Sunshine Coast Clinical Psychologist

 Your first session is an intake appointment. I’ll ask questions to understand your life context and what has brought you here now.

We might explore your upbringing, relationships, education, work, health, previous diagnoses or therapy experiences, and the goals you’d like support with. You’re always free to set boundaries around what you do or don’t want to discuss.

By the end of the session, we’ll aim to have a clear plan for next steps. If ongoing therapy feels right, we’ll make sure future appointments are scheduled.

Billing and Medicare rebates are processed automatically through my clinical software, so we rarely need to focus on logistics — unless you’d like to.

Jiggle that knee, flap those hands, rock around the clock, rub your feet together, pick the lint off your cardigan, fidget with your own or one of my sensory toys, or any other repetitive body movements that help you feel grounded in your body.

Look at me as little or as much as you are naturally inclined to do. I appreciate that it can be easier to listen and/or respond when you're looking down or out the window. You do you! 

Do you find it more comfortable to sit cross-legged on the floor, rather than on a couch? Do you prefer to walk around your house during a telehealth session, rather than stay seated at an office desk? Do you like to change positions frequently? Go for it!

I know my concentration can be impacted by background noises, bright lights, and feeling too warm. If anything is bugging you (in my rooms or in a telehealth consult), don't be afraid to speak up and we can trouble-shoot together.  It's important to advocate for sensory sensitivities. Wear your comfy clothes but please wear some form of top (otherwise on telehealth - you might appear naked). 

Have you tried therapy before and felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like it just didn’t quite fit?

Sometimes structured approaches like CBT, DBT, group therapy, or parts work can feel confusing, invalidating, or hard to access — especially if they aren’t adapted to your nervous system and learning style.

It’s not a personal failure. Therapy should fit you.

I tailor evidence-based approaches to your individual needs and neurotype. We’ll regularly review what’s working and what isn’t, and adjust as we go. If giving feedback feels uncomfortable, I’ll help you find a way to do that safely — it’s an important skill, and one we can build together. 

Have you booked a face-to-face session but wake up that morning feeling like you're a bit unwell or "peopled-out" and would prefer to minimise your interactions with the community for a day? Is there a weather event and it's too hard to adjust your regular travel plans? No trouble. 

Email or call admin to say you'd prefer to swap to a telehealth consult (which can be just a phone call in some circumstances) and locate your telehealth session link in the appointment confirmation email. 

 There isn’t one “right” way to communicate in therapy.

If you prefer direct, literal language and want to skip the small talk — you're welcome here.
If you think out loud and deconstruct ideas as you go — you're welcome here.
If you express yourself best through writing, drawing, metaphors, or quoting your favourite TV show — we can work with that.

I tend to be quite expressive and animated. My body language helps me stay present and engaged, and many clients find it easy to read where I’m at. I also enjoy visually mapping complex ideas when it’s helpful.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about how you communicate and learn best and adapt our sessions to fit your style.

 I respect your time.

Sessions start on time and run for 50–60 minutes. I prepare in advance and keep a structured schedule so you can plan your day with confidence.

If you like working with an agenda, we can briefly map out priorities at the start of each session and track our progress together. If you prefer a more open flow, that’s welcome too — I’ll still hold responsibility for pacing and time management.

Cancellations from my end are rare, though like anyone, occasional illness can happen.