Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
Walkabout Nature Based Psychology started out as Walk and Talk Women, using nature based therapy to specifically assist women in dealing with the often unique concerns they face. It has since evolved to apply the amazing benefits of using the natural environment to address a wide range of concerns for any client.
Using the natural environment as the setting for theraputic care helps stimulate endorphins in the body, allowing the mind to center and relax in a less clinical context.
Using the natural environment as the setting for theraputic care helps stimulate endorphins in the body, allowing the mind to center and relax in a less clinical context.
With a primary concern for privacy and safety, these sessions can be held at the beach, on a mountain, in the bush, or any other natural setting. Upon request you can also meet in the privacy of an indoor studio, particularly if it's raining.
Please contact us if you would like to participate in one of our nature based sessions.
Please contact us if you would like to participate in one of our nature based sessions.
What does a Nature-Based session look like?
Nature-Based Psychology involves the use of traditional therapies (CBT, ACT, etc.) with a focus on mindfulness, health, and the natural environment. Our clients love the freeing nature of these sessions. Once you meet the practitioner at the agreed location they will discuss important information such as confidentiality and how the session will progress. The time spent walking, and the pace, will be adjusted to meet your personal needs and preferences. Some clients prefer just to sit in the beauty of nature but others enjoy the walk and talk approach. Sessions usually run for 50 minutes and conclude with a brief overview and some time for booking the next session.
What do I need to bring to the session?
Given the nature-based approach our practice uses we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothes. A hat and/or water bottle are also appropriate. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan we encourage you to bring it to the session. In some cases this will have already been sent to us by your GP.
Can I meet indoors?
In the event of difficult weather (excessive rain, cold or heat) our practitioners and our admin team will try to coordinate a session indoors. If you do not want to walk during a session for any reason there are undercover areas in each of our walk locations to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you would prefer to meet indoors please advise us and we will endeavour to accomodate your needs.
How do fees work?
Each practitioner has a standard fee which you can find on our About Us page. The Client Information form will collect your financial details which are kept secure in our system. The session fees are processed by us, typically the day following your appointment. If you qualify for a medicare rebate and are seeing a Psychologist then the rebate amount will be processed with your session fee and should be in your account within 24hrs. Cancellation with undue notice (less than 3hrs before the session) or failure to attend your session can result in a fee. Please contact us if you are unable to attend your session.
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What's the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?
A psychologist is someone who has a minimum of four years of tertiary study followed by two years of supervised practice - but who often has six or more years of tertiary study in addition to their supervised practice. A psychologist must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency and is able to register with Medicare so that sessions can be rebated.
A counsellor may or may not have completed tertiary study but many good counsellors have a Bachelor or Masters degree and are highly experienced in providing counselling services. Qualified counsellors often have as much or even more training in counselling theories and techniques than does a psychologist.
You can find the qualifications for our team on our About Us page.
What about COVID-19 or other safety measures?
Your health and safety are very important to us, as is the health and safety of our practitioners. If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or have come into recent contact with someone who has COVID-19 please advise us before the session so that we can make appropriate arrangements. You are welcome to wear a mask or other personal protective equipment to the session if you wish. As a general precaution, if you feel unwell please exercise caution when meeting with others. Our nature-based sessions can facilitate a partially distanced form of therapy, and we can offer telehealth services which are currently supported by Medicare. Our practitioners also maintain current first aid training and insurance. If you have any health concern you feel may impact your ability to engage in therapy please advise our admin team.
Is this session confidential?
Yes. At the start of your first session your practitioner will explain the confidentiality of the session in detail. General client information details are kept securely and are only used for admin purposes. Details and circumstances discussed with your practitioner are for their ears only with very few limitations relating to legality. In all instances the practitioners will be as transparent with you as possible.
Are you able to work with DVA, WorkCover or other funding body?
Registered psychologists are able to see clients with a DVA or WorkCover claim. If either of these applies to you please let our admin know when booking the appointment so that the necessary details relating to the claim can be recorded. Other funding bodies often have specific requirements relating to the use of allocated funds. If you have any questions about whether you are able to access these through our services please speak with our admin team.
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How does my Private Health Insurance work?
Most private health insurers (e.g. Medibank, etc.) provide partial cover for mental health services depending on your plan with them. This cover amount is sometimes conditional on the type of practitioner you are seeing or the number of sessions. If you have private health cover please let our admin know when booking the session and they will be able to investigate what reimbursement you qualify for and any limitations in place. In most instances you will be required to pay the full fee and we will issue you a completed invoice so that you can claim directly with your cover provider.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to book a session?
No. Anyone is welcome to come and see one of our practitioners. A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), referred from a doctor, helps the Psychologist and the doctor provide better care for you in your situation. It also qualifies you for a limited number of Medicare rebates with a registered Psychologist. Even if you wish to use a MHCP for your sessions you don't need to already have it before making a booking.
Qualified and Personalised Care
At Walkabout Nature Based Psychology we take a person-centered approach. We know that the power for change lies within you. Contact us today to begin your journey.