If you have not spoken with a health professional before it is perfectly normal to feel nervous about your first session. It can also prove more difficult for those who don’t like to talk about themselves or feel overwhelmed with emotions.
Our aim is to make you feel welcome, safe and comfortable whilst in our care. It may take a couple of sessions before you feel at ease to share your inner thoughts and feelings. Our practitioners will not push you into anything you are not ready for it may take a few sessions for you to fully settle into the process.
Whilst the first session is mostly to gather information about you and how we can support you it is also a chance for you to get to know your practitioner and ask them questions to ensure they are the right fit for you.
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To get things started your practitioner will take some time to explain to you our confidentiality and consent policy and tell you a little bit about their approach to therapy and then they will open the conversation by asking how they can help you.
It is important for your practitioner to gather information about you, your background, family history and risk assessment but we don’t want this to take up the whole of your first session. We need to understand what you want and need from therapy.
You may not know exactly what it is you need help with or what treatments will help you, these questions may come to light as your practitioner works with you.
Here are some questions you may want to think about before your first session:
- Is there a particular situation I’m currently experiencing that I need some immediate support for?
- Is there a history of behaviour or trauma that I want to work through but understand this will take time to unpack?
- What do I want to get out of attending therapy?
- What are my therapy goals?
- How do I want to achieve my goals?
- How will I know if therapy is working for me?
- What type of therapist do I want to work with?
- Is the treatment plan going to work for me?
- What does my recovery, end of therapy look like?
- Are there any barriers preventing me from reaching my goals?
Seeking therapy is an investment in ‘YOU’.
Therapy is beneficial in so many ways and there is never an issue that is too big to work through or too small that you wonder if you really need to seek help.
That old saying of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is true. You don’t need to be in a crisis to seek help. You may just want some validation for your feelings or clarity around an issue. We experience many life transitions from a new job, relocation, relationships, parenthood, grief/loss, this is the roller coaster of life.
Having independent support to navigate life's challenges can be incredibly beneficial for your overall mental health and well-being.
You are the best judge of whether you’re progressing … whether you’re feeling less anxious or depressed; feeling more confident or in control; better at problem-solving and decision-making; embracing life-enhancing choices rather than avoiding them.
Although sometimes during the therapy process, you may experience setbacks, these should not be too prolonged. Learning to change your behaviour is like learning a new skill. It may feel hard at first but the more you practice the better you become.
Goal Setting
It’s important that you set your therapy goals with your practitioner so you can work towards achieving them. At each session your practitioner will discuss setbacks and achievements with you, so your progress can be monitored and your goals realigned if needed.
There might be times when your practitioner assigns you homework or some self-care recommendations. Including these in between your sessions will also contribute immensely to your progress.
While all our practitioners support mental health and are fully qualified and registered for Medicare rebates they have different training, specialisations, experience and approaches to care.
Please read over our team’s bios to see if their approach to therapy resonates with you. You can also speak with one of our admin team members who can answer any questions you may have about our practitioners.
The therapeutic relationship is the critical bond between practitioner and client, no one therapy is more effective than another, and the type of therapy used is much less important than the psychologist who delivers it!
If for any reason you feel the practitioner you have been matched with is not the right fit for you, please let us know and we can transfer you to another practitioner within our practice.
Meet our Team
We are here to support you
"Therapy is about giving our clients the tools to feel empowered and motivated to take charge of their progress, goals and general wellbeing."
Why Choose Us
At Health Sense, we are dedicated to providing a compassionate, welcoming space where individuals can explore and overcome their challenges. Through our client-focused approach and commitment to the community, we aim to empower you to achieve greater well-being.
Safe and Supportive Environment
We offer a non-judgemental space for you to work through your challenges with understanding and care.
Qualified Practitioners
Our team of qualified and experienced professionals will provide the tools and strategies you need to overcome your challenges.
Tailored Therapy
We are passionate about customising each therapy plan to fit individual needs, helping you understand your mental health challenges and thrive—not just survive.
Warm and Welcoming Space
Our newly refurbished practice is designed to make you feel comfortable and supported, with a friendly administration team to make your experience seamless.
Social Mission in Action
By attending our practice, you contribute to a greater cause. We direct 100% of our profits to Luma, one of Australia's largest not-for-profit organisations specialising in women's health and wellbeing.
A Team with Heart
Our team consists of professionals who share a passion for giving back to the community, taking pride in their work, and supporting our clients and our social mission.
