Common Questions
HOW DO I BEGIN THE CONVERSATION AND GET STARTED TOGETHER?
It’s simple. First, send me an email or give me a call to let me know what you’re interested in. Then we’ll do a complimentary phone consultation, so that you get a sense of who I am and I can learn more about what you’re hoping for at this point in time. I also love to answer any questions that you might have ready, or that come up during our call. If you feel that I’m a good fit for you, then we book a service at the end of the phone call.
My desire is to see you connect with the person and support that will best meet your needs. If your needs will be better met elsewhere, I will help you connect with those services.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS?
My approach is holistic, person-centered, somatic and mindfulness-based. Facilitating self-awareness and self-compassion, and deepening your understanding of different habits and patterns, opening new pathways for you to explore.
I'm here to serve. I love what I do and have a passion for what’s possible and an enthusiasm for connecting you with inner wisdom and your innate ability to heal and live well – living a life that you truly love.
WHAT THE HECK IS AN ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are social workers that have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health. They have been assessed on behalf of the Australian Government by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as having specialist mental health expertise and are registered providers with Medicare Australia who recognise their expertise in mental health.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have a breadth of experience in conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and providing interventions for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, relationship problems, life crisis, adjustment issues, trauma, chronic disease and intimate partner violence. Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers may use a range of interventions in helping people with mental illness and mental health challenges, including focussed psychological strategies such as CBT, MBCT, psycho-education, social skills, stress management, relaxation strategies, problem solving, and skills training.
If you’d like to learn more about Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW), check out the Australian Association of Social Workers website.
WHY DO YOU SPECIALISE IN MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT), NOT COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)?
The truth is that I trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with The Australian Psychological Society and offered this approach up until 2013 before I first trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This experiential training was so impactful that this led to further training in MBCT and then spending a further three years with the Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness completing my Masters and International Trainer of Applied Mindfulness.
So what’s the difference between CBT and MBCT? In short, CBT is more focused on ‘analysing’ thoughts and new ways TO LOOK AT stressful situations while MBCT focuses on ‘experiencing’ thoughts and on new ways OF BEING WITH stressful situations.
Mindfulness can be a truly transformative experience, so it's not surprising I choose to specialise in MBCT. Sometimes people think the aim of mindfulness is to be calm or relaxed in every moment, but it’s not so much about staying calm, but how we respond when we lose our calm.
With mindfulness practice we learn to stay present and pay attention to what is happening whether we like it or not or are confused about it. We increase our tolerance to being able to sit with the unpleasant – neither identifying with it, nor running from it, and in so doing we come to notice the patterns of our mind and behaviour and can respond with choice rather than habit.
Through MBCT we learn to relate to and process our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in different ways. ‘The story’ of self-criticism, self-doubt and not being good enough is the thing that creates the problem in the body. By modifying our relationship to our thoughts, our emotions and bodily states our behaviours and responses tend to change, and vice versa. MBCT invites us to experience the good, the bad and the ugly, and open to our peaceful mind and innate, vibrant wellbeing.
WILL OUR CONVERSATIONS BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. Everything you talk about in our sessions together will be completely confidential, and will not be released without your consent. In our first session together, we will review, discuss and sign a protection of confidentiality agreement.
Even the fact that you are receiving a service from me will remain confidential. And if you happen to see me out and about in the community, I will not say hello unless you greet me first.
The only thing that takes precedence over confidentiality is safety, meaning there are limits to confidentiality where I have a legal obligation to report to the appropriate authorities, which include:
1. intent to harm one’s self or others;
2. risk of harm to children and/or dependents;
3. disclosure of harm by a health professional (no matter how long ago);
4. if I receive a court order and required by law to do so.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Your session is time reserved for you. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. I understand that emergencies and extenuating circumstances happen. Please contact me as soon as possible if there is a change needed in regards to your session time.
WHAT DOES A SESSION COST?
Please check out the RATES section under FAQ. Rates are set according to the recommended fee range for social workers by the Australian Association of Social Workers. Payments for services are due at end of each session.
*Note: Medicare rebate with a GP Mental Health Care Plan under Better Access. Bulk billing also possible.
ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS?
Certain private health funds (Bupa; Teachers Health; UniHealth and Nurses & Midwives Health) will reimburse fees for an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW). Check with your private health fund provider to find out if you’re covered.
From 1st April 2019, Australian Health Funds will no longer give rebates for natural therapies including Reflexology.
CAN I CLAIM SESSIONS AS A MEDICAL EXPENSE TAX OFFSET?
No. The net medical expenses tax offset is no longer available from 1 July 2019. There is no longer any form of relief available for medical expenses through the tax system.
DO YOU OFFER CRISIS SUPPORT?
No. Although I have extensive experience in providing crisis intervention, mental health and risk assessments, unfortunately, I currently do not have the capacity to be available on a 24/7 basis for emergency or crisis situations.
For crisis situations, please call the Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 792 977. This is a 24-hour hotline providing information and emergency referrals.
*If you or someone you are with is at immediate risk of harm or in immediate danger, please call '000' or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Do you have more questions? Please call or email me and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
It’s simple. First, send me an email or give me a call to let me know what you’re interested in. Then we’ll do a complimentary phone consultation, so that you get a sense of who I am and I can learn more about what you’re hoping for at this point in time. I also love to answer any questions that you might have ready, or that come up during our call. If you feel that I’m a good fit for you, then we book a service at the end of the phone call.
My desire is to see you connect with the person and support that will best meet your needs. If your needs will be better met elsewhere, I will help you connect with those services.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS?
My approach is holistic, person-centered, somatic and mindfulness-based. Facilitating self-awareness and self-compassion, and deepening your understanding of different habits and patterns, opening new pathways for you to explore.
I'm here to serve. I love what I do and have a passion for what’s possible and an enthusiasm for connecting you with inner wisdom and your innate ability to heal and live well – living a life that you truly love.
WHAT THE HECK IS AN ACCREDITED MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER?
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW) are social workers that have extensive postgraduate training and experience in the field of mental health. They have been assessed on behalf of the Australian Government by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as having specialist mental health expertise and are registered providers with Medicare Australia who recognise their expertise in mental health.
Accredited Mental Health Social Workers have a breadth of experience in conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and providing interventions for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, relationship problems, life crisis, adjustment issues, trauma, chronic disease and intimate partner violence. Like other allied health professionals, such as psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers may use a range of interventions in helping people with mental illness and mental health challenges, including focussed psychological strategies such as CBT, MBCT, psycho-education, social skills, stress management, relaxation strategies, problem solving, and skills training.
If you’d like to learn more about Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSW), check out the Australian Association of Social Workers website.
WHY DO YOU SPECIALISE IN MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT), NOT COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)?
The truth is that I trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with The Australian Psychological Society and offered this approach up until 2013 before I first trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This experiential training was so impactful that this led to further training in MBCT and then spending a further three years with the Australian Institute of Applied Mindfulness completing my Masters and International Trainer of Applied Mindfulness.
So what’s the difference between CBT and MBCT? In short, CBT is more focused on ‘analysing’ thoughts and new ways TO LOOK AT stressful situations while MBCT focuses on ‘experiencing’ thoughts and on new ways OF BEING WITH stressful situations.
Mindfulness can be a truly transformative experience, so it's not surprising I choose to specialise in MBCT. Sometimes people think the aim of mindfulness is to be calm or relaxed in every moment, but it’s not so much about staying calm, but how we respond when we lose our calm.
With mindfulness practice we learn to stay present and pay attention to what is happening whether we like it or not or are confused about it. We increase our tolerance to being able to sit with the unpleasant – neither identifying with it, nor running from it, and in so doing we come to notice the patterns of our mind and behaviour and can respond with choice rather than habit.
Through MBCT we learn to relate to and process our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in different ways. ‘The story’ of self-criticism, self-doubt and not being good enough is the thing that creates the problem in the body. By modifying our relationship to our thoughts, our emotions and bodily states our behaviours and responses tend to change, and vice versa. MBCT invites us to experience the good, the bad and the ugly, and open to our peaceful mind and innate, vibrant wellbeing.
WILL OUR CONVERSATIONS BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. Everything you talk about in our sessions together will be completely confidential, and will not be released without your consent. In our first session together, we will review, discuss and sign a protection of confidentiality agreement.
Even the fact that you are receiving a service from me will remain confidential. And if you happen to see me out and about in the community, I will not say hello unless you greet me first.
The only thing that takes precedence over confidentiality is safety, meaning there are limits to confidentiality where I have a legal obligation to report to the appropriate authorities, which include:
1. intent to harm one’s self or others;
2. risk of harm to children and/or dependents;
3. disclosure of harm by a health professional (no matter how long ago);
4. if I receive a court order and required by law to do so.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Your session is time reserved for you. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. I understand that emergencies and extenuating circumstances happen. Please contact me as soon as possible if there is a change needed in regards to your session time.
WHAT DOES A SESSION COST?
Please check out the RATES section under FAQ. Rates are set according to the recommended fee range for social workers by the Australian Association of Social Workers. Payments for services are due at end of each session.
*Note: Medicare rebate with a GP Mental Health Care Plan under Better Access. Bulk billing also possible.
ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS?
Certain private health funds (Bupa; Teachers Health; UniHealth and Nurses & Midwives Health) will reimburse fees for an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW). Check with your private health fund provider to find out if you’re covered.
From 1st April 2019, Australian Health Funds will no longer give rebates for natural therapies including Reflexology.
CAN I CLAIM SESSIONS AS A MEDICAL EXPENSE TAX OFFSET?
No. The net medical expenses tax offset is no longer available from 1 July 2019. There is no longer any form of relief available for medical expenses through the tax system.
DO YOU OFFER CRISIS SUPPORT?
No. Although I have extensive experience in providing crisis intervention, mental health and risk assessments, unfortunately, I currently do not have the capacity to be available on a 24/7 basis for emergency or crisis situations.
For crisis situations, please call the Mental Health Triage Line on 1300 792 977. This is a 24-hour hotline providing information and emergency referrals.
*If you or someone you are with is at immediate risk of harm or in immediate danger, please call '000' or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Do you have more questions? Please call or email me and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
fiona goodwin
AMHSW | CCTP-II | RRPr
connecting you with inner wisdom
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