1. What can I expect from the first session?

Think of our first session as a getting-to-know-you chat—but with a bit more structure. I’ll ask about what brought you here, what’s been going on in your life, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. There’s no pressure to dive straight into the heavy stuff if you’re not ready. We’ll go at your pace. By the end of that session, we should both have a sense of whether we’re a good fit to work together.

You can also ask me any questions you have—about therapy, my approach, or what kind of coffee I drink (it’s usually white and strong, if you’re curious).

2. What is a “no-fluff” approach?

I’m glad you asked! A no-fluff approach means I won’t sit there nodding silently or repeating everything you say like a therapy parrot. I’m here to offer genuine insights, practical strategies, and a bit of tough love when needed—all delivered with compassion and a sprinkle of humor.

If you’re looking for someone to help you get unstuck, challenge unhelpful patterns, and work toward real, lasting change, that’s what I’m all about.

3. How long will I need therapy for?

It really depends on you. Some clients find a few sessions are enough to gain clarity and start making changes. Others prefer longer-term support to unpack deeper issues. If you really need a more definitive number then I would say the ball park average to achieve meaningful change for most clients is 10-15 sessions. We’ll regularly check in to track your progress and make sure therapy is meeting your needs, and you’re always in control of how long you stay.

Think of therapy as a road trip—I’m here to help navigate, but you’re in the driver’s seat.

4. Do you work with neurodivergent clients?

Absolutely! As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating a world that often feels like it wasn’t built for you. I offer a supportive, affirming space where you can explore your identity, build self-understanding, and develop strategies that actually work for your brain—not someone else’s idea of how things “should” be.

Whether you’re looking to better understand your neurodivergence, manage burnout, or improve relationships, I’m here to help.

5. Do you offer trauma therapy?

Yes, I have a special interest in working with clients who have experienced trauma. A lot of clients will say to me "but Liz, I don't think I've experienced trauma?". If you're a human being who has lived on this Earth, you will have experienced trauma. But what I'm more interested in is how you have experienced it, how your brain has made sense of it and how has it been stored.

Trauma (or more specifically - any adverse and stressful experience or life event) has the capacity to remain 'stuck or frozen' in time if the capacity to process it was not available to you around the time it was experienced. If that's the case, and we suspect it is contributing to some of the problems you're coming to therapy for, then I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Imagery Rescripting and Schema Therapy to help process traumatic experiences and reduce their impact on your present life.

We’ll go at a pace that feels safe for you, and I’ll make sure you have the tools and support you need along the way.

6. Is therapy really worth it?

Short answer? Yes.

Long answer? Therapy can be life-changing—but it’s not a magic wand. It’s a process that requires effort, vulnerability, and a willingness to try new things. If you’re ready to show up and do the work, therapy can help you:

• Gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Develop healthier coping strategies

• Improve relationships

• Heal from past traumas

Think of it as an investment in yourself and your future. You’re worth it.

7. How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Therapy is a lot like dating—it’s all about finding the right fit. I recommend booking an initial session to get a feel for how we click. I’m a good fit for clients who appreciate a direct, compassionate, no-BS approach. If that sounds like you, we’re probably on the right track.

If we’re not the right match, please tell me! I promise I won't get upset or offended, but I’m happy to help you find someone who might be.

8. Can I bring my sense of humor to therapy?

Please do! Life can be heavy, and humor can be a great way to lighten the load. I often use humor in sessions to help put things in perspective (and to remind you that even in the hardest moments, there’s room for laughter).

Therapy doesn’t have to be all serious, all the time. Sometimes, a well-timed joke can make a world of difference.

9. Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer both in-person and online therapy sessions. Online sessions are a great option if you prefer the comfort of your own space or if you’re located outside of the central Perth metro area.

We can connect via a secure, easy-to-use video platform. All you need is a quiet space, a device with a camera, and a stable internet connection.

10. What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work?

First off, I hear you. It’s disheartening to put time and energy into therapy and feel like you’re not making progress. But not all therapy is the same, and not all therapists are the right fit for everyone.

I focus on getting to the root of the issue—not just managing symptoms. My approach is tailored to your unique needs and is designed to create lasting change. If you’re open to trying again, I’m here to walk that path with you.

11. Do you have an online booking system?

No, I don’t use an online booking system — and here’s why. I often book out 6-8 weeks in advance, and to ensure you receive consistent care, I prefer to schedule your sessions in blocks of around six sessions. This way, you’re not left with frustrating gaps in treatment.

If you need an earlier appointment, you’ll be placed on a waitlist for any cancellations that come up. However, I personally manage the waitlist and reach out to offer those spots based on how your therapy is tracking and your current needs. I do this to ensure that my clients receive the best possible care without the chaos of people booking sessions willy-nilly at 2 a.m. via an online portal.

I know this might not be the instant gratification of booking online, but it helps me keep things intentional and therapeutic progress consistent for you.

12. What if I'm in crisis?

Private practice isn’t a crisis service, and I want to be upfront about that. I’m a part-time therapist working around being a full-time mum, so my availability is limited. However, I do offer emergency appointments for current and returning clients.

On my clinic days, I have an early 8:30 a.m. emergency appointment slot available. Additionally, I can accommodate Telehealth emergency sessions on Thursday’s. Please reach out if you need to book one of these spots — I want to ensure you feel supported when things get tough.

If you’re in crisis outside of my working days and times, I encourage you to get in touch with your referring GP, speak to your support network, call one of the crisis helplines or present to your nearest hospital emergency department in the worst case scenario,