Frequently Asked Questions

The first session is an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get from it. There is no set agenda — you decide what to bring and where to begin. Paul will listen carefully, ask questions where helpful, and start to get a sense of what you are dealing with. It is also a chance for you to get a feel for how he works and whether you think it could be a good fit. There is no obligation to continue after the first session. You can find out more on the individual counselling page.

No. You do not need a GP referral, a mental health care plan, or a formal diagnosis to access therapy. You can book directly without going through your doctor. This makes getting started straightforward and means there is no waiting on paperwork or gatekeeping before your first appointment. Simply reach out when you are ready.

You can book by getting in touch via the contact page. Paul typically responds within one business day to arrange a time. Sessions are available Monday to Friday. Once a time is confirmed, you will receive details for joining your online session via secure video call.

This is more common than you might think, and it is not a problem. You do not need to arrive with a clear issue or a prepared agenda. Many people begin therapy with a vague sense that something is not right, or simply a feeling that things could be better. Starting from that place is entirely valid. The first few sessions often help clarify what matters most. Paul's role is to listen and help you find your way into what is meaningful to you.

Most clients attend once a week, at least to begin with. Weekly sessions provide enough continuity to build momentum and make the work meaningful. Some people move to fortnightly sessions once they are more settled. For those interested in more intensive depth work, more frequent sessions are possible. The right frequency depends on where you are and what you want from therapy — it is something you and Paul can discuss openly.

There is no fixed answer. Some people come for a shorter period with a specific focus in mind; others find that the work they want to do takes longer. Therapy is not a linear process, and how long it lasts is shaped by what you bring, how things develop, and what you are hoping for. Paul does not set a predetermined number of sessions. Duration is something you revisit together as therapy progresses, and you are always free to discuss it openly or end when you feel ready.

Research consistently shows that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy for a wide range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship difficulties. Many clients find that working from a familiar environment actually supports the therapeutic process. The quality of the relationship between therapist and client matters far more than the medium. Paul has been working primarily online since 2020, and most of his clients have found the format works well. Read more on the online therapy page.

You need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (a smartphone, tablet, or laptop works well), and a reasonably private space where you can speak without being overheard. The session takes place via a secure video platform — Paul will send you the link before your appointment. It is worth testing your setup before the first session to make sure everything is working.

Yes. Online sessions are available to anyone across Australia, regardless of where you live. Whether you are in Melbourne, regional Victoria, interstate, or a remote area, you can access therapy without needing to travel. This is one of the key advantages of working online — geography is not a barrier. See the online therapy page for more information.

Yes. Couples sessions are available online. Both partners join the video call from the same location or, if preferred, from separate locations. Many couples find the online format practical and comfortable. The work is the same — helping you understand what is happening in the relationship and finding a way forward together. Find out more on the couples counselling page.

Yes. Online sessions are conducted via a secure, encrypted video platform. Confidentiality applies in the same way as it would in a consulting room — what you discuss remains private. As with all therapy, there are limited legal exceptions to confidentiality, which Paul will explain in your first session. Taking reasonable steps to protect your privacy at your end — such as using headphones or finding a private space — also helps.

Yes. If you are an Australian living or travelling abroad, online sessions are available. Time zone differences can usually be managed with some flexibility around scheduling. If you are living overseas permanently or are not an Australian resident, please get in touch to discuss whether this is workable in your situation.

Psychoanalytic therapy is a depth-oriented approach that explores the underlying patterns, meanings, and unconscious dynamics that shape how we experience ourselves and our relationships. Rather than focusing on symptom management or behavioural techniques, it creates space to understand what is really going on beneath the surface. Paul works within a Lacanian psychoanalytic orientation — a rigorous approach that takes language, desire, and the particularities of each person's history seriously. You can learn more on the psychoanalytic therapy page.

In Australia, the title "psychologist" is a protected term regulated by AHPRA and requires specific university training and registration. "Psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are not protected titles, though reputable practitioners hold recognised qualifications and are members of professional bodies such as PACFA. Paul holds a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling), a Diploma in Counselling and Communication, and postgraduate studies in Lacanian psychoanalysis. He is a PACFA Clinical Member with over 15 years of clinical experience. See the about page for full details.

No. Therapy with Paul is not advice-giving or directive. He will not tell you what decisions to make, how to live your life, or what the right answers are. The work is collaborative — Paul listens carefully, asks questions, and creates conditions for you to think more clearly and understand yourself better. The aim is for you to find your own way forward, rather than to follow a prescribed plan. Many people find this approach more meaningful and lasting than being given solutions.

Not necessarily. Some people find that exploring earlier experiences is relevant and illuminating; others focus more on the present. There is no expectation that therapy must involve going back through your past. What matters is what feels meaningful and useful to you. If something from your history becomes relevant, it may naturally come up — but it is not a requirement or a formula. You lead, and Paul follows.

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, and the distinction can be blurry. Counselling tends to describe shorter-term, issue-focused work — for example, working through a difficult period, a specific loss, or relationship stress. Psychotherapy typically refers to a longer, more open-ended process that explores deeper patterns and underlying dynamics. Paul offers both, and the approach is shaped by what you bring and what you want from the work. You do not need to decide upfront which category your situation fits into.

No. Paul is not a registered Medicare provider and does not offer Medicare rebates or bulk billing. Sessions are self-funded. You do not need a Mental Health Care Plan or GP referral to access therapy with Paul. If cost is a concern, please mention it — it is worth a conversation. You can find full information on the fees page.

Paul does not offer private health insurance rebates. If you have extras cover that includes psychology or counselling, you would need to check with your insurer whether PACFA-registered practitioners are eligible under your specific policy. In many cases, rebates for counselling and psychotherapy are limited or not available. See the fees page for more.

PACFA — the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia — is the leading national peak body for the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Australia. PACFA sets standards for training, ethics, and ongoing professional development. Clinical Membership of PACFA is a mark of professional standing and requires practitioners to meet rigorous criteria around qualifications, supervised practice, and ongoing development. Paul is a PACFA Clinical Member. More information is available on the PACFA website.

Paul holds a Diploma in Counselling and Communication, a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling), and postgraduate theoretical and clinical studies in Lacanian psychoanalysis. He is a PACFA Clinical Member and has worked as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 15 years, including time in community settings before establishing his private practice. Full details are on the about page.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give as much notice as possible — ideally at least 24 hours. This allows the time to be offered to someone else. Please get in touch via the contact page to make any changes to your appointment. Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee, which Paul will discuss with you if it becomes relevant.