Frequently asked questions
What is the process of engaging in therapy at Eir Practice?
To begin, you can contact Eir Practice by email or phone. From there, we will arrange a brief initial phone call. This is an opportunity for me to assess whether I am the right person to support you, and for you to get a feel for whether you would like to work with me. If you decide you would like to proceed, we will organise your first appointment, and I will invite you to provide some information about the reasons you are seeking therapy. In our initial sessions, we will spend time getting to know one another. You will have the opportunity to share what has brought you to therapy, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. It is normal during this phase for me to ask questions not only about your current concerns, but also about other aspects of your life, both past and present. What you choose to share is entirely up to you. In some instances, I may suggest completing some brief measures to help guide our work, but this is always optional and will be explained clearly. Following this initial phase, I will typically share some reflections based on what you have told me, and together we will develop a plan for therapy. This may include identifying goals, strategies, and activities to support your progress, all decided collaboratively. This is a general guide only — the process may vary depending on your preferences, needs, and the nature of the concerns you bring to therapy.
How long will I need to keep coming?
Everyone’s needs are different, and there is no set timeframe for how long you should continue with therapy. Some people come for a short period to work through a specific concern, while others find ongoing support helpful over a longer time. At Eir Practice, we work collaboratively with you to regularly review your progress and goals, and we will support you to make decisions about the length and frequency of your sessions based on what feels most helpful for you.
What if it doesn’t feel right for me?
It’s completely normal to experience some discomfort at times during psychological therapy, growth and change can feel challenging. However, just as we naturally connect more easily with some people than others, you might occasionally feel that the therapist you're seeing isn’t the right fit for you. At Eir Practice, we encourage open conversations about this. Sometimes, together, we can adjust the focus or approach of your sessions. Other times, it might feel right to explore other options. We will support you in finding the path that best suits your needs, whether that’s continuing with us or connecting you with another service.
Can I use a mental healthcare plan to receive a Medicare rebate?
If you're experiencing mental health challenges, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This plan provides a rebate of $96.65 per session for the first six counselling sessions with Inge. If your GP determines that further sessions would be beneficial, an additional four sessions may be approved—up to a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year. To access the Medicare rebate, you will need one of the following: - A referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan prepared by your GP, or - A referral letter from a psychiatrist. Once you have the appropriate referral, your rebate will be processed by us on your behalf. Please note that Medicare rebates cover up to 10 individual counselling sessions per calendar year, with the count resetting each January.
Can I use my eating disorder plan to receive a Medicare rebate?
Yes, if you have a current Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) prepared by your GP or psychiatrist, you may be eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for sessions at Eir Practice. An Eating Disorder Plan provides access to a greater number of rebated sessions than a standard Mental Health Care Plan. When you contact us, please let us know if you have an Eating Disorder Plan, and we can guide you through the process. It’s important to bring a copy of your referral and plan to your first appointment to ensure you can claim the appropriate rebate. If you are unsure whether your plan is still current, we encourage you to check with your GP before your first session.
Can I take a break and then come back?
Yes, you are welcome to take a break from therapy if you need to. Many people attend more frequently at the beginning of their therapy and then gradually space out their sessions as they feel more confident or as their needs change. Some people also complete their therapy and choose to re-engage months or even years later when new challenges arise or when they feel they would benefit from renewed support. Because Eir Practice is a small practice, we encourage and appreciate open communication about any planned breaks so that we can best support you and manage appointments.