It's completely normal to feel nervous. At our Melbourne clinic, we see this every day. Your therapist creates a safe space where you control the pace. The first session focuses on getting comfortable, not diving deep. You share only what feels right. Many clients tell us nerves reduce quickly once they realise they're in charge. Want to chat before booking? Call (03) 9557 9113. Sometimes hearing a friendly voice helps. We're here to make this as comfortable and helpful as possible.

Your first 50 minute session is about connection, not confrontation. At our Highett practice, you'll discuss what brings you here and what you hope to achieve. Your therapist asks about your background and current struggles. Everything stays confidential. Together, you'll set realistic goals and map out how therapy might help. Ask any questions; there are no silly ones. Most clients leave feeling heard and clearer about their path forward. No pressure to commit if it doesn't feel right.

Individual sessions range from $160 to $235. Hypnotherapy and counselling typically cost $160; clinical psychology with Natalie costs $235. Couples therapy is $200 per session. Medicare rebates apply if you have a Mental Health Care Plan and see Adam or Natalie (rebate: $87.25 with Adam and $141.85 with Natalie). Private health insurance may provide rebates depending on your cover and the therapist. NDIS participants (self-managed or plan-managed) can work with specific therapists including Adam, Carolina, Kelli, and Sara. Payment required in advance. Book online or call (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your options.

A psychotherapist helps you understand and change patterns that aren't working. We use talking therapy, not medication. Our Melbourne psychotherapists hold degrees in psychology, social work, or counselling, plus specialised training. Some also offer hypnotherapy for deeper subconscious work. We're registered with professional bodies like PACFA, maintaining high ethical standards. Think of psychotherapy as detective work for your mind: we explore not just what's troubling you, but why these patterns exist. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, going deeper than surface symptoms.

Counselling tackles specific problems with practical support over 6-12 sessions. Psychology involves assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions. Psychotherapy digs deeper, exploring past experiences and unconscious patterns for profound change. Melbourne hypnotherapy practitioners work with the subconscious mind for issues like anxiety and habits. At Bayside Psychotherapy, we offer all approaches as options. Your needs determine the path: counselling for immediate stress, psychology for diagnosed conditions, psychotherapy for deep personal work. Hypnotherapy to release subconscious unwanted habits. We'll guide you to what fits. 

Research suggests online therapy matches in clinic effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and most conditions. You need stable internet, privacy, and a device with camera. Our Highett clinic offers both; switch between them as needed. Some prefer home comfort; others value visiting our Melbourne practice. Certain situations work better in person: severe trauma, high conflict couples therapy, or when home lacks privacy. Online hypnotherapy works brilliantly for many clients. Your comfort matters most.

Yes, couples therapy is available with several qualified therapists. Sessions run 50 minutes and cost $200. We help partners communicate better, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust. All relationship types welcome: married, de facto, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous. Common issues include communication breakdown, infidelity recovery, parenting disagreements, intimacy concerns. Both partners typically attend together. Sessions available at our Melbourne clinic or online. Many couples see positive shifts within weeks. Individual sessions sometimes supplement couples work.

Most clients start weekly to build momentum, then shift to fortnightly as progress develops. Your therapist collaborates to find the right rhythm. Weekly suits intensive work or acute distress. Fortnightly works for ongoing support. Some prefer monthly maintenance after initial progress. Your schedule and commitment dictates: increase during tough times, decrease when stable or commit to long term psychotherapy for deeper patterns of suffering. Short term counselling might need 6-10 sessions. Deeper psychotherapy benefits from consistent sessions. Hypnotherapy often requires fewer sessions. Budget and lifestyle matter; we'll find what works.

Sessions are 50 minutes. This timeframe works: enough depth without exhaustion. Initial assessments sometimes take longer than one session. Couples sessions also run 50 minutes. Hypnotherapy sessions follow the same structure. We start and end on time, respecting everyone's schedules. The "50-minute hour" is industry standard for good reason.

Yes, specific therapists work with NDIS participants. Adam Szmerling, Kelli Tranter, Carolina Rosa, and Sara Herring accept NDIS funding. Self-managed and plan-managed only; we're not registered for agency-managed plans. Your plan needs psychological therapy or counselling under Capacity Building. Service agreements required before booking. Call (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your needs.