Arts therapy - FAQ

Location and frequency

Where are you?

I am based in the Dandenong Ranges, just outside the eastern fringe of Melbourne. I work mostly in that area, including the outer easter suburbs.

Can you travel to my home/my child’s school/another location?

I do travel to homes, schools and other sites - so this may be possible, depending on the location and timing. Additional fees for travel will usually apply.

Do you do online sessions?

Yes. This works really well for some people, although it’s not for everyone. This option means we can work together regardless of where in the country you are.

Can I come to you?

Very possibly. I have access to two different therapy spaces in the area: the vibrant and bustling Rainbow Muse Collective space in Ferntree Gully, and a spacious, calm studio adjoining a bushland reserve in Monbulk. These spaces are used by other therapists, so it depends on availability.

Can you time travel?

Sadly not (probably for the best).

How often are sessions?

Most people I work with choose to have sessions either weekly or fortnightly. This enables us both to hold a regular, predictable timeslot for a period of time. Although you can stop whenever you want, I usually suggest a cycle of approximately 5-10 sessions, after which we check in and decide whether to continue, conclude or find a new timeslot.

I usually align these cycles loosely with Vic school term periods, using the school holidays as checkpoints to reset my schedule as needed.

An initial session can be a good idea to see how we fit together in person (if I’m the right person to support you) before planning an recurring timeslot.

Fees and funding

What are your fees?

Standard: $193/hour*

Reduced: $160/hour**

Travel is calculated as travel time (one way) x hourly rate, up to a maximum of $90. For example: location is 0.5 hours drive (one way) from my base location. Standard billing would be 0.5 x $190= $95, rounded down to the maximum of $90. This is the cost for the whole return trip, even though the total drive time is 60 mins.

*This is industry standard for allied health private practitioners with equivalent level of training, including OTs and speech therapists alongside creative arts therapists.

**This is a reduced fee offered at my discretion - generally for folks who have high need for support and no external funding.

Do you work with NDIS participants? Can I use NDIS funding?

Yes, I do. It is possible to use NDIS funding to see a registered arts therapist under Capacity building - Improved Daily Living (Therapy and Assessment) - Item Number: 15_610_0128_1_3 (Art Therapist).

Can I get money back through Medicare if I have a MHCP from my doctor?

Medicare rebates do not currently exist for arts therapy. MHCPs can only be used to access psychology. However, if you have a MHCP, I will offer the reduced rate listed above. This may be helpful while you are on a waiting list for a suitable psychologist.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no fee if a session is cancelled with 48 hours notice. Full session fee is charged if cancellation is within 24 hours of the appointment, or 50% of the fee if cancelled with 24-48 hours notice. Travel fees are not charged unless travel took place before the session was cancelled.

Availability

What is your availability?

My availability is constantly changing, in line with the shape of my client schedule and other commitments. It also depends on your preferred location - for example, an online session may be available at a time when an in-person session is not. Please contact me to discuss your situation and preferences, and I will let you know if I have capacity.*

I don’t usually schedule sessions on weekends or evenings (after 5pm).

I don’t have set office hours, but I’ll usually be able to respond to emails within a few days.

*I am a real human with my own set of responsibilities to care for my health, relationships and soul. Keeping my caseload manageable (by my own rather divergent standards) is essential to my ability to show up helpfully for the people I am working with.

Formal accreditation

What is your registration/qualification?

I am professionally registered (AThR) with ANZACATA. This requires me to undergo regular professional development and supervision.

ANZACATA is an organisational member of Allied Health Professions Australia, so I meet the criteria for being classed as an allied health practitioner.

My qualification is Master of Creative Arts Therapy (Dance Movement Therapy) from the University of Melbourne.