What is neuroaffirming therapy?

Neuroaffirming therapy is a form of strengths-based and identity-celebratory psychological support that aims to acknowledge and support unique differences across neurotypes. It is often an individualised approach using the bio/psycho/socio-cultural model of disability that accommodates the environment to the client, while providing unconditional positive regard. Neuroaffirming therapy draws upon the lived experience of other neurodivergent individuals, researchers and creators to build a framework for inclusive practice.

Is therapy for me?

Well, you never know if you do not try! However, it is strongly recommended that you do not give up if you find that you do not click with the first psychologist you see. It takes time to develop rapport and it is okay to not gel well with a psychologist too. You will know when the right fit has come along. The link below is beneficial for exploring your options.

Find a Psych

Will you take sides in couple or partnership therapy?

No. Our job is to provide an objective reflection point for all parties involved. However, we will absolutely call out inappropriate, harmful or abusive behaviour.

Do you work with mixed ND/NT Couples?

Yep. We do.

Are there any couples or client groups you do not work with?

We do not work with individuals that are:

• Not willing to challenge themselves or their own biases

• Involved with Domestic Violence (this can include financial, physical, sexual, emotional or verbal)

• Intentional omissions in sessions, or attempts to triangulate within sessions. We operate on an honesty, and felt-safety basis.

We have our right to refuse services if we have concerns related to safety and/or privacy for any parties involved.

Waitlists are long! I want a neuroaffirming clinician and there are none available!?

Yep, we know. It sucks really bad at the moment. We have attached two links below that may help you find some neuroaffirming clinicians. It is not perfect, but it is something. Hopefully you can find someone!

Living On The Spectrum - Directory with Supports
Victorian Inclusive Practitioners
Neuroaffirming Clinician List

How should I prepare for my first session? (Individual)

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to prepare for an initial consultation session. In your first session you will be asked a lot of questions to gain information about you and the way you conceptualise the world. This session may also offer us insight into whether you may be better suited to another clinician who can provide you with more adequate care. If this is the case, we have a large list of other neuroaffirming clinicians that we will send you.

We use this session to determine if we are a good match - together.

This will offer us a framework for how to collaboratively create goals with you and develop some psychological support plans, or who to refer you on to.

You may feel a bit tired after this session, as questions can be exhausting. It is recommended you allocate time to decompress afterwards.

How should I prepare for my first session? (Couple/Partnerships)

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to prepare for an initial consultation session. In your first session you will both/all be asked a lot of questions to gain information about you, your relationship dynamics and your collective goals together. This session may also offer us insight into whether you may be better suited to another clinician who can provide you with more adequate care. If this is the case, we have a large list of other neuroaffirming clinicians that we will send you.

We use this session to determine if we are a good match - together.

This will offer us a framework for how to collaboratively create goals for your partnerships and develop some psychological support plans, or who to refer you on to.

You may feel a bit tired after this session, as questions can be exhausting. It is recommended you allocate time to decompress afterwards.

Do I need a referral from a GP?

No. You do not! If you want to get one, you absolutely can though. We take on all clients:
- NDIS (Self and Plan-managed) clients
- Private paying clients
- Medicare clients

Does Medicare cover Couple/Partnership therapy?

Sadly, no. Our government have not really considered the value in working with people beyond individual level (yet!). However, Mental Health Care Plans do allow for up to 2 sessions to have someone attend with you, which can be rebated. The rest is out of pocket.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy is important to know, to reduce financial stress before engaging in therapy. We keep this policy in place so that other clients can be offered slots, as well as ensuring our staff are paid for their time in client session preparation. Please ensure you contact reception at info@ownyourmental.com if you need to reschedule an appointment.

If you cancel 48+ hours or more before your appointment there will be no charge made for the appointment.

If you cancel between 24-48 hours before the appointment you will be charged 50% of the appointment fee.

If you cancel within <24 hours of your appointment or you fail to attend your appointment without informing our clinic you will be charged the full fee of the consultation.

Why does it cost so much to get an appointment here?

The APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees 2024-2025 has the standard 46 to 60-minute consultation fee at $315 for INDIVIDUALS. This is a recommendation only. We charge less than this recommended fee, however we have justified our costs based on a few things, including:

• Accounting for our workplace neurotypes and disabilities, which means we are more likely to experience sickness, immune difficulties and burnout episodes (i.e., more days off, more appointments for our own health too, flares which keep us out of work).

• We work with less people due to recognising and appreciating our own disability support needs, to be more attentive with the thorough care we provide, but we still have overheads! (This is often why our waitlist can be long)

• Accounting for the eight years of education and specialised practice we have completed

• Ongoing costs of Continued Professional Development that allow us to develop our knowledge and practice

• Area of expertise/specialised practice

• Cost of living has gone up, inflation costs too for business rentals, bills and related business expenses

• Admin writing time for notes, session preparation time, materials for sessions, email correspondence and other-related communication

• We only raise our fee every 2 years (if needed), as opposed to annually

• Developing free and low cost resources for our neurokin to access

• We do our FREE giving back events, where weekly we host FREE community events that anybody can join. Find them here!

Do you have a lower cost or concession fee you offer?

We also do offer reduced fee sessions for some concession holders but this is variable due to our capped number of concession clients we can take on. Please email us for more information.

What are the rebates for sessions through MHCP?

The Medicare Safety Net provides extra financial assistance for people who have a lot of medical and health expenses. Once you have spent more than this amount, Medicare will increase your rebate for every medical and health appointment you pay for - so it costs you less to see doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals. You may need to register if you are from a family or couple.

The current Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute appointment with a Registered Clinical Psychologist is $141.00. This means that for a $260.00 psychology appointment, your out-of-pocket cost per appointment is $109.00. Sadly Medicare do not do rebates for couples therapy sessions (it sucks, we know!)