Online Counselling for Thomastown
Lavinia McSwain is a registered psychologist with over 15 years experience working in hospitals, community mental health, university and forensic settings. She works with adults who experience anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, addiction, other mental health issues or life difficulties in general. She provides individual treatment on site and online, as well as relationship counselling and Employee Assistance Programs(EAP) counselling. She is also a registered supervisor providing training for provisional psychologists.
Lavinia McSwain is a registered psychologist with over 15 years experience working in hospitals, community mental health, university and forensic settings. She works with adults who experience anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, addiction, other mental health issues or life difficulties in general. She provides individual treatment on site and online, as well as relationship counselling and Employee Assistance Programs(EAP) counselling. She is also a registered supervisor providing training for provisional psychologists.
This is Zain, BNurs , BParamedicS, MCouns&Psy. I’m a registered counsellor with PACFA, who works with both adults and adolescents. I employ a person-cantered approach to therapy whilst also implementing other therapeutic intervention techniques. During therapy I aim to understand each individual and the personal circumstances that surround their life. My main focus is to provide a safe space that allows clients to feel comfortable when expressing themselves, ultimately allowing me to understand their perspective and encouraging positive change in their life. Common therapy techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
This is Zain, BNurs , BParamedicS, MCouns&Psy. I’m a registered counsellor with PACFA, who works with both adults and adolescents. I employ a person-cantered approach to therapy whilst also implementing other therapeutic intervention techniques. During therapy I aim to understand each individual and the personal circumstances that surround their life. My main focus is to provide a safe space that allows clients to feel comfortable when expressing themselves, ultimately allowing me to understand their perspective and encouraging positive change in their life. Common therapy techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I firmly believe in an individuals’ inherent inclination towards happiness and their capacity to realise it. I see my role as being fully present and engaged with my client throughout our sessions. I prioritise my client’s boundaries and autonomy and sincerely desire to comprehend their perspective. I approach my work with a personal touch, fuelled by a genuine care for people. I bring with me an honest, transparent, and warm demeanour to create a supportive environment. All of course, with a dose of good humour.
I firmly believe in an individuals’ inherent inclination towards happiness and their capacity to realise it. I see my role as being fully present and engaged with my client throughout our sessions. I prioritise my client’s boundaries and autonomy and sincerely desire to comprehend their perspective. I approach my work with a personal touch, fuelled by a genuine care for people. I bring with me an honest, transparent, and warm demeanour to create a supportive environment. All of course, with a dose of good humour.
See more therapy options for Thomastown
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Online Counsellors
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?
One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialised therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.
Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?
Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.
Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?
The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.