What to Expect

Before the First Appointment

Linda will send you a Welcome email that includes information about your appointment, clinic location, fees and rebates, and cancellation policy. It will also include links to important forms to complete before your first appointment, including the Consent form and Intake form. Completing these before the appointment helps make intake quicker and smoother, saving time on the day to focus on the session.

If you have chosen an online appointment, a link to our secure telehealth platform will be sent out a day before the appointment. Or, if you are coming in person, then we'll meet you at our clinic space in Williamstown.

The waiting room

The therapy room

The Clinic Space

The Galaxy Clinic is located at the same place as the Ferguson Street Osteopathy clinic in Williamstown. When you arrive, you will first come into the waiting room. Usually Jade, the Osteopathy Clinic receptionist, will be there - she's lovely!

You can help yourself to a glass of water, or use the toys in the corner. Linda will come and get you at your appointment time. Then you will go with Linda to the therapy room.

The Therapy Room

The therapy room is a medium-sized room with a couch and two armchairs, with a big window to let in sunlight. There is heating/cooling available. Linda will usually have paper, pens, toys, and fidget objects out for everyone (including parents!) to use. If you ever would like the temperature or lighting to be adjusted, feel free to let Linda know.

The First 2-3 Appointments - The Assessment Phase

The first appointment will be a chance for Linda to get to know you, and for you to get to know Linda.

Usually, the first appointment is with parents/carers only. This is to give you a chance to speak candidly about your concerns, and for Linda to assess what might be helpful. She will ask you assessment questions about why you're seeking therapy, what has happened in the past to lead to this point, your child's developmental history, and your family medical/psychiatric history. Sometimes she may ask you to fill in specific questionnaires.

After the first appointment, Linda will see the young person alone, and the young person with a parent/carer - these can be separate sessions, or within one session. This is so Linda can understand the young person in their own words, and also understand your relationship with your child.

After these 2-3 assessment sessions, Linda will think carefully about what might be helpful for you and your family in treatment. You'll then have a feedback/treatment session where you collaborate with Linda to unpack how the difficulties have come about, and set clear therapy goals to work on.

Other Appointments

After the assessment phase, usually Linda recommends fortnightly sessions depending your family's treatment goals. Linda will regularly check in with parents/carers and the young person to see how they think therapy is progressing, and whether any changes can be made to best support recovery.