Appointment times

I usually see patients at 10.00am, 11.30am, or 3.30pm. I will see patients outside these times at 8.45am or 5.00pm if necessary. I try to keep the 8.45am and 5.00pm times for patients who may need to see me urgently or cannot get to the other appointment times for work reasons.

I only see a relatively small number of patients. There is usually 30 to 60 minutes space between patients so that I can read patient notes prior to the appointment and prepare notes afterwards. It also means that I have some flexibility to see patients for their full session even if they are running late.

The space of 30 minutes to 60 minutes between patients also ensures that patients have complete privacy and are not likely to be seen by other patients.

While there is space between sessions, I appreciate patients coming on time (not too early) so that I can be fully prepared for the session. If you find you have arrived early, I suggest either walking up to the lake or parking your car at the lake and preparing yourself for your session.

Length of session

A session usually takes 50 minutes. However, quite frequently, the patient will need the 60 minutes so that appointments, invoices etc. are completed. I make every effort to create a therapeutic environment where you are not feeling rushed. However, you can help by  getting the most important issues discussed as early in the session as possible; so that you feel satisfied that you have discussed what you had planned to cover in the session.

Confidentiality

One of the important services provided by a psychologist is the treatment of your information in strictest confidentiality. There are exceptions to confidentiality largely relating to disclosure if there was a serious risk of harming yourself or others or you report committing a crime which has a serious penalty (five or more years imprisonment). As a psychologist I am also obliged by law to report situations of child or elder abuse. If such situations arise, I usually discuss with the patient prior to making a notification.