What to expect
Sometimes you just need someone to talk with. Having decided to take that first step, you’ve already done the hardest part.
When you arrive
Come a few minutes early if you can. You’ll be checked in and can wait until your clinician comes out to meet you.
Both of our clinics are on an upper level with lift access. Our locations page has door-by-door directions and parking for each, so you’ll know exactly where you’re going before you set off.
If there’s anything that would make the visit easier, tell us when you book or call us on 02 6255 3008.
Your first session
The first appointment is mostly your clinician getting to know you. You won’t be asked to relive anything you’re not ready to talk about.
- Getting oriented
Your clinician will explain how they work, what’s confidential and what isn’t, and answer any questions before you begin. - What’s brought you here
You’ll talk through what’s been going on — how long, what it affects, what you’ve already tried. If you’re not sure how to describe it, that’s normal, and it’s your clinician’s job to help you find the words. - Some background
They’ll ask about your history, your health, your work and the people around you. Not because everything is relevant, but because context usually is. - Where you want to get to
Towards the end you’ll start to shape what you want out of this. You don’t need a clear goal on day one — most people don’t have one. - What happens next
Your clinician will suggest an approach, give you a sense of how many sessions might be useful, and book the next one if you’d like to continue.
What stays between you and your psychologist
Almost everything. What you discuss in session is confidential and your records are kept securely. There are a small number of legal exceptions, and your clinician will explain them at your first appointment.
When we may need to share information
- If there’s a serious and immediate risk to your life, health or safety, or someone else’s
- If we’re required to by law, including a court subpoena
- Where mandatory reporting obligations apply
- With your consent, for example a progress letter to your GP
If you were referred by a GP
Where you’ve been referred, your psychologist may correspond with your referring practitioner about your progress. Your clinician will explain what that involves at your first session, so you know what’s shared before anything is.
Your records
You can ask to see your records, and to have anything inaccurate corrected. Some limited exceptions apply under health records legislation — our Privacy Policy sets these out.
If something isn’t right
Tell your psychologist first if you can. If that doesn’t resolve it, you can contact the Psychology Board of Australia on 1300 419 495 or the Australian Psychological Society on (03) 8662 3300.
Ready to take the next step?
Things can feel different with the right support, take the first step towards feeling better.
