Psychological Counselling can take different forms depending on the needs of the client and the training and experience of the therapist. Psychologists at Mind Body Well approach therapy in a manner which is person centred, creating a unique therapeutic approach in collaboration with each client. Our approaches are evidence based, client centred, and professionally informed. Our team of Psychologists are skilled and experienced in assisting people to address eating disorders, body image concerns, and a broad range of mental health issues.

Our Psychologists use various techniques and approaches in counselling, including:

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Systemic Family Therapy

• Existential Therapy

• Somatic Therapy

• Mindfulness Therapies

• Relaxation Therapy

Therapy Structure

Assessment Phase

All therapy at Mind Body Well begins with an initial Assessment Phase, which may take between 1-3 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues to be addressed in therapy. At the end of this Assessment Phase, your therapist will negotiate with you a Treatment Plan, which will outline:

• the focus and goals of your therapy

• the treatment approaches to be used

• your treatment team - which along with seeing a psychologist may also include seeing one of the dietitian's at Mind Body Well

Treatment Phase

Each 'Phase' of therapy will have clear treatment goals, and a timeframe after which the effectiveness of therapy will be measured by you and your therapist. Some clients will have multiple 'phases' of treatment, whereas others may have more short term treatment.

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLAIMS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY

You may be eligible to claim rebates for Psychological Therapy if you have:

• A referral and Mental Health Care Plan completed by your Doctor, or

• Private Heath Insurance which includes Psychological Counselling as part of your extras cover

Please note – we do not Bulk Bill. All sessions will incur an out of pocket fee, and full payment is to be made on the day of your session. If you are eligible for a Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebate, you will be provided with a claimable receipt which you can then use to make your claim (we don't process the claims in-house).

We also provide Dietetic Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy and Group Therapy.

Our Melbourne Practice

At Mind Body Well we provide a supportive and safe environment for people to . Our team of experienced psychologists and dietitians can work collaboratively to help you make change and achieve your goals. We offer support for people experiencing a range of issues including body image concerns, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Online Therapy

We also offer therapy via a secure and confidential online platform for people who are unable to get to our Melbourne office. Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss online therapy.

Want more details about Psychological Counselling at Mind Body Well? Click the button below to see our Information Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does talk therapy work?

Research has shown that many different psychological treatments (including ‘talk therapy’) are effective for a range of mental health conditions and concerns. Psychologists use evidence-based practices by integrating research, the client’s experiences and preferences, and clinical judgment.

What happens in the first session of therapy?

In the first therapy session, you therapist will take you through some administration information, and discuss the process of therapy including informed consent. The first few sessions are usually dedicated to conducting a thorough psychological assessment, which can include questions about the reason you are seeking help, your history and current situation, any specific psychological symptoms, your mood and general wellbeing, and any risk factors. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. This first session is chance for both you and your therapist to get to know each other, and start exploring how you might be supported by conducting a thorough assessment.

Should I see a Psychologist?

Psychologists are allied health professionals with specialised training in mental health and human behaviour. Psychologists can provide support for people experiencing a variety of concerns, which can range from stressful life events, feeling unsatisfied with relationships or everyday challenges, or mental health disorders which significantly impact the quality of life. 

what is the most common type of therapy?

Many different types of therapy are available, depending upon the training of the therapist and your personal preferences. One of the most common types of therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which involves exploring the relationships between thoughts, emotions and behaviours, to make lasting changes. CBT can be an umbrella term, including many different modalities or techniques. 

How do I pick a therapist?

Deciding to see a mental health professional can be a big decision. When deciding who to see, you might like consider the following:

• What options are available and accessible to me?

• What type of support am I looking for, and would specialised treatment be helpful?

• What are the financial costs and potential options for rebates?

• Is there a particular type of therapy I would like to try?

• What are the qualifications of the therapist?

The quality of the personal relationship is very important in, so it’s okay to talk to your therapist if you feel like you’re not ‘clicking’, or to try working with someone else.

What are the different types of mental health therapy?

There are many different types of therapy, depending on what support you are after. Some of the most common types might include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Acceptance and commitment therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Dialectal behaviour therapy

• Family therapies

• Group therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Emotion focused therapy

• Solution focused therapy

• Motivational interviewing

Is a Psychologist a doctor?

Some psychologists may have completed a doctoral degree or PhD, therefore having the official title of ‘doctor’, but psychologists are not medical doctors. A psychologist is an allied health professional with specialised training in assessing and treating mental health disorders.

What’s the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

While both psychologists and psychiatrists specialise in mental health, there are some important differences. Psychiatrists have been trained initially as medical doctors and they and can prescribe medication as well as provide psychological therapies. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, and they treat mental health disorders with psychological therapies. Psychiatrists may be seen for assessment and diagnosis, medication management and to manage risk and/or complex cases. In some cases you will be recommended to see both a psychiatrist and psychologist.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy sessions can vary depending on the nature of the business, or the professional you see. This may depend upon the setting or type of service being offered. In private practices, therapists can set their own rates, which for some clients may be eligible for Medicare rebates.

What are the Medicare rebates and how do they work?

Medicare rebates are available for psychology services for a range of people, including those with mental health conditions, a chronic medical condition or disability. The most common way to access the rebate is through a Mental Health Care Plan which allows up to 10 rebated sessions in a calendar year. A valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral are required from a Doctor in order to access the rebate.

How do therapists treat trauma?

How a therapist might treat trauma can depend on a number of different factors, including their training and treatment setting, as well as the client’s individual presentation, goals, and preferences. Trauma informed therapy may focus on treatment for other mental health concerns, in a way which emphasises safety and empowerment. Specific trauma-focused therapy can assist in reducing trauma-related symptoms, and may include learning about trauma and its effects, practising strategies to increase feelings of safety, re-processing or exploring narratives about the experience, and working on ways to prevent or manage relapse. You can discuss this with your therapist to further explore your options and whether specific trauma-focused work might be appropriate.

How often should you see a Psychologist?

The frequency of psychology sessions if often decided between yourself and the therapist. This decision may take into account the availability, access, urgency and need of each client. Sessions may start off more regularly to build momentum, such as weekly or fortnightly, and can reduce in frequency over time if required.