A few things people usually want to know first.

Psychotherapy and counselling describe a professional relationship between a trained clinician and an individual, couple, family or group. The aim is to enhance psychological wellbeing — by talking with someone not personally involved in your life, you may become more aware of thoughts, feelings, perceptions and experiences, which in turn supports greater acceptance, choice and freedom.

No. Many people who have never been diagnosed with a mental illness see psychologists and counsellors. Whether it is a challenge at work, a difficult social situation, public speaking nerves, conflict, relationship stress, or simply wanting to live more skilfully — it is absolutely okay to ask for help.

All study how people feel, think, act and interact. In Australia, psychology degrees take around six years via university, followed by postgraduate specialisation. Counsellors and psychotherapists are also experts in human behaviour, trained via diploma or specialisation. A psychiatrist completes a medical degree and can prescribe medication. Psychologists often liaise with psychiatrists during treatment. Source: Australian Psychological Society.

Very rarely is only one approach used. It is often a mix, according to the phase of a client’s life and the stage of therapy. Commonly: psychodynamic work, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Individual clinicians also draw on EMDR, ACT, DBT, Schema, IFS, EFT, play therapy and more.

The assessment obtains an understanding of the difficulties that led you to seek help, plus some background about your life. Together we identify the issues you want help with and develop a therapy plan: avenues of exploration, interventions, and how often we will meet.

Most often, sessions are weekly or fortnightly for 50 minutes, usually decreasing in frequency as you move towards your goals. Treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 sessions. Some people prefer shorter or longer-term therapy — the timeframe is up to you.

Children and adolescents: interviews with the parent and/or carer, and teacher if necessary. School visits are sometimes part of the initial assessment. Adults: family or partner may be included with consent. Couples are usually seen together first, then one individual session with each partner, before returning as a couple. Please provide copies of previous reports before the appointment.

Personal information gathered during psychological service remains confidential and secure, except when it is subpoenaed by a court; when failure to disclose would place you or another person at risk; or when you have given prior approval to share material with another professional or person. You may access material in your file upon request, subject to the exceptions in Australian Privacy Principle 6.

Fees are guided by the Australian Psychological Society recommended rate, kept to a minimum so the gap payment does not exclude people from care. Discounted rates and bulk billing are available on individual assessment. Private health funds may also rebate psychological therapy. Counsellors and psychotherapists are not covered by Medicare, but they charge only the gap payment so your out-of-pocket cost is the same as seeing a psychologist. Call us for current fees.

With a GP Mental Health Care Plan you may be eligible for a rebate on up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. In most cases the rebate is transferred into your account within 24 hours of full payment. Contact your GP to complete the referral paperwork. We can help you understand how to obtain a referral.

New clients can book with selected practitioners through the clinic’s client portal. A consent form is sent after confirmation. Booking fees are non-refundable. To book with a practitioner not listed on the portal, or for educational or neuropsychological assessments, email contact@bilibiopsych.com or call (02) 9979 3000.

Yes. The clinic was founded by Brazilian-born psychologists Angelica and Gabriela Bilibio. Portuguese is a native language here. A number of clinicians offer sessions in Portuguese, in person and by telehealth, for children, adults, couples and families. Use the language filter on the Therapists page, or tell us when you get in touch.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger call 000. For 24-hour support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you are already a client, your clinician will discuss after-hours arrangements during intake.