Question 1

Who do I work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with adults who come to therapy for many different reasons. You don't need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what you want to work on before getting in touch.People I work with may be experiencing:• Anxiety, depression or emotional overwhelm• Trauma and the ongoing impact of difficult early experiences• Grief, loss, death and dying• Pregnancy, birth, new parenthood and matrescence• Relationship and attachment difficulties• ADHD, neurodivergence and questions around identity• Chronic illness and significant changes in health• Body image and relationship with the body• Life transitions and periods of change or uncertainty• Spiritual, existential or questions of meaning and purpose• Non ordinary states and experiences that may be difficult to understand or integrateThis isn't an exhaustive list. If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing fits within my work, you're welcome to get in touch.If I'm not the right person to support you, I can also suggest other services or practitioners where appropriate.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

My practice is based in Wallsend, Newcastle, on Awabakal Country. The address is provided after booking.I also offer Telehealth sessions via Zoom for clients who are unable to attend in person or prefer to meet online.

Question 3

What are your fees and how long is a session?

Accepted Answer

Current session options are:• Initial session, 90 minutes: $280• Follow up session, 60 minutes: $200• Extended follow up session, 90 minutes: $280Sessions are available in person or via Telehealth.My practice is private fee paying and Medicare rebates are not currently available. You do not need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to book.Current fees and availability can also be viewed on the Book Online page.

Question 4

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

You can view current availability and book a session directly through the online booking system.If you have a question before booking or are unsure which session to choose, you're welcome to get in touch via email at hello@tamaracoughlan.com.

Question 5

Do you work with NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

I am not an NDIS registered provider.I may work with self managed NDIS participants where therapy is appropriate to the participant's goals and funding. If you are considering using NDIS funding for sessions, please check that the service is able to be funded under your individual plan before booking.I do not provide Functional Capacity Assessments or NDIS reports.

Question 6

Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a GP referral, diagnosis or Mental Health Treatment Plan to book a private session with me.If you are also receiving care from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or another health professional, I can work alongside your existing care where appropriate and with your consent.

Question 7

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

Medicare rebates are not currently available for sessions with me.I am currently completing Occupational Therapy Australia's Mental Health Endorsement process. This is part of a professional pathway that may support eligibility for certain Medicare funded occupational therapy services in the future, subject to the relevant professional and Medicare requirements.For now, all sessions are private fee paying.

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment will be charged 50% and missed appointments, are charged the full session fee.I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. If something unusual has happened, you're welcome to contact me.

Question 9

What's the difference between seeing you as an Occupational Therapist and a psychotherapist?

Accepted Answer

I am both an AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist and a PACFA registered psychotherapist. These are distinct professional roles, although both inform the way I understand people and their lives.Psychotherapy is the primary focus of my private practice and may involve exploring emotions, relationships, attachment, trauma, patterns, bodily experience, identity and meaning.Occupational Therapy brings an additional perspective on how mental health intersects with everyday life, including work, relationships, parenting, routines, sensory needs, self care, rest and participation in meaningful activities.Where Occupational Therapy is being provided as a specific service, I will make this clear so you understand the professional framework under which we are working.

TAMARA COUGHLAN

Integrative Therapy from the Heart

Frequently Asked Questions