Our Services / Psychotherapy
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy often gets thrown around as a buzzword in mental health, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, it’s a way of talking through and working on emotional and psychological challenges, whether that’s tackling anxiety, managing stress, or making sense of life’s twists and turns.
But here’s where it gets a bit tricky: who you see for psychotherapy can vary. Psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists may all provide psychotherapy, but they each bring a slightly different skill set to the table.
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Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up the confusion. A psychotherapist is similar to a therapist or a counsellor and is trained in therapeutic techniques—often using approaches like somatic therapy or mindfulness.
Unlike psychologists, psychotherapists don’t need a psychology degree or Medicare accreditation in Australia. Instead, they often specialise in alternative or complementary modalities that go beyond the typical frameworks like CBT therapy.
On the other hand, online psychologists and clinical psychologists require a degree and are eligible for Medicare rebates. Importantly, many psychologists also incorporate psychotherapy tools, blending structured methods with creative approaches to meet your unique needs.
So, Which Should You Choose?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re navigating complex mental health issues like PTSD, OCD, or depression, a psychologist or clinical psychologist might be the way to go. They’re equipped to provide formal diagnoses and treatments. But a psychotherapist could be a great fit if you’re more focused on personal growth, exploring emotional blocks, or healing past wounds through a less conventional route.
What Can Psychotherapy Help With?
Psychotherapy isn’t just for tackling mental health diagnoses—it’s here to support you through life’s messy moments too. Whether it’s navigating big changes, working through relationship challenges, or managing daily stress, psychotherapy has you covered.
Here’s a snapshot of what it can help with:
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety, panic attacks, or just feeling overwhelmed, therapy provides tools to regain calm.
- Mood Disorders: For depression or bipolar disorder, psychotherapy helps stabilise emotions and provides support alongside medication.
- Addiction Recovery: Therapy can address substance abuse, gambling, and other compulsive behaviours.
- Relationship Struggles: Work through conflicts and learn healthier ways to communicate.
- Personal Growth: Want to know yourself better or build resilience? Online therapy is here for that, too.
Why Choose The Indigo Project for Psychotherapy?
If you’ve already got your mental health plan and are now tired of searching for “psychologists near me” and coming up empty, let us help. At The Indigo Project, we’re all about breaking the mould. Our therapists—whether psychologists or psychotherapists—blend expertise with a human, down-to-earth approach.
We know therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we take the time to find your perfect match.
Not vibing with your first therapist? No worries—our Perfect Match Promise lets you switch practitioners, and your next session is on us.
What sets us apart:
- Creative Approaches: From somatic therapy to mindfulness and CBT, our therapists tailor sessions to fit you.
- Flexibility: With online therapy options, you can chat from your couch, car, or even your favourite park bench.
- Inclusivity: We’re here for everyone, offering a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported—exactly as you are.
What to Expect from a Psychotherapy Session
Every session is a chance to take a deeper dive into understanding yourself. It’s not about “fixing” you; it’s about creating a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what’s on your mind.
Here’s what a typical session looks like:
- Setting the Stage: Your therapist will ask what’s brought you here and what you’d like to work on.
- Open Conversation: Whether it’s daily stress, tricky emotions, or long-buried thoughts, this is your time to share.
- Practical Tools: Expect takeaways—your therapist might introduce strategies like mindfulness or somatic exercises to practice between sessions.
Therapy is your journey. We’re just here to guide and support you along the way.
Ready to Explore Psychotherapy?
Whether you’re dipping your toes into therapy for the first time or returning after some time away, we’re here to make the process smooth, welcoming, and empowering.
Book a session today with one of our psychologists or psychotherapists and discover what therapy can do for you. Whether it’s about managing mental health conditions or simply navigating life’s messiness, psychotherapy can make all the difference.
FAQs—Psychotherapy
What’s the difference between psychotherapy and regular counselling?
Psychotherapy dives a little deeper. While counselling often focuses on specific issues or challenges, psychotherapy takes a broader look at emotional patterns, past experiences, and the connections between thoughts and behaviours.
Can I combine psychotherapy with other therapies?
Absolutely! Many people blend psychotherapy with mindfulness therapy, MBSR therapy, or CBT therapy to get a well-rounded approach tailored to their needs.
Do I need a mental health care plan to start therapy?
If you’d like Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist, you’ll need a mental health care plan from your GP. Psychotherapists, however, don’t require a health care plan as they aren’t covered by Medicare.
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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.
