Support For Individuals, Couples & Families
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I offer psychotherapy and holistic wellbeing coaching services which are down-to-earth, compassionate and supportive to individuals, couples, families and groups who are navigating life’s challenges.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or simply needing a safe space to talk things through, I’m here to walk alongside you. I work in a warm, respectful, and non-judgemental way, helping you make sense of what’s going on and find practical, meaningful ways forward.
Everyone’s story is different, so I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs—whether that’s healing from past trauma, improving communication, or strengthening your relationships.
Currently, I only offer Telehealth or phone sessions.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a space just for you—a chance to pause, reflect, and explore what’s going on in your life with support and understanding. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, trauma, or simply feeling a bit lost, I’m here to help you make sense of it all. Together, we’ll look at what’s holding you back, uncover your strengths, and find new ways to cope, heal, and grow. It’s your time to be heard, without judgement, and to work towards the kind of life you want to be living.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy offers a supportive space to work through challenges and reconnect with each other. Whether you’re struggling with communication, trust, intimacy, or feeling like you’ve grown apart, I help you explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll unpack patterns that aren’t serving you and build healthier ways of relating. It’s not about blame—it’s about understanding each other more deeply and creating a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. Every couple faces bumps in the road, and therapy can be a powerful way to navigate them together.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a chance for everyone to come together and be heard in a safe, supportive space. Families can face all sorts of challenges—conflict, communication breakdowns, life transitions, or the impact of mental health issues—and sometimes it helps to have someone outside the situation to guide the conversation. I work with families to improve understanding, strengthen connections, and find better ways of managing tension or stress. It’s about creating a space where each person feels respected, valued, and part of a healthier dynamic moving forward.
Group Coaching
Dynamic Diva is my signature 12-week group coaching program designed specifically for women in mid-life who are feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or ready for change. This empowering program combines guided self-discovery, practical tools, group connection, and holistic coaching to help participants reconnect with their sense of purpose, build confidence, and create a more meaningful, balanced life. It’s ideal for women who are ready to prioritise their wellbeing and embrace their next chapter with clarity and confidence.
Hello! I’m Merryl
Psychotherapist & Holistic Wellbeing Coach
ABN: 37535503136
I’m a mental health professional and an holistic wellbeing coach with over 35 years of experience. I started my journey with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside individuals from all walks of life, supporting them through a wide range of mental health challenges.
Over the years, I’ve become known for my down-to-earth, compassionate approach. I’m an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW), a Clinical Social Worker (CSW), and an Accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (MAASW (ACC)). I’m always learning and keeping up with new developments so I can offer the best possible care and guidance to the people I work with.
On a personal level, I live with a visual impairment. I grew up in a single parent family in a working class suburb of Brisbane. We had littlt money. I was the only person in my family who finished High School and Completed a University Degree. I have been a single parent all of my son’s life, which wasn’t in the plan – stuff happens. He is now an adult. We remain close. He tells me I’m a good Mum 😀
When I was 30, I woke up one day with my right eye turned in. I went to the hospital and after several hours of tests, I was told that I had a brain tumour and I was to have surgery as soon as possible. I had two different surgeries to remove as much of the tumour as possible , followed by 6 weeks of daily radiation treatment. I was staying in a motel near the hospital with my then 3 year old son and walking to and from the hospital for treatment. I had little support. I managed to get through it and so I know first hand that we can overcome adversity with the right skills and mindset.
Back in 2003, I completed the Intensive Results Coaching Course developed by David Rock, which inspired me to expand my work into holistic wellbeing coaching. For more than two decades now, I’ve been helping people create balance and fulfilment in their lives—looking not just at mental health & wellbeing but also the physical, emotional, and spiritual sides of wellbeing.
Beyond one-on-one work, I love sharing my knowledge through public speaking, workshops, and seminars. It’s so important to me to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing and to help others feel empowered in their own journeys.
5 years ago, I became a self-published author and I’ve continued to write short, easily digestible ebooks ever since. The content of these books has been drawn from my more than 3 decades of working with people in my clinical practice. See the Shop page for my ebooks.
My work is all about uplifting others and helping them discover the tools they need to create positive change. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m as passionate as ever about supporting people to live healthier, happier lives.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is grounded in deep respect for each person’s unique story, inner resilience, and capacity for healing. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed, and person-centred foundation, which means I view you as the expert in your own life and honour the importance of a safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. After 35 years, my toolkit is large, so I can draw upon a range of evidence-based modalities to tailor the therapeutic experience to your individual needs, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Sandtray Therapy. These approaches support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and the development of healthier thought patterns and coping strategies. Sandtray Therapy, in particular, offers a powerful, non-verbal method for exploring and expressing inner experiences, especially when words may be difficult to find. I also integrate holistic practices that nurture the connection between mind, body, and spirit, recognising that true healing encompasses the whole person. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or a sense of disconnection or dissatisfaction with life, I am here to support you with care, curiosity, and unwavering belief in your potential for growth and change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What issues can you help with?
I work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and feeling unfulfilled. I also support women in mid-life seeking clarity, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
2. What therapeutic approaches do you use?
My practice is grounded in a humanistic, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) and Sandtray Therapy alongside holistic practices that support mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
3. What can I expect in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss your concerns, and explore your goals for therapy. I’ll explain how I work and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you feel safe, heard, and comfortable.
4. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some clients attend short-term therapy for a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term work. We’ll regularly review your progress together to ensure the therapy continues to meet your needs.
5. Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. There are some legal and ethical exceptions, which I will explain fully in our first session—for example, if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
6. Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, currently I offer only Telehealth sessions, allowing you to access my services wherever you may reside. Online therapy is conducted via a secure, encrypted platform to ensure your privacy.
7. How do I book a session?
You can book a session by contacting me directly through this website’s contact form, via email, or by the booking platform on Halaxy which is the Practice Management Software that I use – https://www.halaxy.com/profile/ms-merryl-gee/social-worker/776291?clinic=1096691
I will respond as promptly as possible to arrange a time that works for you.
8. What are your fees, and do you offer Medicare rebates?
Fees vary depending on the type of service provided.
Standard consultation fees:
$220 per session (50 minutes) for individuals
$250 for couples & families (80 minutes).
Medicare rebates are available for individual clients with a current Mental Health Care Plan from their GP.
Medicare does not offer rebates for couple or family counselling.
Dynamic Diva Group Coaching Program is $2500 for 12 sessions.
9. Can I get a rebate from Medicare?
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, you are netitled to a rebate from Medicare. The amount depends on the service provided.
10. Can I get a rebate from my Private Health Care Fund?
Some private health funds offer rebates for sessions with Accredited Mental Health Social Workers:
HCF
BUPA
Medibank
Teachers Health Fund
Doctors Health
Nurses & Midwives Health
UniHealth
St Luke’s Health
Check your fund for eligibility.
Policies & Procedures
Booking Procedure
I aim to make the process of booking an appointment as simple and straightforward as possible. Below you will find an outline of how to arrange your sessions and what to expect.
Making an Enquiry
You can contact me by phone, email, or through the contact form on my website to enquire about available appointments. I will respond as soon as possible to discuss your needs and answer any initial questions.
Booking Your First Appointment
Once we’ve had an initial conversation and agreed that I am a good fit for your needs, we will book your first session at a mutually convenient time.
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and Medicare Rebates
If you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions, you will need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP.
Please send a copy of your MHCP and the referral letter from your GP before your first session. Without a valid MHCP and referral, I will not be able to process Medicare rebates.
Private Appointments
If you prefer not to use a MHCP, or if you have exhausted your allocated sessions under the MHCP, you are welcome to attend as a private client. Private health insurance rebates may also be available depending on your cover.
Confirming Your Appointment
Once your booking is confirmed, I will provide you with the details for your session, including the time, location (or telehealth link, if applicable), and any paperwork you need to complete beforehand.
Ongoing Appointments
We can arrange ongoing sessions according to your needs and preferences. I will always do my best to accommodate your schedule.
If you have any questions about the booking process, the MHCP, or Medicare rebates, please feel free to ask. I am happy to guide you through the process.
Cancellation Policy
At Your Total Wellbeing, I am committed to offering you consistent, high-quality support. To make sure that appointments are used effectively and to respect everyone’s time, I have the following cancellation policy:
- Notice Period: I ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
- Late Cancellations: If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full session fee will apply.
- Non-Attendance: If you do not attend your appointment and have not let me know, the full session fee will also apply.
- Exceptional Circumstances: I understand that emergencies and unexpected situations happen. If you are unwell or face a genuine emergency, please contact me as soon as possible. In these cases, I may choose to waive the cancellation fee.
- How to Cancel or Reschedule: You can cancel or reschedule your appointment by phone, text message, or email. My contact details are provided at the time of booking and can also be found on my website.
- Consistency and Commitment: Attending sessions regularly is important for your therapeutic progress. If cancellations or missed appointments become frequent, we may need to discuss whether ongoing therapy is the right option at this time.
Thank you for your understanding and for prioritising your wellbeing.
Cancellation & Non-Attendance Policy
I require a minimum of 24 business hours notice if you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
If you are late for an appointment your session will be less than 50 minutes in duration. Please note you will need to pay the full amount in these circumstances; however, your insurance rebate (if any) may be reduced.
|
NOTICE PROVIDED |
FEE CHARGED |
|
More than 24 hours |
No fee |
|
Less than 24 hours |
Full fee |
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No prior notice (I.e., non-attendance) |
Full fee |
Client Onboarding Policy
Welcome to Your Total Wellbeing. I’m so pleased that you’ve chosen to take this important step towards improving your mental health and wellbeing. To help you feel informed and comfortable as we begin working together, I’ve outlined my client onboarding process below.
Initial Enquiry
When you first get in touch—whether by phone, email, or through my website—I’ll respond as soon as possible to discuss your needs and answer any initial questions you may have.
Booking Your First Appointment
Once we’ve agreed that I am the right fit for your needs, we’ll schedule your initial appointment. I’ll also provide you with details about fees, the cancellation policy, and how to prepare for your first session.
Intake and Consent Forms
Before our first appointment, I’ll send you an intake form and a consent form. These will cover important information such as confidentiality, fees, and the nature of therapy. Please complete and return these before your first session, or we can go through them together at the start of our meeting.
First Appointment
During your first session, we’ll discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to achieve, and any concerns or questions you might have. This is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward.
Ongoing Sessions
If we decide to continue working together, we’ll agree on a schedule that suits your needs. I’ll regularly check in with you about your goals and progress, and we’ll adjust the focus of our work as needed.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to a safe, respectful, and confidential space where your wellbeing is the priority. I also ask that you attend sessions on time, provide notice if you need to cancel or reschedule, and communicate openly about your needs and expectations.
Questions and Feedback
I encourage you to ask questions at any time and to share feedback about how you feel therapy is going. Your input helps me to tailor our work together to best support you.
Thank you for choosing Your Total Wellbeing. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey.
Confidentiality Statement
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to providing you with a safe and private space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Everything you discuss with me during our sessions will be treated as strictly confidential. I will not share any information about you without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
- Risk of Harm: If I believe that you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, I am legally and ethically obliged to take appropriate action, which may include sharing relevant information with emergency services or other professionals.
- Legal Requirements: In rare situations, I may be required to disclose information by law, such as in response to a court order or when reporting certain offences.
- Supervision: As part of my commitment to providing the best possible care, I may discuss aspects of my work in professional supervision. However, I will not disclose any identifying information about you during these discussions.
If it becomes necessary to share information, I will always endeavour to discuss this with you first, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm.
If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to raise them at any time. I am happy to provide clarification and ensure you feel fully informed.
Telehealth Policy
I am pleased to offer telehealth appointments as part of my commitment to making therapy accessible and flexible for all my clients. To help ensure that our sessions run smoothly and effectively, please take a moment to read my telehealth policy.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth involves delivering psychotherapy sessions via secure video conferencing or, in some cases, by telephone. This allows you to attend your sessions from a location that is convenient for you.
Confidentiality and Privacy
I use secure, encrypted platforms to protect your privacy. However, it’s important that you also take steps to ensure confidentiality on your end. Please choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be overheard or interrupted during our session.
Technology Requirements
You will need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and access to the agreed video conferencing platform. If technical issues arise during the session, I will make every effort to reconnect or, if necessary, reschedule the appointment.
Location
Please be aware that you must be located in Australia at the time of the session. This is to comply with professional and legal requirements.
Emergency Situations
Telehealth may not be suitable for all situations, especially crises or emergencies. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please contact emergency services (000) or a crisis support line such as Lifeline (13 11 14).
Fees and Cancellations
Fees for telehealth sessions are the same as for in-person sessions. My usual cancellation policy applies to telehealth appointments.
Consent
By attending a telehealth session, you are acknowledging that you understand the nature of telehealth and consent to participating in this format.
If you have any questions or concerns about telehealth sessions, please feel free to discuss them with me at any time.
Payment Policy
At Your Total Wellbeing, I am committed to providing a clear and transparent approach to fees and payments. Below is my payment policy to help you understand how payments are managed for your sessions.
Session Fees
The fee for each session will be discussed and agreed upon before we begin working together. I review my fees periodically and will always provide notice of any changes.
Payment Methods
I accept payment by bank transfer or BPay. Payment details will be provided at the time of booking or at your first appointment.
Payment Timing
Payment is required at the time of your appointment, unless we have made a different arrangement in advance. For telehealth sessions, payment must be made before or immediately after the session.
Medicare and Private Health Rebates
If you are eligible for Medicare or private health rebates, I will provide the necessary receipts or process the rebate as appropriate. Please let me know if you wish to claim through either of these options.
Cancellation Fees
If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice or do not attend, the full session fee will apply, as outlined in my cancellation policy.
Outstanding Payments
If there are any outstanding payments, I will contact you to arrange payment. Continued non-payment may affect your ability to book future sessions.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about fees or payments, please feel free to discuss them with me. I am happy to clarify any details and, where possible, offer flexible solutions if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 28 September 2023
1. Introduction
Your Total Wellbeing (“I”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our psychotherapy and holistic wellbeing coaching services. By accessing or using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect various types of personal information, including but not limited to:
2.1. Contact Information: This includes your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
2.2. Health Information: To provide services, we may collect health-related information, such as your medical history, dietary preferences, and exercise routines. This information is used to tailor our services to your specific needs.
2.3. Payment Information: If you make payments for our services, we may collect payment card information, billing address, and other financial details necessary to process payments.
2.4. Usage Data: We gather information about how you use our website and services, including your IP address, browser type, and operating system.
2.5. Communications: We may keep records of your interactions with us, including emails, messages, and feedback.
3.How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
3.1. Providing Services: We use your information to deliver services to help improve your overall wellness.
3.2. Communication: We may send you updates, newsletters, and relevant information about our services.
3.3. Billing and Payments: To process payments and manage your account.
3.4. Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide support.
3.5. Research and Analytics: We may use de-identified and aggregated data for research and statistical analysis to improve our services.
4. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of data transmission or storage can be 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee the security of your information.
5. Sharing Your Information
We do not, and will never, sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:
5.1. Service Providers: We may share your data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in delivering our services.
5.2. Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety.
6. Your Choices and Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
6.1. Access: You can request access to your personal information we hold and receive a copy of it.
6.2. Rectification: You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
6.3. Deletion: You can request the deletion of your data, subject to legal obligations.
6.4. Opt-Out: You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications at any time.
7. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at [email protected]
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described herein.
Contact Me
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
For emergencies, call 000 or visit your nearest hospital.
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