Question 1

What's the difference between psychotherapy, counselling, life coaching and seeing a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

These terms overlap and aren't all regulated the same way in Australia.Psychologists complete accredited university training and are registered with AHPRA (Australia's healthcare regulation body). Psychologists must comply with regulated standards, ethics and complete ongoing professional development; their appointments can attract Medicare rebates with a valid referral.Counselling is a broad term for talking-based support.Life coaching typically focuses on goals and performance rather than mental-health treatment.Psychotherapy describes in-depth talking therapy provided by a range of professionals, including some psychologists.Unlike "psychologist", the words counsellor, psychotherapist and life coach are not protected titles in Australia. That means individuals can use these titles without having completed specific training or qualifications.At South Yarra Psychology, we only offer appointments with registered psychologists.

Question 2

What's the difference between a clinical psychologist, a counselling psychologist and a 'psychologist'?

Accepted Answer

All three are fully registered psychologists — registered with AHPRA after completing an accredited university qualification and supervised practice, and meeting ongoing professional standards. Clinical and counselling are both endorsements, showing additional supervised training in that area.In practice they're often trained in the same evidence-based approaches, and research suggests the strongest driver of a good outcome isn't the endorsement but the fit between you and your psychologist — so it's worth noticing, early on, whether you feel comfortable and understood.

Question 3

What type of issues can the psychologists help with?

Accepted Answer

Our psychologists primarily provide individual therapy to adults, with some appointments available for adolescents and couples. We provide therapy for a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:  anxiety (including social anxiety, generalised anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, phobias etc), depression, stress management, trauma (including PTSD and complex PTSD), addictions (including substance use), attachment issues and relationship difficulties (including issues with conflict and family violence), low self-esteem/confidence, work burnout, grief & loss/bereavement, life transitions, sleep challenges, anger management, personality vulnerabilities, ADHD symptoms, body image concerns (and eating disorders), challenges adjusting to a new diagnosis or condition, and recurring patterns that feel difficult to shift.

Question 4

What types of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Our psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused therapy and DBT-informed skills. Many are trained in several and combine them to suit your needs.You can read what each approach involves on our How We Help page.

Question 5

How do I know which psychologist is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Start with what you'd like support with, then consider each psychologist's areas of experience and approach, alongside practical factors like availability, in-person vs telehealth, and fees — you can browse our psychologists to compare. Beyond that, the biggest predictor of a good outcome — across decades of research — is the fit between you and your psychologist: feeling heard, safe, and on the same page about your goals, so it's worth noticing whether that feels right in the first session or two. If you'd like help choosing, our free 10-minute matching call with a psychologist is designed for exactly this — we ask what you're seeking support for and suggest psychologists likely to suit both your needs and the kind of connection that helps therapy work.

Question 6

What if a psychologist isn't the right fit?

Accepted Answer

It's important you feel comfortable, and we genuinely encourage you to say if the psychologist you see doesn't feel like a good fit — it is our priority to get you the right care. We can help you identify another psychologist who may be a better fit for you, and, if you like, transfer information from your initial appointments to support the transition. In these instances we also offer a reduced-cost first appointment with the new psychologist.

Question 7

What happens in the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first session or two focus on understanding what's brought you in and what you'd like to work towards, so your psychologist can consider what effective therapy might look like for you. Because our psychologists are trained in various approaches, they'll weigh up which best suit your goals.

Question 8

Is what I discuss confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you discuss is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions — mainly where there's a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, in which case your psychologist may need to share relevant information to keep people safe. Sometimes, notes can be subpoenaed (for example in some legal or insurance matters), though this doesn't affect most clients. If you are claiming Medicare rebates, your psychologist is also required to send a brief progress letter to your referring GP; you're welcome to discuss what it includes, within what's ethically appropriate.

Question 9

How long is an appointment? How many appointments will I need?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes in duration, which is typical for psychology appointments in Australia. How many you'll need depends on your goals — discuss this with your psychologist so treatment can be planned with it in mind.

Question 10

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Accepted Answer

Some of our psychologists offer appointments before 9am, after 5pm, and on weekends — currently Saturdays — though availability varies by psychologist. Appointments after 4pm and on Saturdays are slightly higher in cost. These times can fall outside our reception opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8.45am–5.15pm), but you can book any time through our online booking system. A matching call is also a good way to check current availability and fees across the team.

Question 11

Do you offer telehealth (online) appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes — both in-person sessions at our South Yarra rooms and telehealth appointments, which are also Medicare-rebatable if you're eligible. Most clients attend in person, with telehealth available for those who prefer it, are travelling, or live outside the area.

Question 12

Do psychologists prescribe medication? How are they different from a psychiatrist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists provide evidence-based treatment using non-medication approaches, whereas psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medication. Sometimes clients engage with both — receiving medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist, alongside therapy with a psychologist.

Question 13

Who do you see — adults, adolescents or couples?

Accepted Answer

We primarily see adults for individual therapy. Some psychologists also see older adolescents or offer couples therapy — availability varies, so it's worth checking when you book or on a matching call.

Question 14

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book online any time — appointments and free matching calls can be booked through our online booking system whenever suits you, including outside reception hours. You're also welcome to contact us on 03 9804 5448; reception is open Monday to Friday, 8.45am–5.15pm. New clients can book directly or start with a matching call, and each psychologist's current availability is shown in the booking system.

Question 15

Where are you located, and is there parking?

Accepted Answer

We're at 2 Avoca Street (suite 3), South Yarra. We're located on level 1 of the building. There's free 1–2 hour on-street parking on the surrounding streets, plus some pay-by-the-hour car parks nearby; there's no parking at the building itself. By public transport, South Yarra Station is about a 5-minute walk, the 58 tram stops nearby on Toorak Road, and bus 246 runs along Punt Road.

Question 16

Can I join the cancellation list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you'd like an earlier appointment, you can ask to be added to the cancellation list. Contact our reception and we'll add you.

We notify clients on the cancellation list via SMS when appointments become available.

Question 17

Are all of the psychologists currently taking new clients?

Accepted Answer

Not always — availability changes, and some psychologists at the practice may have a waitlist or be temporarily closed to new clients.

When you book online you can see who's currently accepting new clients by selecting "more info" under each psychologist's name. If you're unsure who to choose, our free 10-minute matching call can help.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions