Helpful information

 

Starting therapy is a significant step, and it is completely natural to have questions about what to expect.

Please read through the frequently asked questions section below for more information about how we can work together and what to expect from therapy.

Please note that at this time all sessions are online to help keep costs down.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Therapy is a collaborative partnership built on mutual respect, gentle reflection, and moving at your own pace. Explore the answers below to learn more about our sessions, evidence-based therapies, and how to get started.

What should I expect during my very first session?

It is incredibly normal to feel nervous before your first session. Many people worry they will have to share too much too soon, or wonder if their struggles are "worth" taking up space. Please know that our time together is simply a gentle, unhurried conversation.

While we talk, we also look practically at your real life, your routines, energy levels, and daily habits. It feels less like a clinical interrogation and more like a warm, collaborative workshop.

You do not need to prepare anything in advance or know exactly what you want to say.

There is no pressure, no judgment, and absolutely no expectation for you to have everything figured out. We move entirely at your pace, focusing first on making you feel safe and comfortable.

How does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) work?

ACT teaches you to acknowledge difficult thoughts and feelings with kindness so you can stop fighting them.

By learning to accept what is outside your control and committing to meaningful actions, you can focus your energy on building a rich, purposeful life you love.

What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) utilizes gentle, left-to-right bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or light hand taps—to safely process painful or overwhelming memories. This stimulation is delivered in brief, manageable sets, allowing your brain to comfortably digest and reprocess the experiences.

EMDR is entirely distinct from hypnosis; you remain fully conscious, grounded, and in control throughout the entire session. By facilitating this natural healing process, EMDR helps your brain resolve old experiences so they finally feel like they belong peacefully in the past.

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills (DBT Skills)?

DBT Skills offers a practical toolkit that teaches you how to balance accepting yourself exactly as you are while learning real-time techniques to calm intense, overwhelming emotions, navigate distress, and to engage and nurture healthier relationships. This differs from the traditional all-encompassing clinical treatment DBT DBT Skills is a standalone educational component which intergrates well with other forms of therapy.

How long are the therapy sessions?

Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. This includes the initial preperation EMDR therapy sessions.

The actual processing sessions for EMDR can take longer than a standard session allows, please allow up to 90 minutes for those appointments. We can discuss which therapy approach would suit your needs and discussed what sessions might look like for you during the initial consult.

How do I know if we are the right fit?

Finding the right therapist is a deeply personal choice, and your comfort is my absolute priority.

We will be a good fit if you are looking for:

  • A gentle, unhurried space where you can feel safe, heard, and unrushed.
  • Holistic, whole-person support that focuses on what brings you meaning and peace, rather than viewing you as just a collection of symptoms.
  • Practical, everyday skills to help you navigate life's challenges and regain your confidence.
  • A collaborative partnership where you retain full control over what you share and when, ensuring you are in charge of your own journey.

What should I do if I am unsure where to begin?

You don't need to have it all figured out to reach out.

In our first session, we won't try to fix everything at once, we will simply look at what can make your next 24 hours feel slightly easier.

Trust your gut: if reading this brought you a small sense of relief or curiosity, you are already ready to take the first step.

What is a mental health occupational therapist?

As a mental health occupational therapist, I work holistically to support your emotional well-being alongside your day-to-day living. occupational therapists goal is to help you live a meaningful life.

As a mental health occupational therapist we explore the interplay between your thoughts, feelings, physical routines, and environment, to help you regain balance and confidence in your daily life.

I hold a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy and have completed postgraduate study in Mental Health and Addictions at AUT. I have worked in a variety of mental health settings over the last 12 years, building on my experience and knowledge.

My practice is grounded in evidence-based interventions, with advanced training in Sensory Modulation, Trauma-Informed Care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

 

 

Begin your journey at your own pace

You do not need to walk through difficult seasons alone. Reach out today to arrange an initial conversation in a calm, welcoming, and non-judgemental space.