Unsure if we’re the right match? That’s okay. Each Psychologist has their own personality, voice, technique and principles that guide their practice. My approach won’t resonate with everyone.

My therapy style centers foremost around a cognitive-behavioural approach. This form of therapy is based on the idea that the way someone thinks and feels affects the way they behave. The goal is to help you achieve a more balanced perspective to change your emotional and behavioural responses for the better. I also incorporate Dialectical Bebahviour Therapy (DBT), which is closely aligned with CBT but places more focus on learning to accept your experiences and behaviours while also making positive changes. This particular type of therapy is highly educational and is designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and navigating social relationships. For those seeking a more values-driven approach, I offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which emphasises taking action towards the person you want to be, even in the face of hardship.  

If you’re still unsure, please contact us directly to arrange a brief chat with the Psychologist so we can help you determine if YouThrive would be a good fit for your needs.

The number of sessions you’ll need depends on many factors, including your current needs and goals, the severity of your problem, and the type of treatment used.

By the end of the first appointment, we should have a good idea about the number and frequency of your sessions. It’s important to note that whilst I'll make recommendations, you are entirely in charge of your care. As such, we’ll have a collaborative discussion to determine the session frequency and duration that best fits your needs, including any financial limitations.

People often find attending their first session can be daunting, and it’s normal to feel nervous initially.

Many of the people I see often bring a support person to the first session. This may be a parent, friend, partner, or other trusted person.

If you attend your session with a parent, I’ll ask how you’d like the first session to go. If you’re under the age of 16, I typically give each person an opportunity to talk to me alone.

We’ll spend the first session getting a sense of what’s happening for you, and what success in therapy looks like for you. I’ll ask a number of questions to get an understanding of your life and overall mental health experiences. I may also ask you to fill out some questionnaires to help me get a picture of your current experiences, and we’ll go through these results together.

You’ll also get an opportunity to ask me any questions you might have.

Before your first session with me, you will be required to complete intake and consent forms. I encourage my clients to fill these forms out beforehand, so that you don’t have to worry about this on the day. YouThrive doesn’t have any administrative support on site, so please be aware that some of the time of your first session may be spent filling out these forms if you choose to complete them upon your arrival.

The intake forms cover issues such as privacy, confidentiality, and access to information. If you have questions about these or your rights in therapy, please feel welcome to raise this for discussion during our sessions.

Please contact us directly by email or phone to schedule your first appointment.

You don’t need a referral from your Doctor to book a session. However, if you wish to use the Medicare benefits scheme, you will need your GP to forward a valid Mental Health Care Plan before your first session. Your GP will require you to attend their clinic, and may require a long appointment to complete this documentation.

The Medicare benefit will reduce the cost of 6-10 of your sessions.

Unfortunately we are unable to support bulk billed appointments at this time.

I’m passionate about making sure you find accessible care that caters to your circumstances. If you’re unable to afford the cost of therapy at YouThrive, the following resources may help you access more affordable mental health care in the Northern Territory:

• Head to Health

• Headspace Palmerston or Darwin

• The Northern Territory Government has a list of support services for mental health.

A Mental Health Care Plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan is a treatment plan for people with a mental health condition. The plan is completed by a doctor and sent to a mental health professional to complete focussed psychological strategies.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Better Access Initiative by Medicare.

A mental health treatment plan allows you to claim part of the cost of up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a Psychologist each calendar year.

While you can access sessions without a Mental Health Care Plan, you may find it more affordable.

Every health fund and policy is different. I encourage you to contact your insurer directly to confirm your eligibility to receive a rebate for psychology.

You will receive an invoice following payment of your session, which you can lodge directly with your insurer.

Please note that YouThrive is unable to communicate with your insurer on your behalf.

Appointments must be rescheduled or canceled within 24 hours of scheduled appointment time to avoid cancellation charges.

It’s important to know that missed, cancelled or rescheduled appointments are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

If you are unwell or unable to make the appointment in person, YouThrive offers phone or telehealth consultations.

Confidentiality is a core principle in therapy. For clients under the age of 16, confidentiality is discussed with both the young person and the parents at the start of treatment. While I will involve parents when necessary for the well-being of the child, I also prioritise building trust with young clients by respecting their privacy.

If you or your child is experiencing a crisis, please contact emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. I can provide guidance during regular business hours, but urgent concerns require immediate attention from a professional trained in crisis intervention.

Parents play a key role in supporting their child’s progress. I will typically meet with parents periodically to discuss goals, provide updates, and offer strategies for reinforcing therapy at home. In some cases, family sessions may be part of the plan. It’s important to note that the involvement of parents is guided by the young person’s preferences and whether it is likely to lead to the desired outcomes.

Please note that YouThrive Psychology Services does not provide family law reports or associated assessments for this purpose.

These assessments and reports should be conducted by a Psychologist or professional specialising in this area.