You will receive a questionnaire in the intake pack where you can indicate your needs/preferences within sessions, for example, eye contact, lighting, movement (need to move around? take breaks?), contact from reception outside of sessions (phone? email? SMS?), communication (writing ideas down? drawing? no small talk? direct? literal?), and learning (visuals? written?), amongst other things. 

It is normal to feel nervous…maybe about meeting a new person…maybe because you do not know exactly what to expect…or worry you may be asked to answer sensitive questions, or worse – talk about your feelings!!! I aim to create a low-pressure environment and won’t pressure you to talk about things you don’t want to. In the first session, I will be keen to learn about you - what are your special interests…what are your strengths…what is challenging for you…what stresses you out…what you would like support with. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. Sessions will feel like a conversation and are fairly casual. I encourage you to wear comfortable clothes (I don’t mind if you’re in your pajama’s for Telehealth sessions!), sit on the floor, walk around…whatever you need to do to be you. 

In the 1st session, you also get a chance to see what I am like as a therapist and if I am a person you could begin to feel comfortable with. The fit between therapist and client is all-important; please give me feedback on anything I may be able to adjust from my end. You may even find that I am not a good fit for you, and you should trust your intuition and find a therapist that is a better fit instead.

Yes, absolutely! Supportive others (e.g., partners, family, friends) are welcome to attend sessions with your consent. We may discuss how they may best support you, for instance, what you need from them when you are upset, sensory needs within the home, reduced demands at certain times, communication preferences, etc. We will discuss beforehand what information you may want to keep confidential and what information you are ok with sharing. Please note that I do not provide relationship or family therapy, however. 

Your privacy is taken very seriously and is respected as part of the privacy policy (issued in the intake documents or available upon request). Your information is handled according to the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). By law, psychologists cannot release this information, except in the following circumstances:

• where you provide explicit permission 
• where there is a legal requirement to do so
• where you or another person is at immediate risk of harm that can only be averted by disclosing information. 

Please feel free to raise any concerns or questions about your privacy with me. 

Initial sessions run for 90 mins. Subsequent sessions can be booked for 50 mins (standard consultation) or 90 mins (extended consultation).

How often someone attends therapy depends on individual circumstances and needs. Generally, most benefit is found through regular and consistent sessions. Together we will work out what works best for you. 

If you have any existing reports, such as diagnostic, allied health, report cards or other assessments, please provide them to me at the beginning of the assessment. 

No, it is not necessary to provide information from others in order to make a diagnosis. If you have access to school or other reports, this would be useful but is not required. Likewise, if others are able to and you wish them to provide information as part of the interview, that is useful but not required for a diagnosis. 

Yes, absolutely. Supportive others, with your consent, are welcome to attend the interviews. 

It will feel like a conversation where I will gather information about your possible Autistic and/or ADHD traits, your strengths, and things you find challenging. The interview for an Autism assessment will be based on the MIGDAS-2 which is currently the most affirming measure available; questions will be phrased in terms of your ‘preference’ rather than deficit, or ‘what you can’t do’. The assessment interviews occur over 2 sessions and there is 1 feedback session. You will be able to take breaks as needed and ask any questions you have along the way. You won’t receive a diagnostic opinion on the day of the diagnostic assessment interview; this will be provided in the feedback session. 

It is a common experience to feel overwhelmed during the assessment process as we will inevitably be revisiting memories laden in emotion, and you will likely be processing your past experiences in light of possibly new information, and thinking about what is next for you.

Post-assessment support is recommend to assist with adjustment to identity, manage sensory needs and mental health needs, consider disclosure, and identify and access accommodations. 

It can be an immense relief to finally understand why life may have been so challenging and let go of self-blame and criticism. From here, self-understanding can grow, and support can be tailored appropriately to needs. You may use the diagnosis to access supports, such as NDIS, DSP, and workplace accommodations.  

Following identification of Autism, it can be beneficial to explore how being neurodivergent influences your life and relationships. Often, mental health concerns such as depression improve to some degree when previously unidentified Autism is finally recognised. Mental health concerns may remain however, and I offer neuroaffirming therapy to address such concerns. Therapy can be helpful with processing previous life events through the lens of neurodivergence, making plans for how to move in valued life directions with greater understanding, and advocating and accommodating for your individual needs.

Best practice management of the challenges associated with ADHD involves a combination of medication and cognitive behavioural strategies. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD in Australia. 

I offer support after diagnosis to understand your unique neurotype and work with your brain, not against it.