First Session Check-In | The Indigo Project

First Session Check-In

Hi,

Props to you for completing your first session at the Indigo Project! We hope that it was a rewarding experience and that it has got you started on an incredible mental health journey.

Here are some things to keep in mind following your first session:

Have I booked in follow up sessions?

We understand that everyone’s journey is different, here at the Indigo Project, we recognise that you may only be after short term support or that you may be looking for long term care. Typically, we encourage our clients to book in at least 10 to 20 sessions over the course of regular intervals, as we want to support you in committing to your journey and investing in yourself.

You can book online here: https://www.theindigoproject.com.au/book-appointment/ through the ‘Existing Client’ portal. If you use your unique booking code found in your confirmation email, it will pre-fill in all your details to save you time.

Alternatively, give us a call on (02) 9212 5469 or email [email protected] and we’ll sort you out.

Keep in mind that our calendars are open for a maximum of 2 months at a time.

Have I sent in all required forms?

You probably did this prior to attending your first session, but if for whatever reason you were unable to get the forms to us in time, here’s another reminder. We need:

  • Consent to Service Form
  • Cancellation Policy Form
  • Therapy Intake Form

Have I sent in my Mental Health Care Plan?

If you’re seeing a psychologist, you may be eligible to receive rebates from Medicare. If you’ve got one, make sure you’ve sent it through to us as we’ll need to link some details from that Plan to your sessions so you can submit your claims.

Learn more about the Medicare Mental Health Care Plan here.

How do I claim?

Claiming is easy! We’ve left the Medicare rebate claims in your capable hands. This way, you’re always in control of receiving your rebates (and in a timely manner).

Follow these steps to learn how to submit your claims directly to Medicare.

Step 1: Download the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-download-and-set-up-express-plus-medicare-mobile-app?context=37386

Step 2: Check that your bank details are up-to-date for your Medicare rebate to be paid into.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-online-account-help-update-your-bank-account-details

Step 3: To make your claim, you will need your invoice (from us) with all relevant details of your session. This includes: cost, payment, provider number, etc. All the info you need will be included in the invoice we email you. You invoice will be sent out to you after you complete & pay for your session.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help/medicare/submit-medicare-claim-using-your-online-account

What if my Therapist wasn’t the right match for me?

The main reason we wanted to touch base is to make sure that it was everything you were expecting it to be and if not, we want to understand why so we can help. Let us know, we’d love to hear about it: the good, the bad, it all matters! 

We know that therapy is an incredibly personal journey and sometimes, for whatever reason, you just don’t mesh with your therapist. If this happens, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We offer a special little thing called the ‘Perfect Match Promise’. This basically means that if you don’t connect with your therapist after your first or second session, let us know and we’ll rematch you to another therapist at the Indigo Project and your next session will be on us. Read more about it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is The Indigo Project?

We are a progressive online counselling practice, providing telehealth services in Australia. Our passionate and experienced local team includes psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors, coaches and therapists that are trained to deliver online therapy to you in a safe and convenient way.

Whether you are looking for short or long term support through a challenging time, or looking to discover your potential, we want you to feel comfortable on every step of the journey.

Read more about Our Story 

Telehealth: About Therapy and Online Counselling

What can I expect from therapy? What is therapy like?

Every therapist is different and their therapeutic style and personalities are all unique. However, all of our Indigo practitioners will hold a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you, where you are free to be who you are. Your therapist is there to listen to you, guide you, and help you overcome life’s challenges.

Generally, you’ll spend the first session getting to know each other, talking about your history and what it is you’d like to work through. From your second session onwards, you’ll get to go deeper, peeling back the layers and all the while learning practical strategies to help you transform and grow.

At Indigo we encourage our clients to have at least 10-20 sessions, because we believe that therapy is a long-term journey of commitment, growth and investment in yourself. After seeing your therapist for a while, you may continue to book occasional check-in sessions as you feel more confident doing life with the knowledge and tools you have gained.

Who is online therapy for?

Everyone is welcome to attend online counselling or therapy with one of our practitioners at The Indigo Project.

Online counselling or therapy via Zoom is an accessible, safe and convenient option for those who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments, or simply prefer to meet online. Whether it be a busy schedule due to work and family, health-related reasons or distance, online counselling can help you.

What issues are suited for online therapy?

Our team of trained clinical psychologists, psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors attend to a range of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues and more.

A number of practitioners also specialise in areas such as sexuality, gender and identity, addiction, sports and performance, personality disorders and therapy for children and adolescents.

Several therapists also provide services in marriage counselling and couples therapy.

Finding the best psychologist or counsellor for me - where do I start?

We highly encourage you to view our practitioners and use the filtering options to find a psychologist or counsellor who can help you with the issues you are seeking help for.

Meet our therapists and what they can help you with here.

If you need help, our Therapy Matchmakers team will be able to match you with a practitioner. Give us a call on (02) 9212 5469 or email us at [email protected] so we can support you on your journey.

What if I can’t see the therapist I had in mind?

Our therapists typically have capacity to see several new clients each month. However these openings can get filled up fast from those who have been on a waitlist. If there is someone that you particularly want to see but is currently unavailable, we can place you on a waitlist until there is an opening.

If you prefer to attend an online counselling session sooner, our Therapy Matchmakers can help you find an alternative practitioner based on your needs and what you are looking to achieve in therapy.

Meeting a therapist for the first time can feel like a first date. If you don’t connect with your therapist on your first or second session, we’ll pair you with a new practitioner and your next session will be on the house* as part of our Perfect Match Promise.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Can I make an appointment for my child or dependent?

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, you will need to make an appointment online or via the phone.

We have many psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors who have experience dealing with children and adolescents in therapy. See who can help here.

Someone I know needs counselling. Can I book an appointment for them?

Those who require online counselling or therapy will have to make an appointment directly with The Indigo Project via our online booking form or on the phone. We do not accept bookings on behalf of an individual or couple from a third party unless as part of an insurance plan, support scheme or similar arrangement.

We want marriage or couples counselling. Can we see a couples counsellor together?

Couples are welcome to attend online therapy sessions together with one of our couples therapists.

Do I need to do anything before my first session?

We recommend setting up for your online therapy session 5-10 minutes before it commences. Make sure your computer or phone microphone and video is working, and that you are comfortable and ready to sit through your session uninterrupted.

There’s zero pressure to prepare anything for your first session but if you find it helpful, you can jot down some points about specific things you’d like to work on or discuss with your therapist.

Are my therapy sessions confidential?

Everything you discuss with your therapist here at Indigo is absolutely confidential, and will not be shared unless you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.

How do I pay for my online therapy session?

For first time clients, payment is made via debit or credit card at the time of booking. For returning clients, there are a number of payment methods available such as authorised direct debit or online via the payments link on your invoice.

Who to contact if you are in crisis

The Indigo Project is not a crisis service.

  • If you are in a crisis, if you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or somebody else is in danger, DO NOT use this service.
  • Call 000 or use these contacts for immediate crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Lifeline 13 11 14 - A crisis support and suicide prevention service for all Australians.

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 - The Mental Health Line offers professional help and advice for everyone. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 - Beyond Blue provide support to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 - A free service for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide or are health professionals supporting people affected by suicide.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - A counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.

Parentline 1300 1300 52 - Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.

What else does The Indigo Project do?

Our courses, workshops and events are designed to transform the way you think, feel and live.

Not ready to commit to therapy? Indigo founder Mary Hoang has created Get Your Sh*t Together, a self-directed digital course for those who want to develop greater self-awareness, tackle stress and anxiety, and learn practical skills to help heal, grow and thrive in life.

Mary has also written a book Darkness is Golden: A Guide to Personal Transformation and Dealing with Life's Messiness that combines her experience in the therapy room with unique audio experiences framed by her research in music psychology.

Available for free download are a number of toolkits to help you combat your depression, deal with your anxiety or transform your relationships.

Although an online counselling practice, The Indigo Project believes in the power of community, and we often host events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for events such as Listen Up, a contemporary digital sound bath some describe as a “soundtracked therapy session”.

We are also available for corporate events, workshops and related projects. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to know more.

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PhotoDR NAVIT GOHAR-KADAR

dr navit gohar-kadar, Clinical Psychologist

PhotoOLIVER SANTIAGO

oliver santiago, Clinical Psychologist

PhotoDR REBECCA HANNAN

dr rebecca hannan, Senior Psychologist

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abelina wolf, Registered Psychologist

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ayanthi de silva, Registered Psychologist

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dafna kronental, Psychotherapist & Counsellor

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bre elder, Senior Psychologist

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kit halliday, Clinical Psychologist

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annia baron, Clinical Psychologist

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tayla gardner, Psychotherapist & Counsellor

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lorna macaulay, Senior Psychologist

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shuktika bose, Clinical Psychologist

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deepika gupta, Clinical Psychologist

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nicole burling, Senior Psychologist

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natasha kasselis, Senior Psychologist

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dr perry morrison, Senior Psychologist

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gaynor connor, Psychotherapist & Counsellor

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shauntelle benjamin, Registered Psychologist

PhotoLIZ KIRBY

liz kirby, Psychotherapist & Counsellor

PhotoSAM BARR

sam barr, Clinical Psychologist

PhotoDARREN EVERETT

darren everett, Senior Psychologist

PhotoJAMIE DE BRUYN

jamie de bruyn, Senior Psychologist


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