Your first session is an opportunity for you and your psychologist to get to know each other – finding the right “fit” is one of the most important parts of therapy. Your psychologist may ask you a lot of questions and sometimes it can seem really overwhelming to talk to a complete stranger, however its important that your psychologist understands what is bringing you to therapy so that they can provide you with the best treatment. At the end of your first session, if you feel that you would like to continue seeing your psychologist, together you will agree on the frequency and duration of future sessions and set goals together for your therapeutic journey.

For child and adolescent clients, the therapeutic journey can vary greatly depending on a variety of individual circumstances. In most cases, it is beneficial for the parent/s and young person to attend the first session together so that the reason for therapeutic engagement and the desired outcomes can be discussed collaboratively. Alternatively, if the young person prefers that their parent/s attend independently to set up sessions, this can also be arranged. Going forward from this, sessions could include both the parent/s and the young person, the child/adolescent individually, or a mix of both at different points of therapy, depending on need and comfort.

The young persons confidentiality and consent are essential and are outlined in all intake paperwork and discussed again in the first session and as needed throughout their therapeutic engagement.

The majority of communication and therapeutic intervention is provided during your sessions, however, there are times when things pop up in between and you may feel the need to reach out to your psychologist. If this is the case, please email or text reception (asyouarepsychology@outlook.com or 0480 397 759) and your psychologist can determine if an earlier session is needed, or if you may need access to crisis information and support.

Additionally, you can check out or helpful list of free resources:

Emergency Department at your local hospital or Dial '000'

Lifeline (open 24/7): 131 114

NSW Mental Health Line (open 24/7): 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue (open 24/7): 1300 224 636

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Our psychologists are happy to conduct therapy in a way that suits your lifestyle and needs. Although face-to-face is our preferred mode of delivering therapy due to the stronger relationship that it helps to build, we do understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get to our office due to illness or general day-to-day needs. If you would prefer to or need to arrange a session via video or phone, please contact our office to let us know.

Yes it is. All psychologists are bound by confidentiality and as such ensure that we maintain your privacy to the highest standard. As you will find outlined in our consent form should you attend therapy, there are some instances wherein we may have to breach this confidentiality (for safety concerns of yourself or others), however, we make every effort to collaborate with you before taking these steps. Your psychologist will discuss your consent and confidentiality in your first session and answer any questions that you may have.

Whilst every effort will be made to assist in reminding you of your upcoming appointments (via 72 hour text message reminders), it is your responsibility to ensure that you attend your session on time. The cancellation policy at As You Are Psychology is as follows:

• Cancellation fees will be calculated at 50% of the regular session fee for appointments cancelled within 48 hours of session time.

• Cancellation fees will be calculated at 100% of the regular session fee for appointments cancelled within 24 hours of session time, or for non-attendance without notice.