Finding a Psychologist in McKinnon: What to Expect
By Aphrodite Papageorgiou, Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Practitioner
When you are looking for a psychologist, knowing where to start can be difficult. You may want to understand whether they work with your concerns, what happens during an appointment and how to arrange your first session.
I’m Aphrodite Papageorgiou, a clinical psychologist and EMDR practitioner based at Strive Health Hub, 251 Jasper Road, McKinnon. While my practice is located in McKinnon, I welcome in-person clients from across Melbourne, as well as clients Australia-wide via telehealth. I have more than 18 years’ experience working across public, private and forensic mental health settings.
I support adults with a range of emotional and psychological concerns, with particular interests in trauma and PTSD, ADHD and women’s mental health.
You do not need to arrive with a clear explanation of everything you are experiencing. However, having some practical information before you begin can make reaching out feel a little less unfamiliar.
Choosing a psychologist who suits your needs
A useful starting point is to ask whether a psychologist works with the concerns you would like support with. You can also ask how they approach therapy, what appointments cost and whether their consulting days, location or telehealth options suit your circumstances.
You might ask: “Do you work with what I’m experiencing?” or “How would we decide which approach is right for me?”
The first appointment is also an opportunity to consider how you feel in the conversation. Do you feel listened to? Can you ask questions? Does the psychologist explain things in a way that makes sense to you?
In my practice, I welcome these questions. I want you to understand how we might work together, rather than feel that you need to commit before you have had a chance to discuss your needs.
Areas I can support you with
My work is tailored to the person in front of me, rather than a diagnosis alone. The following are some of my particular areas of interest.
Trauma and PTSD
I support adults affected by single-incident trauma, complex trauma and the lasting emotional impact of difficult or overwhelming experiences.
My approach is trauma-informed. This means that I consider how your experiences may shape what feels safe, manageable or difficult in therapy. We can discuss what you would like help with and how to approach that work at a pace that takes your needs into account.
ADHD and neurodivergence
I offer neuro-affirming support for adults navigating ADHD, with a focus on understanding individual traits, recognising strengths and developing strategies for daily life.
Our work may involve exploring the demands you find difficult, identifying approaches that suit you and making room for greater self-compassion. The aim is not to expect you to function exactly like someone else, but to better understand what support is useful for you.
Women’s mental health
I support women navigating anxiety, burnout, changes in identity and the emotional demands of balancing multiple roles.
My interests also include psychological support during perimenopause and menopause, as well as pregnancy and postnatal transitions. These appointments provide space to explore your own experience, including concerns that may have been difficult to prioritise while caring for others.
My approach to therapy, including EMDR
I practise from a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming perspective. People of all identities, genders and neurotypes are welcome.
Depending on your needs and preferences, I may draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy, mindfulness-based practices or EMDR. We will discuss the approach together, including what it involves and why it may be relevant to your goals.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological treatment for PTSD that uses a structured approach to work with distressing memories and reduce their associated distress.
As an EMDR practitioner, I will consider with you whether this approach is suitable for your circumstances. You do not need to know which type of therapy you need before booking an appointment.
What happens at your first psychology appointment?
A standard session with me lasts 50 minutes.
During the first appointment, we will talk about what has brought you to therapy, what is happening in your life and what you would like support to help you change. I may ask about relevant past experiences and the ways you have been managing so far. Together, we can begin identifying goals and possible next steps.
You are welcome to ask questions throughout. I will also explain confidentiality and its limits so that you understand how your information is handled.
There is no expectation that you describe every difficult experience in the first session. We can start with what feels most important or manageable to discuss.
Before your appointment, you may find it helpful to write down a few concerns or questions. This does not need to be a detailed history—just a reminder of anything you would like us to talk about.
Do you need a GP referral to see a psychologist?
You do not need a referral to book a private appointment with me.
However, a referral is relevant when you are seeking Medicare rebates. Speak with your GP about whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and an appropriate referral.
Eligible patients may be able to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions per calendar year, subject to referral requirements and annual limits. A rebate may cover only part of the appointment fee.
When using a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, please arrange for a copy of your referral letter and plan to be provided to the practice. Your GP can send these directly, or you can bring them to your first appointment.
For current appointment fees and information about applicable rebates, please see the Fees & Rebates section or contact me before booking.
Psychology appointments in McKinnon, across Melbourne and via telehealth
I consult on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Strive Health Hub, 251 Jasper Road, McKinnon VIC 3204. Although the practice is based in McKinnon, I welcome clients travelling from across Melbourne for in-person appointments.
Telehealth appointments are also available Australia-wide, providing another option for people who prefer to meet online or are unable to attend the McKinnon practice.
To ask about availability, fees or arranging your first appointment, please contact me directly:
Phone: 0411 487 321
Email: hello@aphroditeppsychology.com.au
Your first message can be simple: “Hello Aphrodite, I’m interested in making an appointment. Could you please let me know your availability and fees?”
You do not need to explain your whole story in an enquiry. We can begin with the practical questions and take the next step from there.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment. Aphrodite P. Psychology does not provide an emergency or crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.