FAQs

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Your questions, answered simply.

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What type of therapy does Mike use?

Mike’s approach is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to each person’s needs. He draws from evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), ACT, and Motivational Interviewing to support clients working through trauma, anxiety, inner conflict, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, therapy is shaped around your experiences, goals, and what feels most supportive for you.

Are sessions online or in-person?

Appointments are available in person in Toowong, Brisbane, offering a calm and private space for therapy. Secure Telehealth sessions are also available Australia-wide for those who prefer the flexibility and convenience of online support.

How long are sessions?

Standard therapy sessions run for 50 minutes.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to book an appointment. However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist.

Can I claim rebates through Medicare?

Yes. With a valid Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions each calendar year. Additional sessions may sometimes be available depending on individual circumstances.

What if I want to pay privately?

You can choose to pay privately without a referral. Some private health funds also offer rebates.

How do I book a session?

You can book via the existing client portal or submit a request through the website's contact form.

What if I need to cancel?

Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Late cancellations may incur a fee.

Is Telehealth effective?

Yes. Research shows that Telehealth psychology sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for most mental health concerns. Secure video sessions allow you to access care from the comfort of your own home while still receiving the same level of professional support, confidentiality, and evidence-based treatment. Many clients also find Telehealth more convenient and accessible, helping them to attend sessions more consistently and benefit fully from therapy.

Reference: Australian Psychological Society (APS). (2020). Evidence-based guidelines for Telehealth psychology services.

What can I expect in the first session?

Your first session with Mike focuses on building a foundation for therapy. He will take time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and talk through the goals you'd like to work toward.

Mike may introduce some practical tools you can start using right away. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear plan tailored to your needs and a sense of the next steps in your therapy journey.

When do I pay?

For private and Medicare clients, we'll securely store your credit card details at the time of your first booking. Your card will be charged after each session, and any rebates will be processed automatically.

How do I get my rebate?

Most Medicare rebates can be processed immediately after your session. You'll just need:

  • Your referral/mental health care plan
  • Your Medicare card/number
  • A valid credit or debit card
How are fees decided?

Our fees are guided by the Australian Psychological Society's (APS) recommended schedule. For example, the APS 2025–2026 recommended fee for a standard 46–60 minute consultation is $318.00.

At Lumaura Psychology, our standard fee is $260.00 per 50-minute session. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, this will be applied, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

Have a different question? Get in touch — replies are usually within one business day.

The first step is often the hardest. We'll help make it feel easier.

Make a booking enquiry

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Book a free 15-min introductory call

A brief conversation to explore whether therapy feels like the right fit for you. Many people appreciate the opportunity to speak with a psychologist before deciding whether to begin therapy.

During this call, you may wish to:

  • Briefly share what has been happening for you
  • Ask questions about the therapy process
  • Learn more about the approaches used (including IFS, EMDR, and trauma-informed therapies)
  • Explore whether the style and approach feel supportive and aligned with your needs

Please note: This is a short introductory conversation rather than a therapy session. Clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, or personalised advice cannot be provided during this call.

There is no pressure or obligation to book ongoing therapy following the call.

If it feels like a good fit, we can then arrange a full appointment.

Enter your details below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.