Practicalities, Fees and Helpful Info
In working with so many people over the years, I am always seeking to connect to “what lifts your heart” as opposed to what weighs it down as one of the clearest indicators of living life in a state of flow rather than struggle.
It can be tricky to find the right therapist and finding a good therapeutic connection is key to the best outcomes. I love to work with people on a deeper level and have a special interest in supporting people who are highly sensitive and also people who work in the caring or creative professions or have life roles of caring for others.
Session Fees and How Often Should I Attend?
My hourly rate is $250 (60 mins) however I charge $295 for a 90 minute session because that extra time in a session is extremely helpful while remaining affordable. Medicare rebate applies of $141.85 for Clinical Psychology with a GP referral under valid Mental Health Care Plan. When booking there is the option to securely add your credit card details so that processing can occur after your session or you are also welcome to pay cash on the day of consultation.
Book two 90 minute sessions for a retreat morning with break in between (ideal if you are not local to the area)
If you are really struggling it is best to book weekly sessions initially and then space the out over time. For most new clients, fortnightly sessions are a great start and good to book a few in advance to ensure you have good continuity as the diary can get booked out quickly in advance (appointments can be booked online up to two months in advance).
Sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8am, 10am and 12 noon - also some Wednesdays.
Access, mobility and furry companions
Your sessions will be in my therapy room (entrance up the front stairs to the verandah and second french door on the left) overlooking the trees and Mount Glorious with the option to spend some time outside in nature if desired. I will also spend some sessions with you based in nature settings if you would like to which adds a beautiful relaxing element to your sessions.
I have a friendly chocolate labrador Miss Evie (my chief therapy assistant), Edgar Poe, a cat that thinks he is a dog and several curious chickens - please let me know in advance if you are uncomfortable in the presence of any animals.
My therapy room is located at the top of a set of stairs. If you have any mobility issues there is an easier option but coming around the back where there are fewer stairs but unfortunately no ramp options. Again please let me know in advance if you need any assistance.
Most sessions will be for 90 minutes to allow for a more relaxed pace and more in depth approach. I personalise sessions based on what we decide together is most helpful for you. Whatever you need on the day always takes priority.
I generally do not offer online sessions because I believe that the personal connection and taking time out from day to day life is very valuable and best fits with the approach that I offer but an online session is a possible option in exceptional circumstances.
Attendance and Cancellation Policy
My approach is to work with people more intensively and shorter term rather than sporadically and drawn out as my experience and much research indicates this results in far better outcomes. Once you finish your block of sessions you are most welcome to book in for another block if we both feel that would be helpful and you are still actively working through your focus areas.
After that period, it is good to book in for a catch up and maintenance session in a few months time. Once every season tends to be a good focus point and refresher.
48 hours notice is needed to cancel a session, otherwise the full fee does apply. Sessions are billed via securely stored credit card in your client account so that session time can be used fully for therapy.
The online booking system enables you to create, view and manage your appointments. Login using the email address and password you set and you'll be good to go. If you forget your password at any stage you can reset it easily from the login page. The online booking system is available up to two months in advance - if no sessions show available it means it is booked out and please contact me via email to request placement on the wait/cancellation list.
Am I the right therapist for you?
I have extensive experience in working with most mental health conditions however I prefer to use a holistic strengths and meaning based approach rather than a traditional diagnostic treatment approach. We all get blocked and go through periods of struggle (sometimes intense struggle!) and this manifests in many different ways psychologically and physically and can be difficult to navigate on your own. You do not need to have a mental health condition or diagnosis to attend sessions - if there are areas of life and your happiness that you want to develop differently and old patterns that you want to let go of, then I would love to support you in making these exciting changes.
I do not provide assessments, reports (other than communication with your GP as needed of course) or third party funded sessions. While I have a lot experience in couples therapy and working with children, due to my limited capacity for sessions, I focus on individual therapy for adults. I have extensive experience working with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy), Brain Based Approaches, Psychedelic Therapy Preparation and Integration, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but in additional to traditional psycholology I also use sound therapy (so lovely to experience one on one and very calming for the nervous system) and other creative modalities. I have a particular interest in working holistically, deeply connected to our inner soul wisdom and the sacred.
My particular interest area is psychedelic assisted therapy particularly MDMA assisted therapy which increase access and healing to inner spaces that can be difficult through traditional therapy models alone. I am currently in the process of completing qualifications in this field as it becomes more accessible in the mainstream. Accessing psychedelic assisted therapy in Australia is currently complicated so I have compiled some information and resources here (link coming soon). Mind Medicine Australia generally has up to date information and research listed here
Is there anything I can do beforehand to prepare for my sessions?
In the meantime it would be wonderful to think about what is really important to you at this stage in your life, mentally starting to notice those moments when your heart feels fuller and your body more relaxed and also those moments when your mind feels more challenged or stuck or a sense of physical constriction and maybe take some notes around this. I look forward to seeing you!
Anything at all you’re unsure about please get in touch with me at shannon@artnaturelight.com
