Typically, a first session involves an exploration of the difficulties that bring you to therapy. This can mean discussing the nature of your symptoms, when they started, but also, more importantly exploring what you understand, or do not understand, from what is happening in your life. Your take on what you are experiencing is of valuable insight. In this first session, or more typically in the second and third, we can also explore elements of your past history, such as the important relationships and decisive moments of your life. We will also discuss your hopes and expectations for therapy.
It is important to say that despite the typical themes mentioned above, no two therapy sessions are alike, and as such, there is no wrong way for a patient to approach their first therapy session.
Given that therapy represents a considerable investment of time, money and energy, this is understandably a question that therapists often get from their patients. It is also a difficult one to answer in the general sense. The best approach is to discuss the duration of your therapy in session with your therapist so that you can both factor in important elements that are specific to you. A general rule of thumb is that working through long-standing difficulties that affect several areas of a person's life typically requires a longer-term commitment in therapy, whereas working through a more punctual problem can often be achieved in short-term therapy of several weeks to a few months.
The fee for a 50-min therapy session is 240$.
You may be eligible for a Medicare refund ($136.35 per session) for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You will need to obtain a referral (Medicare Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP.
Refunds may also be available through your private health insurance.