Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the right kind of therapy for me?

Shannon works with individuals seeking a considered, professional therapeutic experience.

This approach may be well suited if you value depth, continuity, and a collaborative process, rather than short term or solution focused intervention. Suitability is always discussed carefully, and there is no expectation to proceed if it does not feel like the right fit.

Do I need a referral?

A referral is not required to enquire or to begin therapy. However, referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, and other health professionals are welcome. Where appropriate, Shannon works collaboratively with referrers to support continuity and ethical care. However, Shannon operates on a private fee-for-service basis and does not process Medicare rebates.

How often are sessions held?

Session frequency and structure are determined collaboratively, based on individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Many clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions, with adjustments made over time as stability and capacity increase. Sessions are scheduled in advance to support continuity and consistency, while remaining responsive to changing needs.

How long is a session?

This practice provides full 60-minute sessions to allow adequate time for thoughtful engagement, integration, and appropriate closure within each appointment.

What is retainer based support?

For some clients, a retainer-based structure can support consistency, continuity, and predictable access to care.

Retainer arrangements provide a set allocation of sessions and protected appointment availability over a defined period, along with structured administrative support.

These arrangements are offered selectively, reviewed regularly, and designed to support sustainable and ethical practice. All work remains delivered within clear professional boundaries and evidence-based frameworks.

Is a retainer required for everyone?

Session structure is assessed on an individual basis, with recommendations made in consideration of the nature of the work, readiness, and clinical appropriateness. Retainer arrangements are not intended to be prescriptive, but to support reliability, focus, and a considered therapeutic process.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is designed to provide clarity, containment, and a sense of fit. Time is taken to understand what has brought you to therapy, discuss goals and priorities, and outline how the work may proceed. Practical matters such as confidentiality, boundaries, and session structure are reviewed, and space is provided for questions. There is no expectation to share more than feels appropriate. The focus in this session is building a therapeutic relationship, clarifying next steps and determining what approach feels most suitable for you.

What approaches does Shannon use?

Shannon’s work is informed by a range of evidence based psychological approaches, including:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Internal Family systems (IFS)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Schema Therapy

Approach is guided by the individual, rather than applied as a fixed model.

How is confidentiality handled?

Privacy and confidentiality are central to the practice. Information shared in sessions is treated with the highest level of discretion and managed in accordance with professional and legal standards. The limits of confidentiality are explained clearly, and any questions are welcomed.Information is managed in line with ethical guidelines and legal requirements. Limits to confidentiality, where applicable, are explained clearly as part of the therapeutic process.

Do you work with professional referrers?

Yes. Enquiries and referrals from health professionals are welcome. Shannon values thoughtful collaboration with trusted referrers where appropriate, with a shared emphasis on ethical practice, discretion, and continuity of care.

How do I make an enquiry?

You can make an enquiry via the contact page or by phone. All enquiries are handled with care and confidentiality, with responses typically provided within one to two business days.

What is your policy on cancellations and missed appointments?

We understand that life can be busy and that, at times, cancellations are unavoidable. To ensure the practice can continue to provide the level of personalised and consistent care it is designed for, cancellation fees apply where sufficient notice is not provided.
Appointments are reserved exclusively for each client and involve dedicated preparation and follow-up time. As this time cannot usually be reassigned at short notice, at least 72 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment without fee.

The following cancellation fees apply:

• Less than 24 hours’ notice: Full fee

• 24–48 hours’ notice: 50% of fee

• 48–72 hours’ notice: 25% of fee

• Missed sessions - Full fee

Cancellation fees are not claimable through private health funds or third party providers.

In exceptional circumstances, discretion may be applied at the clinician’s professional judgement.

Are you covered by private health insurance?

Private Health Insurance may offer rebates for psychological services depending on your coverage.