Frequently Asked Questions

No. I don't prescribe or advise on medication. Decisions about starting, stopping or changing medication should be made with your GP, psychiatrist or prescribing professional.

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.

I won't tell you what decision to make. Instead, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and options so you can make an informed decision for yourself. For significant decisions, I encourage you to seek additional professional or personal perspectives where appropriate.

When I use the word “healing”, I'm talking about the process of developing a deeper relationship with yourself, understanding the patterns and protective responses you've developed, and creating greater emotional and nervous-system regulation. It isn't a promise to medically cure or remove a condition.

Talk therapy primarily explores thoughts, emotions and experiences through conversation. Somatic therapy also includes the body's responses and sensations. I use both approaches together because understanding why something happens can be valuable, while learning to experience and respond differently in your body can help turn that insight into change.

Embodied Processing is a trauma-informed, body-based approach that includes what is happening in your nervous system and body, rather than working only with thoughts and words. We gently notice sensations, emotions and protective responses, helping you develop greater capacity to experience what is happening without becoming overwhelmed.

My approach may suit you if you want to understand the patterns beneath your experiences rather than simply manage the symptoms on the surface. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or why you're struggling before you begin. A free discovery call can also help you get a feel for whether we're a good fit.

We'll begin by getting to know you, understanding what brought you to therapy and discussing what you'd like support with. I'll explain how I work and we can begin identifying some of the patterns or experiences you'd like to explore. You don't need to arrive with everything figured out.

No. You never have to share something before you're ready. We can begin with what's happening for you now — your emotions, body sensations, relationships and patterns — and allow the deeper work to unfold at a pace that feels manageable.

Yes. Difficult experiences aren't always dramatic or obvious. Emotional neglect, chronic stress, feeling unseen, having to grow up too quickly, or repeatedly having your needs overlooked can all shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. You don't need to prove that your experiences were “bad enough” to deserve support.

A previous therapy experience not helping doesn't necessarily mean therapy won't help you. The approach, therapist, relationship, timing or pace may simply not have been the right fit. We can talk about what didn't work previously and consider whether a different approach may be more suitable.

Progress can look different for everyone. You might notice greater self-awareness, more emotional regulation, healthier boundaries, less reactivity, improved relationships or a greater ability to pause and choose how you respond. Progress isn't always about feeling better immediately — sometimes it's noticing patterns that you previously couldn't see.

Absolutely. Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. We can slow down, focus more on regulation, change our approach or spend more time making sense of something if needed. Your feedback and consent are important parts of the process.

That's okay. Becoming overwhelmed, going blank, feeling numb or shutting down can all be nervous-system responses. We don't need to push through them. We can slow down, ground and work within what your system can comfortably manage.

That's completely okay. You don't need to know the “right” thing to say. You can start with “I don't know where to begin” or “I just don't feel right.” We'll work it out together.

You don't have to. Therapy is collaborative, not about me having all the answers or you simply following my advice. You're encouraged to question, disagree, share your perspective and decide what feels right for you.

No — and I don't believe you're broken. I don't promise quick fixes or guaranteed outcomes. Therapy is about understanding what's happening beneath the surface, developing greater self-awareness and building the capacity to respond differently. Your active participation both inside and outside of therapy is an important part of the process.

Therapy can sometimes feel relieving, but it can also bring up emotions or leave you feeling a little unsettled after a session. That doesn't necessarily mean something has gone wrong. We work gently and collaboratively, and you can always tell me if something feels too much or isn't sitting right with you.

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 your progress and what you'd like moving forward. Stopping therapy isn't necessarily a failure — sometimes it simply means you've reached a natural pause point.

Sometimes another service or professional may be better suited to your needs, particularly where medical assessment, diagnosis, medication management, crisis support or a higher level of care is required. If I believe additional support would be beneficial, I'll discuss this with you openly.

There's no one right answer. Weekly or fortnightly sessions can help build momentum, while less frequent sessions may suit people wanting maintenance or occasional support. We'll work out a rhythm that fits your needs and circumstances.

Sessions are held via Zoom. You'll receive a link when you book, and you simply click it at your appointment time. You'll need a device with a camera and microphone and a private space where you can speak comfortably.

I work with clients across Australia, which can be particularly helpful if you live rurally or remotely.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF TELEHEALTH THERAPY?

Telehealth allows you to access therapy from the privacy and comfort of your own space without travelling. It can be particularly convenient for people living rurally or remotely.

It isn't perfect for everyone. Technology can occasionally interfere, and some people simply prefer face-to-face therapy. We'll discuss whether telehealth feels appropriate for you.

My therapy practice is strictly telehealth via Zoom. I am, however, working on an office space to see clients face-to-face. This will be ready to go around December 2026. 

No. Counselling and psychotherapy services are not currently eligible for a Medicare rebate in Australia. If you're seeking Medicare-subsidised mental health treatment, your GP can discuss the available options with you. 

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

For most clients, no. You can book directly without a GP referral. In some circumstances involving higher levels of risk or complexity, I may recommend or require GP involvement so that you have appropriate support alongside therapy. 

WHAT FORMS WILL I HAVE TO FILL OUT?

Before beginning therapy, you'll complete a Therapy Contract, Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement and Client Intake Form. These help ensure we both understand the therapeutic relationship and your rights and responsibilities.

IS WHAT I TELL BRIANNA CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes. Your privacy is important. Information discussed in therapy is confidential, subject to the usual legal and ethical exceptions, such as serious and imminent risks of harm, child safety concerns, or where disclosure is otherwise legally required. Where possible, I'll discuss any concerns with you first.

That's completely normal. You don't have to arrive knowing exactly what to say, and you don't have to have everything figured out. The first step is simply having a conversation and seeing whether you feel comfortable with me and the way I work.