COUNSELLING
Counselling provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to explore what's happening in your life, better understand yourself and find new ways to manage life's challenges.
My approach is trauma-informed and draws on evidence-based psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, Narrative Therapy and Schema Therapy. I also incorporate mindfulness, positive psychology and wellbeing science.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor our work together to your individual needs and circumstances. We often explore thinking, emotional and behavioural patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Understanding why is just the beginning, we often need to change our thinking and behaviour for real change to occur. We may build on your strengths and develop practical strategies to support your emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-compassion.
Taking the first step
If you've never been to counselling before, it's natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect. You don't need to have everything worked out before you come, or even know exactly what you want to talk about. We can start wherever you are at.
My role is to listen, understand your circumstances, gently challenge and help you explore what might be useful. We'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, with an approach that respects your individual needs and goals.
Sometimes having the right support, a fresh perspective and some practical tools can make a real difference. Counselling is an opportunity to invest in yourself, understand what matters to you and find a way forward.
NEW CLIENTS
New clients are most welcome to make contact and enquire about counselling and to see if we are a good fit to work together.
I am currently only taking adult clients with or without a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP. Please note I am not a bulk-billing service so even with a GP’s referral there will be an out-of-pocket expense. If you don’t wish to speak with your GP, you can still see me. You may be able to claim a rebate from your private health fund if you have psychology in your Extras cover – it is always best to check with your fund first.
It is important to note that I am not registered to take WorkCover, TAC or NDIS clients. Also please note that access to the counselling room is via stairs with no disability access.
Mental Health Treatment Plans & Medicare Rebates
You may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates for counselling sessions with a psychologist through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
The first step is to make a longer appointment with your GP to discuss how you've been feeling and why you would like to access counselling. Your GP will talk with you about your mental health and assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate.
If you are eligible, your GP will prepare a plan and provide a referral for psychological support.
You are able to choose your own psychologist. If you would like to see me, you can ask your GP to address your referral to:
Therese Sheedy
Sheedy Psychology
2/22 Ferguson Street
Williamstown VIC 3016
Your GP can give you the referral to bring to your first appointment, or send it directly to me through the secure medical system - MYGPMPtool or by email at therese@sheedypsychology.com. With your permission, they can also ask me to contact you to arrange an appointment.
How many sessions can I claim through Medicare?
If you are eligible, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual counselling sessions per calendar year.
Initially, your GP can refer you for up to six sessions. After these sessions, we can review your progress and, if we agree further counselling would be helpful, I can provide your GP with a brief progress report. You can then arrange a review with your GP to discuss a further referral for up to four sessions.
The number of additional sessions recommended will depend on your individual needs and your GP's assessment.
How do payments and Medicare rebates work?
Full payment for your counselling session is required at the end of each appointment. I can then assist you by processing your Medicare rebate, which is paid back to you. The current rebate for generalist psychology is $101.55.
The Medicare rebate helps reduce the cost of your counselling sessions, although there will generally be an out-of-pocket gap between the session fee and the Medicare rebate.
If you have any questions about obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan or accessing Medicare rebates, please feel welcome to get in touch.