General Questions
What is a clinical psychologist?
Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist is type of psychologist with advanced training in assessing, diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions. They can’t prescribe medication. They must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.
You can view Julie-Anne Peake's registration here by running a quick name search.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker and counsellor?
There are different types of professionals who support mental health in Australia. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand who does what:
Psychiatrist
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A medical doctor who specialises in mental health.
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Can diagnose and prescribe medication.
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Often works with more complex or serious conditions.
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Registered with AHPRA.
Psychologist
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Trained to help with thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
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Supports people with anxiety, trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns.
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Uses evidence-based therapies (like CBT or EMDR).
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Can diagnose mental health conditions but can’t prescribe medication.
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Must be registered with AHPRA.
Social Worker
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Helps people deal with life challenges like trauma, family issues, housing or health concerns.
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Can offer counselling and practical support.
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Works in hospitals, schools, and community services.
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Not registered with AHPRA, but many are members of the AASW.
Counsellor
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Offers support for everyday problems like stress, grief, or relationship issues.
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Training varies (can be a diploma or a degree).
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Not registered with AHPRA, but may be part of ACA or PACFA.
What does ‘evidence-based’ mean?
"Evidence-based treatment" refers to therapeutic approaches that are scientifically validated — meaning they’ve been tested through rigorous research and shown to be effective in treating specific mental health issues.
"Evidence-based practice" combines scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and client preferences to offer the most effective care.
What conditions do you treat?
Julie-Anne’s clinical expertise includes:
- Childhood abuse & neglect
- Acute stress response
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Adjustment disorders
- Support following natural disasters
- Depression and bipolar disorders
- Anxiety, worry, and panic
- Alcohol and substance use problems
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Self-harm and suicidal behaviour
- Relationship & interpersonal issues
- Anger & aggression
- Workplace injury/accident
- Sleep disturbance
- Stress and burnout
- Bullying
- Pain and chronic illness
- Terminal illness and end-of-life support
- Carer and family support
What is telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of digital technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. It allows people to access psychological care from the comfort of their own home (or wherever they are), using devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Do you offer face-to-face appointments?
No. We only offer telehealth appointments by telephone or video.
Telephone Consults - uses a landline or any mobile phone
Video Consults - uses a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. EMDR therapy is more effective when using video.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a support plan created by a General Practitioner (GP) for someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties. It helps people access Medicare-subsidised sessions with a mental health professional.
Key points about a Mental Health Care Plan:
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Prepared by a GP after a mental health assessment
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Includes referral to a psychologist, social worker, or other qualified therapist
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Gives access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised INDIVIDUAL sessions AND 10 Medicare-subsidised GROUP sessions per calendar year
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Can be reviewed and updated as needed
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Covers a range of conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, grief)
How do I get Medicare rebates?
You need a referral letter and Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP to be eligible for medicare rebates on 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions in any one calendar year.
Your GP can fax or email your referral letter and MHCP directly to myMHC and we will call you regarding an appointment
Full payment is due on the day of your appointment and we will process your medicare rebate, which will be deposited back into the account you have listed with Medicare Australia within 24-48 hours. If it is not recieved, please contact us and we will investigate why this has not occurred.
Bare in mind though, that if you exceed 10 individual or 10 group sessions in any one calendar year, Medicare will not provide a rebate.
It is important if you have seen another mental health professional in the same year, that you call Medicare on 132 011 to see how many sessions are remaining on your MHCP for the calendar year.
Do you offer bulk-billing?
We do not offer bulk-billing for psychology services.
However, we may allow one bulk-billed session per year in a time of severe financial hardship, where not being able to attend for financial reasons would interfere with the course of your treatment. This option is NOT available for your first appointment but can be used for any subsequent session.
Please contact Eliza on 0435 441 359 or admin@myMHC.com.au prior to your appointment to change your billing if you would like to use your bulk-billed session.
Do you accept WorkCover, TAC or DVA clients?
Yes we accept third party referrals.
How much do your sessions cost?
Concession Rates:
60 min Individual CBT or EMDR session $190
90 min Individual EMDR session $290
90 min Group CBT or EMDR Session (min 6 people) $69
Full Rate:
60 min Individual CBT or EMDR session $250
90 min Individual EMDR session $390
90 min Group CBT or EMDR Session (min 6 people) $89
Medicare rebates may be available with a referral & MHCP from your GP ($145.25 on individual sessions and $50.25 on group sessions)
Private Health Insurance rebates will depend on your level of cover and are often capped at a certain annual limit.
Third party agencies are billed directly for the cost of your individual consultation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cancellation fees up to the full cost of your consultation apply if less than 48 hours notice is given to any changes to your scheduled appointment or if you fail to attend. Medicare and other agencies do not cover cancellation fees. Contact us about a confidential payment plan if your circumstances were unavoidable.
Are you an NDIS provider?
If your NDIS plan is self- or plan-managed you are able to choose your own providers. Feel free to contact us to discuss if we can assist you.
Do I need a referral?
If you are a private client and not planning on claiming a rebate through Mediare or your private health insurance, you do not need a referral.
If you do plan to claim a rebate, your GP or medical centre can send your referral and MHCP to us directly and we will contact you for an appointment:
Fax: +613 7054 6543
Email: admin@myMHC.com.au
Alternatively, you can email these documents to us before your first appointment.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
We have a strict 48 hour Cancellation Policy to allow us enough time to book someone else in to your appointment.
Cancellation fees up to the full cost of your consultation apply if less than 48 hours notice is given to any changes to your scheduled appointment or if you fail to attend. Medicare and other third party agencies do not cover cancellation fees. Contact us on 0435 441 359 about a confidential payment plan if your circumstances were unavoidable.
Is what we discuss confidential?
Limits to confidentiality
All personal information gathered by myMHC and your psychologist during the provision of psychological services will remain confidential except in the following circumstances:
• If it is subpoenaed by a court
• If failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of myMHC staff or your psychologist, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety.
• If you would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected.
• If disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.
• If your prior approval has been obtained to:
- Provide a written report to another professional agency, e.g. a GP, school, or lawyer; or
- Discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, or health provider; or
- Disclose the information in another way.
Information about Therapy
What can I expect in individual therapy?
Your First Session
Your first appointment is about getting to know you. Julie-Anne will:
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Ask about your current concerns and relevant history
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Help identify your goals for therapy
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Discuss the best therapeutic approach for you
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Answer any questions you have about the process
What You’ll Work On
Together, you may explore:
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Emotional patterns and triggers
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Relationship or family dynamics
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Past trauma and how it still affects you
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Coping strategies, self-talk, and behaviour change
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Tools for managing anxiety, depression, or overwhelm
What equipment do I need to do online therapy?
You will recieve a link in your SMS reminder three days before your appointment. This same link will also be in your email reminder that is automatically sent the day before your appointment.
All you need to do is click on this link at the time of your appointment using your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer and that's it. The link will open in your internet browser, there are no apps that you need to download. You may need to allow the video platform to use your camera and microphone.
If it seems you are having difficulties, Julie-Anne will call you and walk you through it. If it seems like things just aren't going to work for one reason or another, you can continue with your session on the phone.
I can't find the video link for my appointment
Please contact us and we will email it out to you again.
I haven't completed my intake forms
Where can I complete my questionnaires to monitor my progress?
Click on this link to complete two brief questionnaires. Allow 10-15 minutes to complete them both in one sitting. Remember to press start again after completing the first one to access the second questionnaire. You will get a finished message when they are done. Try not to think too much about each question. There are no right or wrong answers and you can't fail!
How does CBT work?
How Does CBT Work?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based treatment that helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are linked. It teaches you how to change unhelpful patterns so you can feel better, cope more effectively, and move forward with confidence.
At MyMHC, we use CBT to support clients in making real, lasting changes - not just in how they think, but in how they live.
The CBT Cycle
CBT is based on a simple but powerful idea:
What you think affects how you feel, which affects what you do.
When this cycle becomes unhelpful - like when anxious thoughts lead to avoidance, or self-critical thinking leads to low mood - CBT helps you break the loop.
What Happens in CBT?
1. Recognise Patterns
You’ll learn to notice:
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Negative or rigid thought patterns (e.g. “I can’t cope” or “I’m a failure”)
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Emotional responses like anxiety, shame, or sadness
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Behaviours that keep you stuck (e.g. avoiding people or situations)
2. Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts
Together with your therapist, you’ll explore whether these thoughts are accurate or helpful, and practise reframing them in more realistic and compassionate ways.
3. Shift Behaviour
CBT involves taking small, manageable steps to:
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Face fears or challenges gradually
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Re-engage in meaningful activities
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Build confidence through success
4. Learn Lasting Skills
CBT is skill-based, meaning you’ll learn:
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How to manage stress and anxiety
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How to respond to difficult thoughts without spiralling
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How to cope better with future challenges
The Goal of CBT
CBT doesn’t just reduce symptoms - it helps you build a toolkit for life. By changing the way you think and act, you create space for more balanced emotions, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of self.
Where can I find more information on EMDR Therapy?
How do I do EMDR remotely?
Julie-Anne uses RemotEMDR to conduct EMDR sessions online. It has an integrated video platfarm included, so you only need to click on your unique link to access it. You can access a video here to get more of an idea about the program.
What can I expect in group EMDR therapy?
Group EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy is an emerging and evidence-informed approach that adapts the core elements of standard EMDR for delivery in a group setting. While still grounded in the 8-phase EMDR protocol, it is tailored to meet the needs of multiple participants safely and effectively.
Goals of Group EMDR
- Your safety and confidentiality are paramount
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Reduce distress related to specific adverse experiences
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Improve emotional regulation
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Increase access to internal resources (e.g., feelings of calmness, safety, strength)
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Promote collective healing in a supportive environment
What to expect in Group EMDR
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You attend with a small group of others who are also seeking support
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You do not share your trauma story out loud
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The focus is on building coping skills, calming the nervous system, and processing distress privately using writing, drawing, or body awareness
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You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process by your trained EMDR therapist
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Gentle techniques and self-paced activities make it suitable for people who want a contained, structured approach without needing to talk in detail