About Us

Experiences of anxiety, sadness, loss, stagnation, hopelessness or disconnection may have brought you to Illume Psychology. Together we will embark on a process of change, discovering new directions, solutions to problems and a more fulfilling path in life.

Approach

We know from both the research evidence and also our experience that relationships are fundamental to psychological development. With this in mind, our approach importantly involves skilful attention to the therapeutic relationship. Through comprehensive formulation, empathic self-understanding and careful analysis, we aim to go beyond the surface and address problems at their origin with a focus on changing the internal working model. Within a collaborative psychological process that includes cognitive re-scripting techniques, we work with you to make mental repairs to your internal world and thereby establish more desirable patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. We are committed to providing meaningful therapy within a nurturing therapeutic space that empowers recovery, growth and sustained change.

In Practice

We recognise that entering into therapy is a commitment made between both the therapist and patient, which is acknowledged by reserving a regular appointment time. In this way the therapeutic space is offered exclusively to you and can be thought of as providing a home for your feelings. It is within this unique space that we then listen closely and observe what is experienced within you (your internal world), around you (your external world) and between you and others (your relational world). It is through the transformative potential of an ongoing therapeutic conversation that we make discoveries that bring about meaningful change.

Therapeutic Relationship

At Illume Psychology we appreciate that the therapeutic relationship is like no other. It takes time to nurture and grow the kind of deep connection between therapist and patient that allows for the complexity of life’s concerns and inner troubles to be understood and thoughtfully attended to with genuine care, proficiency and sensitivity. Especially problems that reoccur, persist or are unclear may have formed over a lifetime with roots in past and sometimes painful developmental experiences that necessitate careful working through in medium to longer term therapy. It is therefore beneficial to meet for an initial consultation to gain a sense of each other, assess your needs and formulate an early understanding of your concerns as we take a considered approach to working together.

  • An initial consultation is scheduled to assess your needs, formulate an early understanding of the concerns that have brought you to therapy and consider how we may work together.

  • Consultations are 50 minutes in duration. The frequency and number of sessions will depend upon your needs and the approach to therapy. Sessions are usually at least weekly. More intensive therapy may involve multiple sessions a week. Session times are reserved for you when entering into a course of therapy upon mutual agreement.

  • Consultations are $260 for 50 minutes.

    A reduced fee may be offered in certain circumstances. For after hours, weekend or public holiday appointments a surcharge may be applied.

    With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, you are entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

    With an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan you are entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 40 sessions over a 12 month period.

    Additional rebates may also be available through private health insurers.

    Couple therapy is not eligible for Medicare rebates.

  • Consultations are by appointment only. After hours and weekend appointments are available. Appointments can be scheduled online, through the contact form or by phone 0412 803 277.