Frequently Asked Questions

Sessions with Brianna are not for the official diagnosis, prevention or cure of any condition or disease. This is something to talk to a GP or Psychiatrist about.

If you are suffering from Schizophrenia, BPD (borderline personality disorder), DID (dissociative identity disorder), or other forms of mental illness please note that sessions with Brianna are not equipped to treat these kinds of diagnosis and they should be treated by a medical professional. In these cases she has seen the information and techniques used to regulate the nervous system be helpful for those who are suffering with these diagnoses, though she does not work with these issues directly due to it being beyond her scope of practice.

Brianna will not give advice, nor is trained to give advice around medication. Any decision around your medication needs to be made with your GP, psychiatrist or prescribing professional.

Any life altering decision made from a client's interpretations of a discussion in session is a client's responsibility. If one is considering making a life altering decision based on a dialogue or insight that occurs in session, for example leaving one's partner or family, changing or coming off medication, leaving their job, trying psychedelic medicines or any other decision where there may be consequences, Brianna encourages every client to seek alternative opinions and support when making them.

When speaking of “healing” I am not referring to medical or physical conditions, but rather an experience where the traumatized parts of the psyche & body are given a chance to integrate & release, which assists in the regulation of the nervous system which can ease or resolve symptoms.

The best guide is how you feel in your body when you think about working together. Do you feel some curiosity, relief, or a sense of “this might help”? You don’t need certainty. My approach suits people who want to understand themselves more deeply, work gently with emotions and the body, and create long-term change rather than quick fixes. A discovery call can help you get a feel for me and the way I work, with no pressure to commit.

Traditional talk therapy focuses on understanding thoughts, emotions, and experiences through conversation. It can be very helpful for insight, clarity, and making sense of patterns. Somatic therapy works a little differently by including the body, recognising that stress and trauma are often held in the nervous system, not just in conscious thought. Some experiences can be hard to explain in words alone. Using both approaches together allows for understanding and regulation — helping people not only know what’s happening, but also feel safer, more grounded, and better able to respond in everyday life.

Embodied Processing is a bottom-up, trauma-informed approach that works with the body and nervous system, not just the mind. Many challenges like anxiety, depression, low self-worth, addiction, and relationship patterns are driven by unprocessed survival stress held below conscious awareness. This approach recognises that willpower and insight alone are often not enough. By gently tuning into bodily sensations and survival responses, Embodied Processing helps safely digest past experiences, regulate the nervous system, and create lasting change at the root level. This work supports deeper presence, emotional freedom, and genuine connection by addressing the cause, not just the symptoms.

You’re never locked in. You can pause or stop therapy at any time. If you’d like, we can have a closing session to reflect on what you’ve gained and what you might want moving forward — but that’s your choice. Stopping therapy doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes it means you’ve reached a natural pause point, or life circumstances have shifted. You’re always welcome to return later if and when it feels right.

Absolutely. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and your needs may change over time. We can slow down, focus more on regulation, or shift the way we’re working whenever needed. You’re encouraged to speak up if something doesn’t feel right or feels too much. Your consent and comfort matter. Healing works best when you feel safe, respected, and involved in the process — not when you’re pushing yourself past your limits.

Sometimes counselling feels light and freeing — you leave feeling calmer, clearer, or like a weight has lifted. Other times, it can stir things up. You might feel more emotional than usual, a bit raw, tired, or unsettled for a day or two. That doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working — it usually means you’ve touched something important.

Healing isn’t a straight line. Like stretching a tight muscle, the parts that need attention can feel uncomfortable at first. When working with trauma and the nervous system, it’s also normal to feel hesitant or resistant — that’s your body trying to protect you. We go gently, in small steps, so your system doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Even showing up on the hard days is real progress.

I like to be clear about what I do and don’t offer, so there are no surprises. I don’t promise quick fixes or guaranteed results. Healing looks different for everyone and takes time. I’m not here to “fix” you — you’re not broken. This work is about gently helping your nervous system feel safer, releasing old stuff held in the body, and building awareness, boundaries, and emotional regulation. It can feel uncomfortable at times, but it can also be deeply life-changing. Progress comes from showing up and practising between sessions. Our work is part of your healing, not the whole thing.

For most therapy needs, you don’t need a GP referral to work with me. You can simply head to the services or bookings page on this website and book a session when you’re ready.

There are a few situations where I do require a GP referral. If you’re in the active stages of addiction involving high-risk substances, a referral helps make sure you’re supported medically, especially around detox and safety. I’ll also need a GP referral if you’re currently experiencing self-harm, domestic violence, or suicidal plans. This ensures you have the right crisis and medical supports alongside our work.

Before we start counselling together, there are a few standard forms to complete: a Counselling Contract, a Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement, and a Client Intake Form. You’ll find these under the Forms button on this website. They can be filled out online or printed and signed.

These forms are there to protect both of us and are required for legal and ethical reasons. Everything you share with me is confidential. The only exceptions are if you give written permission to share information, if there’s a risk of harm to you or someone else, if a child is at risk, if a serious crime is involved, or if records are legally requested by a court. I will always discuss this with you first.

Everyone’s therapy journey looks different, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” number of sessions. Some people gain clarity in one or two sessions, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly and adjust things together so it suits your needs and life.

As a general guide: weekly or fortnightly sessions help build momentum and create solid change. Sessions every 2–3 weeks are great for maintaining progress. Monthly sessions work well for check-ins and staying aligned. You can also book sessions as needed during stressful periods or big life changes. We’ll find a rhythm that feels supportive, not pressured.

I offer counselling sessions via Zoom to clients across Australia. Many people find online sessions just as effective as meeting in person, with the added benefit of convenience.

Zoom counselling can be especially helpful if you:

Live in a regional or remote area.

Want to save time or travel expenses.

Prefer the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Meeting online also allows me to keep my practice flexible and session costs lower, while still providing you with the same level of care, presence, and support.

Getting Started with Zoom Counselling

1. Book Your Session

Choose a time that works for you through my booking system. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.

2. Prepare Your Space

Find a quiet, private spot where you feel comfortable. Headphones can help with sound quality and privacy.

3. Join the Session

At your appointment time, simply click the Zoom link in your email. No account is required—just a device with internet access, a camera, and a microphone.

4. Begin Your Session

Once we’re connected, we’ll begin just as if you were sitting with me in person.

✨ Tip: Having a cup of tea, tissues nearby, and making sure your phone is on silent can help you feel more grounded and present during our time together.

Telehealth therapy simply means meeting with your counsellor online (through video or phone) rather than face-to-face in an office. It offers the same care and support, but with the flexibility to connect from wherever you are.

For many people, telehealth feels just as effective as in-person sessions — sometimes even more so, because it removes barriers that can get in the way of seeking help. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home, save time and travel expenses, and access support even if you live in a regional area or have physical limitations. Some people also find it easier to open up online, as it feels more private and approachable.

Of course, telehealth isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Technology can occasionally be limiting, and in times of crisis it may be harder for your counsellor to respond as quickly as someone in the same room. Because body language isn’t always as visible online, you may also need to share more verbally about how you’re feeling.

What matters most is choosing the type of support that feels right for you. For some, that will be telehealth; for others, it may be in-person. Either way, the heart of counselling remains the same — a safe, confidential space to feel heard, understood, and supported.

I work from my home office. I am strictly telehealth. 

Registered Counsellors and Psychotherapists aren’t currently covered by Medicare, but their fees are often lower than psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. Many people find the cost is similar to the out-of-pocket gap they’d still pay with a Mental Health Care Plan. Counsellors don’t diagnose mental health disorders. Instead, they work with you as a whole person, focusing on your unique experiences and patterns. Mental Health Care Plans can be helpful if you need a diagnosis, short-term support, or can’t afford private fees. It’s also worth knowing that diagnoses stay on medical records, therapist choice may be limited, and rebates don’t always cover full session costs.

When we log into Zoom, I’ll begin by welcoming you and having a brief, relaxed chat so you can settle in. From there, we’ll go over the counselling contract together. Even though you’ll have already completed this (including privacy and confidentiality agreements), I like to briefly revisit it in the first session as a formality and to ensure you feel clear and comfortable.

After that, I’ll ask some gentle questions about what has brought you to counselling and what you’d like to focus on. From here, the session will naturally unfold.

This first appointment is really about giving you space to be heard, beginning to build trust and safety, and allowing you to ask any questions you may have. My intention is for you to leave feeling supported, understood, and safe. There is no judgement here — all of you is welcome. I approach sessions in a laid-back, authentic, and compassionate way.

Hints & Tips for Getting the Most Out of Telehealth

Choose a quiet, private space free from distractions.

Get physically comfortable (a supportive chair, blanket, or pillow can help).

Make sure your device is charged, with good speakers or headphones.

If you’re new to Zoom, download the free app beforehand and have a quick test run.

Keep essentials nearby (water, pen, notepad, etc.).

Check your internet connection. If we get disconnected, I’ll call you back immediately — and if I can’t reach you by phone, I’ll follow up by text or email.

✨ It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first session. We’ll take things at a pace that feels right for you.

This is far more common than people realise. A past therapy experience not helping doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you — it often means the approach, pace, or relationship wasn’t the right fit. Many people spend years talking about problems without addressing what’s happening in their nervous system or body. My work is gentle, paced, and collaborative. We go at a speed your system can handle. You’re always in control, and feedback is welcome. Sometimes healing isn’t about trying harder — it’s about working differently, with more safety and support.

No — and you never have to share anything before you’re ready. We always start with building safety, trust, and regulation first. Trauma work doesn’t mean reliving or retelling painful experiences. Often, healing happens by working with what’s showing up in the present — emotions, body sensations, relationship patterns — without needing details of the past. Your system sets the pace. If and when the past comes up, we approach it gently, in small pieces, so it doesn’t overwhelm you.No — and you never have to share anything before you’re ready. We always start with building safety, trust, and regulation first. Trauma work doesn’t mean reliving or retelling painful experiences. Often, healing happens by working with what’s showing up in the present — emotions, body sensations, relationship patterns — without needing details of the past. Your system sets the pace. If and when the past comes up, we approach it gently, in small pieces, so it doesn’t overwhelm you.

That’s completely okay — you don’t need to have the “right words.” Many people come to therapy feeling confused, numb, or overwhelmed. Part of my role is helping you find language for what’s happening inside, or simply sitting with what’s there without needing to explain it. You can start with “I don’t know” or “I just feel off.” We’ll work it out together. Silence, uncertainty, and not knowing are all welcome here.

Yes. Trauma isn’t only about big, obvious events. Emotional neglect, growing up without feeling seen or safe, ongoing stress, or always having to be “the strong one” can shape the nervous system just as deeply. Many people say, “Nothing terrible happened, but something still feels wrong.” Therapy can help you understand patterns like people-pleasing, anxiety, emotional shutdown, or relationship struggles — even if you can’t pinpoint a single cause. Your experience matters, regardless of how it compares to others.Yes. Trauma isn’t only about big, obvious events. Emotional neglect, growing up without feeling seen or safe, ongoing stress, or always having to be “the strong one” can shape the nervous system just as deeply. Many people say, “Nothing terrible happened, but something still feels wrong.” Therapy can help you understand patterns like people-pleasing, anxiety, emotional shutdown, or relationship struggles — even if you can’t pinpoint a single cause. Your experience matters, regardless of how it compares to others.

That’s not a problem — it’s important information. Feeling overwhelmed, blank, sleepy, anxious, or shut down are common nervous system responses, especially for people with trauma histories. We don’t push through these states. Instead, we slow down, ground, and help your system come back into balance. This work is about building capacity, not forcing breakthroughs. You won’t be judged or rushed. Learning to notice and support these responses is part of the healing itself.