Frequently Asked Questions — Psychology Services & Policies

 Telehealth sessions are conducted via secure video link — no special software is required.

For a smoother experience:

• Use a reliable internet connection.
• Join from a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable.
• Use a laptop or tablet where possible (especially for longer assessment sessions).
• Headphones can help with privacy and sound quality.
• Log in a few minutes early to check your connection.
   

You’re welcome to have a drink, fidget items, or take short breaks as needed. You do not need to maintain eye contact if that feels uncomfortable.

For assessment interviews or feedback sessions, you may invite a support person if you wish.

If technical issues arise, we will work out the best way to continue (including phone call if needed).

 Clinical psychologists have undergone specialist masters education and are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of complex mental illnesses and psychological problems. They are typically qualified to provide advice in clinical and compensation areas.  

You can learn more about the different endorsement areas in psychology via the Australian Psychological Society website. 

 In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 

They must have a minimum of six years of university training, engage in ongoing professional development and education, and adhere to strict ethical standards. Dr Jacinta Thomson has completed post-graduate degrees in a Masters of Clinical Psychology (MClinPsych) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.), which is why she is recognised as a Doctor. 

If you are unsure about a registered health practitioner, you can check the national register here.  

 No. 

Psychologists do not prescribe medication in Australia.

If medication assessment is appropriate (for example, for ADHD), I can communicate with your GP or psychiatrist as part of a shared-care approach.

 Cancellation fees are not personal — and we understand that sometimes life happens.

When you book an appointment, that time is reserved specifically for you. Late cancellations can’t usually be offered to another client at short notice, and your psychologist has already prepared for the session and committed overhead costs for that hour.

Clear cancellation policies help maintain fairness for all clients and support the sustainability of a small private practice.

We require a minimum of 48 hours (2 business days) notice to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

• 25–48 hours (1–2 business days) notice: 50% of the session fee
• Less than 24 hours (1 business day) notice: 100% of the session fee 

Please note that Medicare, DVA, and most private health insurers do not cover late cancellation or non-attendance fees. These charges remain the client’s responsibility.

 Yes — with your consent, I am happy to collaborate with other professionals involved in your care.

Multidisciplinary communication can be particularly valuable for clients navigating complex presentations, shared-care arrangements, or NDIS capacity-building supports. Coordinated care helps ensure consistency, reduces mixed messaging, and supports clearer therapeutic goals.

In most cases, time spent writing reports, providing letters, attending case conferences, or corresponding with other professionals is billed at the standard clinical rate in 15-minute increments. Although this work occurs outside of direct session time, it involves clinical judgement, formulation, documentation, and professional responsibility. It is considered part of your overall care.

If liaison is likely to be beneficial, we will discuss this together and ensure you have informed consent regarding any associated fees.

 In some cases, yes.

As your treating psychologist, I can provide clinical letters or reports that outline relevant diagnoses, functional impacts, and support needs where appropriate. This may assist with funding reviews (e.g., NDIS), Disability Support Pension applications, university adjustments, workplace accommodations, or other formal processes.

Any documentation must be clinically appropriate and within the scope of my role as a treating psychologist. I do not act as a support coordinator, advocate, or case manager, and I cannot guarantee outcomes from external agencies.

Please note that I do not provide medico-legal reports or documentation for legal proceedings (e.g., court matters, family law, criminal cases, compensation claims, or fitness-for-duty disputes). These require an independent forensic or medico-legal assessment.

Time spent preparing letters, completing forms, attending case conferences, or corresponding with third parties is billed at the standard clinical rate in 15-minute increments. 

If you anticipate needing documentation, we can discuss what is appropriate and plan accordingly.

I’m sorry if that’s been your experience. 

Unfortunately, not every therapeutic relationship is a good fit — and when therapy feels invalidating, rushed, or misunderstood, it can be discouraging.

Different clinicians work in different ways. Therapeutic approaches, communication styles, and levels of structure vary significantly. A poor fit doesn’t mean therapy as a whole isn’t helpful — it may simply mean the match or environment wasn’t right.

If you choose to try again, we can go at a pace that feels safe. You’re welcome to tell me what didn’t work previously so we can avoid repeating those patterns. Open feedback is encouraged.

 It’s completely understandable to want reassurance before committing to therapy or an assessment.

In Australia, psychologists are not permitted to use testimonials or public reviews when advertising regulated health services. This includes website testimonials and Google reviews.

You’re welcome to verify my registration and qualifications via the AHPRA Register of Practitioners, which lists all registered psychologists in Australia, including any conditions or restrictions.

If you’d like additional reassurance, feel free to contact us with any questions. Clear communication and transparency are important parts of ethical practice — and your feedback is always welcome.

 “Untangling” isn’t about literal rope. It’s a metaphor for understanding the patterns that shape how you think, feel, relate, and respond.

Over time, experiences like loss, criticism, trauma, or repeated disappointment can shape the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world. In psychology, these patterns are sometimes called schemas — lenses through which we interpret our experiences. When those lenses become rigid or self-limiting, we can feel stuck.

Untangling means slowing down to notice those patterns, understanding where they came from, and deciding which ones still serve you — and which ones don’t.

You don’t have to do this work “now.” Therapy isn’t an emergency mandate. But many people reach a point where coping strategies that once worked no longer feel sustainable. That’s often when untangling becomes worthwhile.

You don’t cut the rope. You learn how it’s woven — and how to move with more freedom.