Therapy that doesn't depend on where you live
My practice is in Joondalup, and I see clients across Australia by video.
That matters if you're a long way from a therapist who does the kind of work you need, if getting to an appointment in business hours is the thing standing in your way, or if you'd simply rather do this from your own home.
Does it work as well as being in the room?
This is the question everyone asks, and the research answers it clearly. A meta-analysis covering more than a hundred studies found therapy delivered by video to be no less effective than therapy delivered in person, with the strongest results in anxiety, depression and PTSD, the areas most of my clients come to me with.
My own experience matches that. The connection builds the same way. People often open up sooner from their own lounge room than they would in an unfamiliar office.
What you'll need
A private space where you won't be interrupted for an hour
A reasonable internet connection
A laptop, tablet or phone
If finding a private hour at home is difficult, plenty of my clients take their session from the car. It works perfectly well.
EMDR online
EMDR adapts to video, using on-screen bilateral stimulation or self-administered tapping, and it's been delivered this way at scale since 2020. If EMDR is what you're after, distance doesn't rule it out. More on how I work with EMDR.
Privacy
Online sessions carry the same confidentiality as sessions in my room. I take them from a private space, sessions aren't recorded, and my notes are held the same way they would be for anyone I see in person.
Medicare rebates
I'm a Medicare registered provider under the Better Access to Mental Health scheme, and rebates are available for video sessions with a mental health treatment plan from your GP. Your GP can put that plan in place at a regular appointment.
When I'd suggest seeing someone in person instead
Online works for most of what I do, and there are times I'd point you elsewhere. If you're in crisis, at immediate risk, or need support that can reach you quickly in an emergency, you're better served by someone local to you.
For some people doing heavy trauma work, the early sessions land better in a room. We can talk that through, and if in-person suits you better and you're in Perth, my room in Joondalup is open.
Common questions
Which states do you see clients in?
All of them. I'm in Perth, so it's worth checking the time difference when we set a regular slot.
Can I switch between online and in person?
Yes, and a lot of my Perth clients do. In the room most weeks, on video when work or weather makes that hard.
What platform do you use?
I currently use Zoom or Google Meet. I'll send you a link before each session. There's nothing to install.
Is an online session the same length and price?
Yes. Same hour, same fee, same rebate.
What if the connection drops?
We pick up where we left off, and if it can't be fixed we finish by phone. It happens occasionally and it isn't a problem.
Starting
Call me on 0410 461 588 and we'll talk about what's been going on and whether I'm the right fit. If I'm not, I'll say so and point you toward someone who is.