INCLUSIVE PRACTICE
Everyone is welcome here
Inclusive psychological care
LGBTIQA+ people are warmly welcome here. Being LGBTIQA+ is not a mental health issue, but many people carry the weight of homophobia, transphobia and other discrimination, and that can take a real toll. Here, you won't need to explain or justify who you are.
Affirming psychological support
Support that respects different ways of thinking, communicating, relating and experiencing the world. If you're autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent, we'll work with the way your brain works, not against it.
If you've been given a diagnosis of BPD or a personality disorder, or you've felt judged or written off by services before, you are very welcome here. Intense emotions make sense in context.
You are doing the best you can, AND you can learn new ways to cope.
WHY A SEMICOLON?
Change is always possible.
A semicolon marks a sentence that could have ended, but didn't.
It's a symbol recognised worldwide in mental health and suicide-prevention circles, and it sits at the centre of the Wishart Psychology brand because it echoes my own work: my PhD research on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and a clinical practice built on continuing the sentence.
Look closely and you'll see two faces in the mark: one speaking, one listening, in empathic attunement. The held space between them is symbolic of the dialectic. The dot is grounding, stable and accepting.
The sentence isn't over yet.
MY APPROACH
How I work
Therapy with me is collaborative and empathic. You know your life better than anyone; I bring a steady, curious, non-judgemental space and the evidence to back it. We go at your pace.
My approach is psychodynamic. Together we explore how your past, your relationships and your inner world shape how you feel and connect with others now.
We also get curious about the function of what you do: the reasons behind behaviours and patterns that aren't helping any more. That's where practical skills from DBT, CBT, ACT and mindfulness come in. I'm trauma-informed in everything I do.
HOW I CAN HELP
What we can work on together
I support adolescents (13+) and adults with a wide range of mental health concerns.
Self-injury and suicidal thoughts
Trauma, PTSD and complex trauma
Autism, ADHD and neurodivergence
Anxiety
Processing difficult past events
Self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
Depression and low mood
Grief and loss
Self-acceptance and self-development
Stress and coping
Life transitions and adjustment
Social concerns
Difficulty managing emotions
Living with chronic health conditions
School and study stress
Managing anger
Relationship difficulties
Study skills
Sleep difficulties
Family difficulties
Therapy for therapists
THE SPACE
A space to settle in
My room in Williamstown is a ground-floor Victorian room, carefully curated to help you feel calm and at ease. There are jewel-coloured birds in the stained-glass windows, an old timber fireplace, soft lamplight and plants everywhere. Sink into the velvet couch or a comfy armchair, and help yourself to fidgets, cushions, the weighted blanket, our weighted dog or the sequin weighted snake (not just for kids!). Settle in whatever way feels right for your body and senses. Come as you are, and get comfortable.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Book an appointment
Send me a few details and I'll be in touch about availability and next steps.
Please don't include detailed personal health information in this form. If you need help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. In an emergency, call 000.
Who do you work with?
Adolescents (13+) and adults, in person in Williamstown or via telehealth.
How long is each session?
Your first appointment is an initial assessment, usually 90 minutes, although a standard 55-minute session can be arranged instead. Ongoing sessions are 55 minutes, in person, online via Zoom or by phone. Please arrive a few minutes early so you don't feel rushed, and have a think about anything you'd like to raise.
What happens in my first session?
We start with a few administrative details: your contact details, an emergency contact and a consent form covering confidentiality and how sessions work. If you've been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, we'll also go through your Mental Health Treatment Plan. The rest of the session is about getting to know you: what's bringing you in, how things developed and what keeps them going. I'll ask about your history, relationships, work or study, and I may ask you to complete some questionnaires. If anything feels uncomfortable, just let me know. Assessment often takes more than one session, and it shapes the goals we set together.
I'm a parent or caregiver of a teenager. How involved will I be?
I usually meet with parents or caregivers before therapy begins, to understand the current concerns and your young person's background. Therapy is confidential, and keeping your young person's trust matters, so I generally won't share details of sessions. The exceptions are if they are at risk of harming themselves or someone else, or are being harmed. If we all agree it would help to share something, we may meet together.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book without one. If you'd like to claim a Medicare rebate, you'll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician in place before your first session. Your GP will usually book a longer appointment for this.
Can I claim a rebate?
With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for 10 sessions each calendar year. Some private health funds also offer rebates under extras cover, so it's worth checking what your policy includes.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies, from a single session to longer-term therapy for more complex concerns. You decide your goals, and we track your progress together.
How often will I come?
At first, at least once a fortnight, so we can build a thorough understanding, develop rapport and practice new skills. Some people benefit from weekly sessions. Therapy tends to work best when it's consistent.
Do you offer after-hours appointments?
After-hours appointments aren't routinely offered. However, if you need a later session, I may be able to accommodate this on occasion. Any appointment starting after 5pm is considered an after-hours appointment and attracts an additional charge. Availability is limited and can't be guaranteed, but I'll do my best to help where possible.
Do I need to do anything between sessions?
Ideally, yes! I may suggest information, books or resources to read between sessions, ask you to practice skills and strategies we've worked on in session, or give you a handout or worksheet to complete. Psychological skills are like any other skill: they take practice! The more you practice between sessions, the more change you'll notice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you book
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 48 hours' notice on business days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays). For a Monday appointment, please let me know by Friday morning at the latest. This lets me offer the time to someone on the waiting list.
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48 or more business hours' notice: no charge
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Less than 48 business hours' notice: a late cancellation fee, payable before your next appointment is booked
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Not attending without notice: the full session fee. Medicare rebates don't apply to this fee.
If a session is missed without notice, future sessions may be cancelled. I understand that crises and unavoidable situations happen, and these will always be considered.
What if I'm unwell?
If you or someone in your household has COVID-19 or another contagious illness, like the flu or a gastro virus, please don't come in person. If you feel well enough, we can switch to telehealth via Zoom or phone.
How can we communicate?
Email is best, as I'm often in session and can't answer the phone. Please note that I currently work at this practice part-time and I'm not available every day, so it may take a few days for me to get back to you. Email and text aren't secure, so please don't send personal or therapeutic content that way. Any correspondence is noted in your record.
Can you write reports or complete forms?
Please email requests at least 14 days ahead. If we haven't met in the past month, we'll need an appointment first so I can report accurately on how you're going.
What if I see you in public?
You don't need to say hello, and I won't be offended. To protect your privacy I won't approach you, but if you say hello, I'll briefly say hello back.
How do I get started?
Send me an enquiry through the Contact page and I'll reply by email. I work at this practice part-time and I'm not available every day, so please allow a few days for a reply.
What if it's not the right fit?
Feeling comfortable with your psychologist really matters. Sometimes, at the first session or after a few, you or I might feel that another practitioner or service would suit your needs better. That's completely okay, and it's a normal part of finding the right support. If it happens, we'll talk about it openly and, where it helps, I can support a referral to someone who's a better match. What matters most is that you get the care that's right for you.
Is this a crisis service?
No. Wishart Psychology isn't an emergency or crisis service. In an emergency, call 000, go to your nearest emergency department or see your GP. These services are available 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78, Yarning SafeNStrong 1800 959 563, Safe Steps 1800 015 188 and DirectLine 1800 888 236.
“
The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
CARL ROGERS · ON BECOMING A PERSON, 1961
LOCATION AND AVAILABILITY
By appointment only. Appointments are available on select days each week, in person at 10c Parker St, Williamstown VIC 3016, or via telehealth.
Need support now?
This practice doesn't offer crisis support. In an emergency call 000. For 24/7 support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or see your GP.