What can I expect from my first session?

At MKP Psychology we understand that attending therapy can be a nerve-wracking experience, therefore our first priority is to create a comfortable environment in which clients feels safe to express their concerns and identify goals for change.

In the initial session Marissa is focused on listening to her clients, ensuring they are feeling heard whilst gathering information and working together to set achievable goals. After the initial session Marissa will then spend time developing a treatment plan to best achieve her client's goals. Marissa understands it is crucial to work collaboratively with her clients and values their input, ideas and feedback throughout the therapeutic process.

Marissa works predominantly within a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) framework, however she draws on other therapeutic frameworks to suit each client.

The therapeutic process will be different for each individual however typically involves talking, exploring past and/or present concerns and implementing evidence-based strategies to assist you to achieve your goals. When talking to a psychologist you will experience non-judgemental support and deep listening, with a focus on you and your needs.  For many people this process creates a sense of feeling heard and understood and helps them to understand themselves better and gain clarity.

A session goes for 50 minutes. 

If you have a referral, please bring this with you along with your Medicare Card. 

Please also bring along anything else that you think might be helpful (e.g. doctors certificates, reports from other health providers or any notes you may have written etc.)

Prior to your first session you will receive an email with some documentation to complete including a client intake form, client consent form and brief questionnaires to assist us in understanding your current needs. If you have any questions about these documents, you will have an opportunity to discuss this at the beginning of your appointment.