How We Work
Understanding is important. But sometimes understanding isn’t enough to change what happens next.
We start with where you are
We look at what is happening, identify patterns, set goals and new strategies for you to move forward.
Notice what keeps it going
Sometimes the things we do to feel better in the short term can unintentionally keep a pattern going.
Respond differently
We identify practical opportunities to experiment with different ways of thinking, acting or responding.
Reinforce change
Clinical hypnosis can be used alongside psychotherapy to rehearse and strengthen different responses in a focused state of attention.
The aim is not to control every thought, emotion or situation. It’s to choose how you respond to them.
What you can expect from us
Curious, not assuming
We won't tell you what your experience means before we've taken the time to understand it.
Practical
Insight matters, but we'll also look at what you can notice, practise or do differently outside the therapy room.
Collaborative
We work together to understand what is happening and what might help.
Focused
We'll keep returning to what you want to be different and whether the work we're doing is useful.
What we do differently
We actively work with you to give you the tools and skills you need to create change by addressing the cause, not the symptoms. The latest research shows that the underpinning to all problems is a learned cognitive style.
Professional Standards, Privacy & Your Care
At Saltbush Psychotherapy, your wellbeing, privacy and right to make informed choices are central to the way I work. My aim is to provide a safe, respectful and supportive environment where you feel comfortable exploring your concerns and working towards meaningful change.
The following information explains what you can expect from our sessions, how your information is managed and the professional responsibilities that guide my practice.
Duty of Care
I am committed to providing a professional, respectful and confidential therapeutic environment where your individual circumstances, values and experiences are acknowledged.
As sessions are conducted online, I encourage you to choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable and can speak freely.
Throughout our work together, I will explain the approaches being used and encourage you to ask questions or raise any concerns. You remain in control of your participation and may choose to pause or discontinue Psychotherapy at any time.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is important. Personal information, health information and session notes are handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy Act 1988 and relevant NSW health privacy requirements.
Saltbush Psychotherapy uses professional practice management software to collect and manage client information, with security measures designed to protect your records and confidentiality.
Information shared during sessions is treated confidentially and will not ordinarily be disclosed to family members, friends or other professionals without your consent, except where disclosure is permitted or required by law.
I may occasionally seek professional supervision to support ethical and effective practice. Where possible, identifying details are removed from these discussions to protect your privacy.
Limits to confidentiality
There are circumstances where confidentiality may need to be limited, including:
Where there is a serious threat to your safety or the safety of another person.
Where concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child require or justify a report under relevant legislation.
Where information must be disclosed in response to a valid legal requirement, such as a court order or subpoena.
Where another disclosure is authorised or required by law.
Where appropriate and practicable, I will discuss these circumstances with you before information is disclosed.
Informed Consent
Before commencing therapy, you will be provided with information about the services offered, the therapeutic approach, potential benefits and limitations, and your rights as a client.
Your consent will be sought through the client intake and consent process before Psychotherapy begins.
You are welcome to ask questions at any stage, and your consent remains an ongoing part of our work together.
Your Psychotherapy Approach
Psychotherapy at Saltbush is tailored to your individual needs, concerns and goals.
Together, we will explore what you would like to achieve and agree on an approach that is appropriate for you. This may involve strategic psychotherapy, clinical hypnotherapy, practical strategies and activities to explore between sessions.
While every person is different, I generally recommend an initial series of four to six sessions, with progress reviewed along the way. Some people may benefit from fewer sessions, while others may choose to continue for longer.
There are no guarantees about how an individual will respond to Psychotherapy or the outcomes that may be achieved. My approach is practical, collaborative and focused on helping you develop greater awareness, flexibility and confidence in responding to life's challenges.
Your Role in Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process, and your participation plays an important role.
Being open to exploring different perspectives, reflecting on what we discuss and practising new approaches between sessions can help support meaningful change.
There is no expectation that you will get everything right. Progress is rarely a straight line, and we will work at a pace that is appropriate for you.
If we identify that another approach or practitioner may be better suited to your needs, I will discuss this with you and, where appropriate, provide information about alternative support.
Professional Qualifications and Training
Saltbush Psychotherapy provides strategic psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy informed by formal training in psychology, psychotherapy and therapeutic approaches to behavioural change.
My qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy.
I am committed to working within the scope of my training and professional competence, recognising when additional support or referral to another health professional may be appropriate.
Professional Development and Ethical Practice
Ongoing learning, professional reflection and ethical practice are important parts of providing responsible therapeutic care.
I maintain a commitment to continuing professional development, relevant professional standards and appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
My approach draws on strategic psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis and relevant psychological knowledge, with a focus on practical and evidence-informed strategies.
Legal Proceedings and Hypnotherapy
If you are currently involved in legal proceedings, particularly where memories or past events may be relevant, I recommend seeking advice from your legal representative before commencing hypnotherapy.
Memory is not an exact recording of events and can be influenced by suggestion and other factors. Hypnosis is not a reliable method of establishing the accuracy of memories or recovering factual accounts of past experiences.
At Saltbush, clinical hypnosis is used to support therapeutic goals such as managing anxiety, developing confidence and exploring new ways of responding. I do not use hypnosis to recover or verify memories.
Emotional Responses During Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can sometimes bring up unexpected feelings or strong emotional responses. These experiences are sometimes referred to as abreactions.
While clinical hypnotherapy is generally intended to be a comfortable and supportive experience, individual responses can vary.
If strong emotions arise during a session, we will take the time to acknowledge what you are experiencing, check in with how you are feeling and decide together whether to continue, pause or adjust our approach.
Your emotional safety and wellbeing remain a priority throughout the process.
Questions or Concerns?
It is important that you feel informed and comfortable before beginning Psychotherapy.
If you have questions about confidentiality, consent, the therapeutic approach or anything else covered here, please get in touch. I am happy to explain further so you can make an informed decision about whether Saltbush Psychotherapy is right for you.