A Psychotherapy Clinic for the whole you.

Choosing the right therapist is a personal journey, and several factors come into play. At Resplora, we aim to make this process easier by considering the following:

• Your Needs and Goals: What are the primary reasons you’re seeking therapy? Are you dealing with specific issues like anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or trauma? Are you looking for personal growth, better stress management, or support through a life transition? Understanding your goals helps us match you with a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs.

• Therapist Specialization: Our team at Resplora includes both counsellors and psychologists, each with their own areas of specialization and training.

  • Psychologists often have more extensive training in diagnosing and treating a wider range of mental health conditions, using various evidence-based therapies. They can be particularly helpful for more complex issues.
  • Counsellors are skilled in providing support and guidance for a range of life challenges, focusing on personal growth, relationships, and coping strategies.

• Therapeutic Approach: Different therapists utilize different therapeutic approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, etc.). While you don’t need to be an expert in these, you might have a preference for a more action-oriented approach or one that focuses on deeper exploration of past experiences. We can provide information about the approaches used by our therapists.

• Personal Connection and Therapeutic Relationship: Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most significant factors in successful therapy. Feeling comfortable, understood, and safe with your therapist is essential.

• Practical Considerations: Factors like availability, session fees, and whether you prefer online or in-person sessions (if offered) will also play a role in your choice.

How Resplora Helps You Find the Right Fit:

1. Clear Information on Our Team: Our website provides detailed profiles of our counsellors and psychologists, highlighting their qualifications, experience, areas of specialization, and therapeutic approaches. We encourage you to browse these profiles to get a sense of who might resonate with you.

2. Initial Inquiry and Matching: When you reach out to Resplora, we may ask you some initial questions about your needs and preferences to help us suggest a therapist who could be a good match.

3. Introductory Calls (Optional): Some of our therapists may offer brief introductory calls to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have before you commit to a full session. This can help you get a feel for their style and approach.

4. Flexibility and Choice: We understand that finding the right fit can sometimes take time. If you don’t feel a strong connection with your initial therapist, we are happy to help you explore other options within our team. Your comfort and progress are our priority.

That’s an excellent question that many people have when seeking mental health support! At Resplora, we have both valuable counsellors and psychologists on our team, and while they share the common goal of supporting your well-being, there are some key differences in their training and scope of practice:

Counsellor:

• Focus: Counsellors typically focus on providing support and guidance for a wide range of life challenges, such as relationship issues, stress management, personal growth, grief and loss, and career difficulties. They help individuals explore their feelings, understand patterns, develop coping strategies, and work towards their personal goals.
  
   

   
• Training: Counsellors in Australia typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling or a related field. Their training emphasizes therapeutic communication skills, various counselling theories, and ethical practice. They are often accredited with professional bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), which ensures they meet certain standards of training and ethical conduct.
  
   

   
• Approach: Counsellors often utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s needs, such as person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioural techniques. Their work tends to be more focused on present issues and personal development.
• Diagnosis: Generally, counsellors in Australia do not provide formal psychological diagnoses of mental health disorders.
  
   

Psychologist:

• Focus: Psychologists have a broader scope of practice that includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wider range of mental health conditions, from mild to severe. They are equipped to work with more complex mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and psychosis. 
  
   
• Training: Psychologists in Australia undergo more extensive and specialized postgraduate training, typically including a minimum of four years of university study in psychology followed by either two years of supervised practice or a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical psychology or a related field. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), which has strict requirements for education, training, and ongoing professional development.
  
   

   
• Approach: Psychologists are trained in a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. They are skilled in using psychological assessments and interventions to understand and treat mental health disorders.
  
   

   
• Diagnosis: Registered psychologists are qualified to provide formal psychological diagnoses according to recognized diagnostic manuals like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

That’s a very understandable question! It’s natural to want to know what the journey ahead might look like. However, as Resplora, it’s important for me to tell you that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many therapy sessions you will need. The number of sessions is deeply personal and depends on several factors unique to you and your situation:

• The nature and complexity of your concerns: Are you seeking support for a specific, recent issue, or are you working through more long-standing or complex challenges? Deeper or more intricate issues often require more time to explore and process.
• Your goals for therapy: What do you hope to achieve through our sessions together? If you have specific, well-defined goals, you might find you reach them more quickly. Broader goals around personal growth or ongoing well-being may involve a longer-term commitment.
• Your progress and pace: Everyone progresses at their own rate. Some individuals experience significant shifts relatively quickly, while others may need more time to explore, process, and integrate changes.
• Your level of engagement and commitment: Your active participation in sessions and any work you do outside of our meetings can influence the pace of your progress.
• The therapeutic approach: Different therapeutic approaches may have varying timelines. Some approaches are more short-term and solution-focused, while others involve deeper, longer-term exploration.
• Your individual needs and preferences: Some people find a few sessions helpful for addressing a specific issue, while others value ongoing support for their overall well-being.

What we can tell you at Resplora is:

• We will work collaboratively with you: From the beginning, we will discuss your goals and regularly check in on your progress. This open communication will help us gauge how therapy is benefiting you.
• Therapy is a process, not a quick fix: Sustainable change often takes time and commitment. We focus on helping you develop lasting skills and insights.
• The decision to end therapy is always yours: We will support you in making an informed decision about when you feel ready to conclude our sessions. This will be an ongoing conversation as we work together.

Instead of focusing on a specific number, we encourage you to think about starting the journey and seeing how it unfolds. Many people find even a few sessions can provide valuable support and new perspectives. As we work together, we can get a better sense of your individual needs and discuss a potential timeframe that feels right for you.

Are there any specific goals you have in mind for therapy? Understanding those might give us a more general idea of what to expect, although it will still be unique to your experience.

That’s a great question, and it’s natural to feel a bit uncertain if you haven’t experienced therapy before! At Resplora, a therapy session with one of our counsellors or psychologists is a dedicated time for you to focus on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Building Connection and Trust: In the initial sessions, your therapist will focus on getting to know you, understanding your background, and what brings you to therapy. They will also explain the therapeutic process, confidentiality, and answer any questions you might have. Building a comfortable and trusting relationship is key.

• Sharing and Exploring: You’ll be invited to talk about what’s on your mind. This could include current challenges, past experiences, relationships, emotions, or anything else that feels important to you. Your therapist will listen attentively, offering empathy and understanding without judgment.

• Gaining Insights: Your therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours from different perspectives. They might ask questions to encourage deeper reflection, help you identify patterns, or connect events and emotions. The goal is to increase your self-awareness and understanding.

• Developing Coping Strategies: Depending on your needs and the therapeutic approach, your therapist may introduce you to various coping skills and strategies to manage difficult emotions, navigate challenging situations, and improve your overall well-being. This could involve techniques related to mindfulness, communication, problem-solving, or emotional regulation.

• Working Towards Your Goals: Together, you and your therapist will work towards the goals you identified for therapy. This might involve exploring new ways of thinking, making changes in your behaviour, processing past experiences, or developing a greater sense of self-acceptance.

• A Collaborative Process: Therapy is a collaborative journey. Your therapist will offer their professional expertise and guidance, but you are the expert on your own life. You will actively participate in the process, sharing your experiences and working together to find solutions and promote healing.

• Confidentiality: What you share in a therapy session is generally kept confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions (which your therapist will explain). This creates a safe space for open and honest exploration.

• Ending the Session: Towards the end of the session, your therapist will usually provide a few minutes to summarize key points, discuss any tasks or reflections for the week ahead, and answer any final questions.

It’s important to remember that each therapist has their own style, and the specific techniques used will vary depending on their training and your individual needs. However, the overarching aim is to provide you with a supportive and empowering space to explore your inner world and work towards a healthier and happier you, connecting your mind and body in the process.

Yes, we currently offer secure online sessions and in‑person appointments on the Gold Coast. Just let us know which option you prefer and we’ll set up a convenient time.