Contact In Dialogue Practice

Most clinicians who work in public mental health require what is called a “core degree” such as clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy or psychiatric nursing. These professionals may also train in providing psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Analytic Therapy. Psychotherapy involves using talking as the main tool or intervention in order to understand, manage or change problematic thoughts, feelings and behaviours. All our practitioners have studied one or more psychotherapies as part of, or on top of, their core degree.

Yes, if you are referred under a mental heath care plan from your GP or psychiatrist you will be eligible for a rebate from Medicare. All clinicians charge a gap fee.

Broadly, the first session is where we seek to get to know a little about you and what is troubling you, as well as giving you the space to ask questions about how we work or what therapy may look like. You do not have to discuss anything that you feel too uncomfortable revealing. The session usually goes for 55 minutes leaving five minutes for billing.

Bring your Medicare card (or number) and, if you have one, your referral from your GP or other health professional. It is often useful to know if your Medicare card is linked to your bank account so you can claim your Medicare easily. You can check or link your Medicare to your account through the Medicare site.

This is difficult to answer as everyone is different in their approach to change and in how much support they need to achieve that change.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a time limited therapy which aims to develop a shared understanding of the relational, thinking and behavioural patterns underlying a problem, and identify more helpful alternatives. CAT promotes the belief that people can develop their own expertise and continue to work on change independently after therapy. How many sessions this will involve varies. The nature of the problem to be addressed, as well as practical considerations such as time and finances, all play a part.

As a guide most people have ten to sixteen sessions. It is useful to talk about this and agree to an amount of sessions that both your therapist and you feel is realistic in the first few sessions. We can always change this as we get further into therapy.

If you have decided you do not want to continue it would be great for you to discuss this with us, we would like to know if you are unhappy with your sessions, expect more or something different. Alternatively, you may feel that you have done enough for now, it is a collaborative therapy and you should feel comfortable deciding what is enough.

It is also possible that you may prefer to work with someone with a different style, we are open to this as therapy is very personal and not everyone is suited to one approach or therapist. If this becomes the case we are happy to discuss this with you and help you access a mental health care provider, either at In Dialogue or somewhere else, more suitable to your requirements.

We understand that sometimes the unexpected happens and you will need to change your appointment. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible, so that the appointment time can be offered to someone else in need.

Cancellations can be made by contacting the practice on 9191 6726 or emailing admin@indialogue.com.au

If your appointment is on a Monday, please contact the practice before 10am on Friday. For all other appointments please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than the required notice will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the session fee, non-attendance without notice will incur the full feee. This helps to partially cover the costs and loss of income incurred by your therapist.

Cancellation and non-attendance fees are not eligible for Medicare rebates.

Just like any consultation with a health care service, your information and what you discuss is private. Therapists keep a brief written summary of your sessions, these files are kept in a locked cabinet in a locked office or through e-files that are secure and can only be accessed by the clinician. Your information will not be disclosed to others except in the following circumstances:

• you provide a verbal or written request for your clinician to do so, eg in a. support letter.
• you are referred under a mental health care plan, in this case the clinician is required to provide a brief report to your referring GP, this usually consists of your diagnosis (if any) and a few lines update on the focus of therapy, treatment plan, progress and suggested follow-up.
• you are at risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case your clinician has a responsibility to elicit appropriate support in order to maintain safety.
• when required by law (court subpoena) to disclose information.

If any of these situations arise your therapist will endeavor to discuss with you what will be disclosed.

In Dialogue Practice’ is located at  636 Sydney Rd Brunswick.

It is easily accessible by tram #19 stop 25 (Stewart St). If travelling by train, Anstey Station is nearby at Albion St and Orient Grove. 

See the contact page for a map and more detailed travel information, including parking options.

In Dialogue acknowledges we are not set up for people who use wheelchairs or have impaired  mobility.  Please talk to us about your access requirements. 

We occupy both the ground floor and first floor of our premises and there is no lift. 

minimum door width: 82cm

entrance step: 15cm