • Not quite ready to book? You can arrange a free 15-minute phone call with the therapist of your choice.
    It’s a chance to ask questions, learn more about how we work, and see if it feels like a good fit.

    Contact us to schedule a time.

  • Therapy is a personal decision. You might want to:

    Take your time — we’ll be here when you’re ready.

Ready to Book an Online Session?

Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or simply need a compassionate space to be heard, we are here for you.