• Do I need to be located near your practice in the lower Blue Mountains?

No, Katie sees clients located all over Australia - your location is not a barrier for accessing counselling if you are willing to do it online or phone. If you would like to see Katie for face to face sessions then it is up to you how far you are willing to travel. If you are having difficulty finding a practitioner close to you feel welcome to get in touch for recommendations. 

• Do I need a referral to make an appointment? 

A medical referral is not required in order to make a booking however if you have a mental health care plan from your GP Katie is able to provide a rebate as per Medicare requirements. 

• How much will I receive back from Medicare per session?

$85.20 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Only accessible with a referral/mental health care plan from your GP.

• I have private health insurance, can I claim appointments with you?

If you are with Bupa, HCF or Teachers Health Fund then yes you can. You will need to provide a copy of your paid invoice to your insurer to claim.

• I have an NDIS plan, can I pay for appointments using this?

Yes. Katie accepts NDIS clients that are plan managed. Katie can send invoices directly to your (or your child's) plan manager for payment

• Will you see my child for therapy?

Katie has extensive experience & training in working with children however Katie believes that parents are a child's best resource in recovering from mental health challenges and so she prefers to see the parent/s or carer/s to support them in this process. Katie sees great outcomes for children when a parent is willing to work on their part in being a resource to their child. 

*Katie will see adolescents for therapy so long as a parent/carer is willing to also attend sessions when requested. If they are 18+ Katie is happy to see them without parent involvement.
**Katie will see children within the context of family therapy.

• What can I expect from attending counselling with you?

Katie primarily draws from an approach called Bowen Family Systems Theory however also utilises helpful strategies from emotion coaching, mindfulness, cognitive behaviour therapy and trauma informed practice. You can expect Katie to help you to redirect focus to what is within your control (avoiding focus on others) and strengthening your sense of self, and in doing so increase your ability to remain calm in the face of stress. Katie will often explore symptoms in the context of relationships and the patterns that can arise over time, providing reflective opportunity for how these patterns might be interrupted and re-written. If you are interested to learn more about her approach she recommends the following books:

Everything Isn't Terrible by Kathleen Smith 

Growing Yourself Up by Jenny Brown

• Do you have a wait list?

Due to Katie's limited work hours there may sometimes be a wait of up to 3-4 weeks before commencing sessions. Make contact with Katie to inquire as this can fluctuate.

• What if I want to see you but can't afford the sessions?

If pricing is a concern due to significant financial stress please contact Katie directly to discuss if a reduction is possible. Please also see earlier questions regarding medicare rebates.

• I am looking for a counsellor who will incorporate my Christian faith in counselling.

Katie is happy to support clients who would like their faith to play a role in their well-being.