
Frequently Asked Questions
Social Workers are trained in social work (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s), registered with the AASW, and take a values-based, person-centred, strengths-focused, and holistic approach grounded in social justice and human rights.
Psychologists hold a Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology, are registered with AHPRA, and tend to focus more on assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments.
While the training differs, both professions often work toward the same therapeutic goals. What actually matters most is that you feel feel safe, heard, and supported.
In my work, sessions are guided by a Phase-Oriented Trauma Treatment model. This means we begin by building safety and stability through stress management, relaxation skills, CBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems, and somatic strategies to help you reconnect with yourself. Once you feel ready, we gently process traumatic experiences using EMDR, which is known to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and shift how you experience yourself in relation to them.
You do not need to describe your trauma in detail to heal. To reprocess memories, it isn’t necessary to retell your story at length. In EMDR, you are gently guided to briefly focus on a memory or image and supported to process it safely, without having to share detailed accounts of your experiences.
My practice draws on both foundational and psychosomatic approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, and Motivational Interviewing. However, my primary focus is EMDR, using a parts-informed and somatic approach that guides you through visualisations and supports deep trauma processing.
No, you do not need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or a referral to book an appointment with me. You’re always welcome to see your GP for additional or ongoing support, but no referral or paperwork is required. It’s entirely your choice to begin working together.
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I’ve structured my fees to be in line with what you would typically pay out-of-pocket, even when accessing sessions through a MHCP.
All cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations within 48 hours of your appointment will incur a 50% fee, and cancellations within 24 hours will incur the full session fee. Fees may be waived at the discretion of Rise Counselling and Social Work in appropriate circumstances.
You will never be charged to change an appointment from in-person to an online appointment.
Appointments are a minimum of 60 minutes and the investment is $170 per hour. Any requests for emails, report writing or resource development are not included in the above costs, however, I welcome you to ask and I can explore how to assist you.
You can choose online or in-person appointments! Many clients start in one format and later move to another. I welcome you to shift between online and in-person appointments, and am happy to adapt to your needs as they change.
To check my availability and book a time that suits you, you can view my calendar here: Calendar and Bookings.
You can book a complimentary introductory 15-minute call to explore your needs (book here) or send an email to risecounsellingandsocialwork@gmail.com.
I’ll aim to respond within 1–2 business days.
Or, if you're ready to book, I can send you my intake and consent form, and organise a time.
Payment can be made in advance via a secure credit card link, or afterward via invoice.
