Starting therapy
What to expect in therapy when you are starting out.
You do not need a polished explanation, a treatment plan or the right words before your first appointment.
Early sessions are a chance to understand what has been happening, decide what matters now and agree on a pace that feels manageable.
You can ask questions, pause, slow down or say when an approach does not feel right. Therapy should be discussed with you, not done to you.
The beginning
Understand the next step before you book.
The first appointments usually focus on what is happening now, what you hope may change and what would help the sessions feel clear and workable. If you are considering assessment rather than therapy, you can compare the ADHD, autism (ASD) and AuDHD assessment pathways.
Begin with what matters now
You can start with the concern that brought you in. Relevant history, strengths, stressors and current supports can be explored over time.
Agree on pace and priorities
You and the psychologist can discuss what feels safe enough to approach and whether practical strategies or preparation would help first.
Choose an approach together
Therapy may draw on ACT, EMDR, trauma-informed CBT, Schema Therapy or mindfulness-informed strategies, depending on fit and goals.
What the first session can feel like
Warm, paced and shaped around you.
A chance to be heard without needing the perfect words.
You can say what feels manageable to discuss. Pace and priorities are discussed together.
A chance to discuss fit and possible next steps.
Your priorities, questions and preferences guide the conversation.
How sessions are shaped
A collaborative and paced approach.
ACT-informed therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy explores how you relate to difficult thoughts and feelings, and how values can inform next steps.
EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy. Suitability and timing of trauma-focused work are discussed after individual assessment and informed consent. EMDR includes a preparation phase before reprocessing, and pacing is discussed together.
You will not be expected to disclose everything straight away. Early work can stay with current concerns, understanding patterns, coping strategies and building enough safety to decide what comes next.
Attend in a way that suits you
In person or by telehealth.
Choose the setting that works best for privacy, travel, energy, sensory needs and clinical fit. Language, communication and access preferences can be discussed when arranging the appointment.
Useful guides
Read a little more before your first appointment.
What is trauma-informed therapy?
Read how choice, pace and clear communication can shape therapy.
Read the guide →What is neurodivergent-affirming therapy?
A practical introduction to making room for different communication and support needs.
Read the guide →Do I need a referral?
Find out when a referral may help with Medicare and when you can book privately.
Read the guide →Before your first appointment
Common questions about therapy.
Do I need to know exactly what I want help with?
No. You can begin by describing what has been difficult or what you would like to understand. The focus can become clearer over the first few sessions.
Will I have to discuss trauma straight away?
Not necessarily. Early sessions may focus on current concerns, safety, coping strategies and what you want from therapy. You can say what feels manageable to discuss, and pace and priorities are discussed together.
Should I choose in-person therapy or telehealth?
This depends on privacy, travel, preference and clinical needs. Compare location and telehealth options, or ask before booking.
Can therapy be provided in Cantonese or Mandarin?
Sessions may be available in English, Cantonese or Mandarin. You can also move between languages when that helps you express or understand an experience. Read about Chinese-language psychology services.
Can I use Medicare rebates for therapy?
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible sessions. Whether a rebate applies depends on current eligibility, referral and service details. You can book privately without a referral. See Medicare rebates and Mental Health Treatment Plans.
A practical first step
Ask whether therapy may fit.
You can ask about current availability, location, language options or what an early appointment may involve.
Send a brief enquiry
Please share practical details only, such as the appointment type, location or language you are asking about.
Prefer another option?
0431 828 769 · Email reception
For privacy, please do not send trauma history, symptoms, reports or other sensitive health information by email or WhatsApp. Use these channels for administrative enquiries only.