If you’ve never had therapy through a screen, it’s normal to wonder what it will be like. Will it feel strange? Will it actually work? Will I have to talk to a camera for an hour? This guide walks through how telehealth works here, so you know what to expect before we meet.
What telehealth is
Telehealth means we meet by secure video from wherever you are, instead of in a clinic. The support itself is the same as in person: therapy, assessment, and parent and caregiver support. Only the setting changes.
I see clients across Australia by telehealth, with a limited number of in-person sessions on Gadigal Land in Sydney.
Does it work?
For many people, yes. Research suggests that therapy delivered by video can be as helpful as in-person sessions for a range of concerns, including anxiety and depression.
For many neurodivergent clients, there can be extra practical benefits: you’re in a space you’ve already set up for your sensory needs, there’s no commute or waiting room, and you can move, fidget, stim, doodle, or hold a pet while we talk.
Who telehealth tends to suit
- You have a private, quiet space and a reliable internet connection.
- You live regionally or remotely, or travelling to an appointment is hard.
- Sensory demands, energy, or transport make getting to a clinic difficult.
- You’d feel more settled starting therapy from home.
When it may not be the right fit
- You don’t have reliable access to a device or internet.
- You can’t find privacy at home.
- You’re in a crisis or at significant risk, since telehealth has limits when it comes to keeping people safe in the moment.
- You’ve tried it and find that connecting through a screen doesn’t work for you.
Younger children usually do better in person, so I generally suggest in-person sessions for them, with availability growing from early 2027. Many teenagers and older children manage telehealth well, and we can talk about what suits your family.
None of these is a strict rule. Suitability is something we work out together, and you’re welcome to ask before booking.
How it works
- 01
After you make an enquiry, I’ll be in touch about fit and availability.
- 02
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive paperwork and questionnaires to complete online before your first appointment.
- 03
Before your session, you’ll get an email with your Zoom link. You don’t need an account. Click the link a few minutes before your appointment, and your device may prompt you to download the app.
- 04
Your first appointment is 1 hour and 15 minutes. After that, sessions are 50 minutes.
Getting ready
- Choose a space where you’re unlikely to be interrupted, and let others nearby know you’re unavailable.
- Check your internet and test your sound and microphone beforehand.
- Headphones can help keep your session private.
- Have your phone nearby, in case we need to call you.
- Make yourself comfortable. Cushions, a blanket, a fidget, and a drink are all welcome.
If you’re not sure what you want to talk about, that’s okay. You might like to think about what has brought you here now, what you’d like to get out of therapy, and, if you’ve had therapy before, what you found helpful or unhelpful. We can work out the rest together in the first session.
Safety and privacy
Telehealth involves a few extra safeguards, which I’ll explain when you start:
- I’ll ask for your location at the start of each session, and for emergency contact details, so I know where to send help if I ever need to.
- We’ll agree on a plan for what happens if you become unsafe or we lose connection.
- I’m not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- I’ll explain the limits of confidentiality, and how I look after your information.
If something goes wrong
If you can’t connect, I’ll ring the number on your file to help. If the connection drops during a session, I’ll try to reconnect within a few minutes, or call you to continue by phone or reschedule.
Telehealth FAQs
A few practical questions.
What information will I receive before my telehealth session?
Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive online paperwork and any relevant questionnaires to complete before we meet. You’ll also receive your Zoom link and practical information about joining the session.
Do I need a Zoom account?
No. You can join from the link in your appointment email without creating an account. Your device may prompt you to download the Zoom app, so it can help to open the link a few minutes early.
What emergency contact information do I need to provide?
You’ll be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. I’ll also ask where you are at the beginning of each session, so I can respond appropriately if there is ever a serious safety concern.
What happens at the beginning of my first telehealth session?
We’ll check that the video and sound are working, talk through confidentiality and the extra safety arrangements for telehealth, and answer any practical questions. The rest of the appointment is spent getting to know you, understanding what has brought you here, and beginning to shape a plan together.
What happens if the connection drops?
I’ll try to reconnect within a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, I’ll call the number on your file so we can continue by phone or decide whether rescheduling is the better option.
Can I choose an in-person session instead?
A limited number of in-person sessions are available on Gadigal Land in Sydney, with availability growing from early 2027. In-person work is generally suggested for younger children. We can talk about what is likely to fit you or your child when you enquire.