Practical information
The easiest first step is a free 15-minute phone chat, so we can briefly talk about what's bringing you to therapy and whether working together feels like a good fit.
Getting started is meant to feel low-pressure - here's what you need to know before you reach out.
From there, most people choose to begin with an introductory session before moving to standard sessions.
No doctor’s referral is required to attend and there are no limits to the number of sessions you can have.
The course of therapy itself is ultimately determined by you and your needs - it can be short, medium, or long term. Sessions are generally weekly or fortnightly.
If you are interested in reaching out, call or email me at 0439 255 360 or info@sarahblacktherapy.com.au.
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Reaching out to a therapist can feel daunting, especially if you are feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck.
This initial phone call is not a formal therapy session—it is simply a warm, pressure-free conversation to help get a sense of us as being a good fit for your therapeutic journey.
Here is what to expect when I call you:
A brief check-in: We will start with a quick introduction. I will ask you a little bit about what is bringing you to therapy right now and what you are hoping to get out of it. You only need to share as much as you feel comfortable with.
A chance to ask questions: You can ask me about how I work, my Gestalt approach, or any practicalities like fees, scheduling, or online vs. face-to-face sessions.
No obligation: There is absolutely no pressure to book an introductory session on the spot. If we feel like a good match, we can lock in a time for a session. If not, or if you need time to think about it, that is completely okay.
The goal of this call is for us to get a sense of one another and how we might work together, so you can decide from the inside if I'm the right person to walk alongside you.
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Face-to-face therapy is offered out of Lygon Therapy, 622 Lygon St, Carlton North in a lovely restored Victorian terrace.
I also offer online sessions for clients who prefer this option.
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As I build my practice, I have availability on Thursday evenings (7.00pm - 9.00pm) and on Friday mornings (9.30am - 12.30pm).
I'm intending to add new times so it's always worth getting in touch even if these don't suit.
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Sessions run for 50 minutes held in person or online.
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Standard session: $150
Introductory session: $80 (a lower-cost first session).
Fees are invoiced and paid securely online through Halaxy, a secure practice management system, after each session.
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I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule for whatever reason.
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice are charged the full session fee.
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Confidentiality is of utmost importance and I ensure your privacy is protected.
Please be aware that under Victorian law and my registrations, it is a requirement that I keep client documentation for seven years. These files will be kept on a password protected computer-based system.
Files are not protected from courts under Victorian law and therefore must be made available if subpoenaed.
I may have to notify appropriate authorities or support service organisations if significant risk to yourself, or others is identified.
All other communication will be done in consultation with you and only after direct consent has been given.
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I hold Certified Practising registration with PACFA (the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), which is my primary registration. To maintain it, I'm required to complete ongoing continuing professional development, undertake regular clinical supervision of my client work, hold professional indemnity insurance, and adhere to PACFA's Code of Ethics — including its independent complaints process.
I also hold registration with the Victorian Association of Gestalt Practitioners (VAGP) as a Registered Gestalt Therapist. This reflects my specific training and ongoing practice in the gestalt modality. It means I'm also bound by VAGP's Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, along with annual requirements for professional development, supervision, and client contact hours.
Together, these registrations mean my practice is externally accountable, not self-declared — with clear standards and complaints pathways in place to protect clients.
