Patient Information
Sessions have an analytic structure, based in Freudian psychoanalytic theory and further developed by his contemporary Jacques Lacan and his school. The structure is defined by certain conditions that make treatment and therapy possible.
"The treatment is not just about listening, it is about giving a direction to the patient's desire." Jacques Lacan
The Structure of Sessions
In my practice as a psychoanalyst, I regard regularity of sessions as the scaffolding that sustains the analytic treatment. We commence with meeting one or two sessions per week, and as the analytic work unfolds, additional sessions, perhaps a third or fourth may be introduced. This structure transcends mere logistics; it is the symbolic architecture that permits the unconscious to articulate itself within the analytic space. The sessions become a consistent placeholder for the unconscious Other, affording yourself a space to speak, where you encounter yourself and the gaps that have caused anxiety and unease in a different and transformative way. Our shared commitment to this structure of meeting weekly and regularly ensures that these gaps in your unconscious knowledge or the anxiety and defense mechanisms it produces are given the possibility of being addressed and gradually worked through.
The analytic discourse we engage in is of an entirely different order, distinct from the dialogues one might share with family, friends, or partners. The psychoanalytic exchange is a dialogue with the Other, the Other of language, which is an enigmatic dimension that exceeds spoken language and sometimes even escapes symbolisation, appearing in various forms, such as sadness, trauma, confusion, grief and anger.As an analyst, I position my presence within this structure, creating the space for you, the analysand, to take center stage. The work is not driven by my agenda; rather, it is about fostering the conditions necessary for you to say more about the desires and issues that may be troubling yourself.
Book Appointment
Appointments are offered based on current openings, respecting the unique timing and readiness for each individual's work. You're welcome to contact Bita, and together, we can work out what may be troubling you.
Session Fee and Payment
In psychoanalytic treatment payment is linked to the concept of value, suffering one unconsciously causes themselves in life (Jouissance), avoidance, guilt and a broader relationship with enjoyment and prohibitions.The treatment brings the patient into contact with their own unconscious desire, and payment acts as a symbolic recognition of the cost to pay for one's desire, and its significance, which necessitates putting one's being into work. It encourages the patient to take their treatment seriously and to engage in the work of analysis.
Each analysand is allocated a dedicated time in my diary, which means you pay for both attended and missed sessions. While cancellations are not part of the analytic framework, adjustments to the contract can be discussed and agreed upon for planned absences, such as holidays. There is some flexibility, and with adequate notice, alternative arrangements may be possible. The fee you pay also supports the broader work of maintaining my practice. It contributes to my professional responsibilities, including supervision, memberships, and other essential expenses, as well as serving as my salary. This structure ensures the sustainability of the practice and the continuation of the analytic work.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Session Structure
These FAQs give some broad information about the setting and the structure I work with in my practice.
How will my private information be handled, and how should I reach you for inquiries?
All electronic data and information will be handled according to the Australian government regulations, Business Victoria standards, and best practice guidelines for private practice psychologists. You can find more information about my privacy practices. I am also happy to answer your questions.
To discuss any inquiries, whether about treatment or a report, you will need to book a session. I will address your problem or question during the session. The brief phone call we have is solely for the purpose of scheduling an appointment, and not for answering questions about your treatment or providing opinions over the phone.
How do I book an appointment?
You can request an appointment using the form, and I will return your call within a day to confirm a time. No referral is needed, and there are no wait times, as I run my own practice. We can typically find an initial time to meet and then discuss the details of our treatment agreement and weekly sessions when we meet. If you prefer, you can call me at 0433 781919 or send a WhatsApp message, which is especially helpful if you're contacting from outside Australia or find it more convenient.
How long is a psychoanalytic session?
The duration of a session isn't fixed but follows the principle of variable-length sessions according to lacanian psychoanalytic theory.The psychoanalyst ends a session when something significant emerges, a shift, or a moment that touches at the core of your unconscious. The session respects the subjective rhythm of your unconscious, rather than clock-time, allowing the work to unfold in a way that highlights the symbolic aspects to progress the treatment.
Do I need a referral or diagnosis to see Bita?
I don't need a referral to see you. It's optional. Furthermore, you do not need to be diagnosed with a psychological disorder to undertake psychological treatment. Some people are aware of a problem and want to address it. We can discuss your concern in the sessions. However if you do opt to use Medicare, your doctor is required to document a diagnosis in your file (I don't have access unless you give me a referral) and it appears in your health records. If you give me a referral I have to write back to the GP at some point and give a summary for your public medical records. If you do not give me a referral, my notes stay with me and aren't shared. As a psychoanalytic psychologist I do not give categorical diagnoses, unless individuals specifically see me for a clinical report.
Can I use Medicare for my treatment?
In Australia, Medicare gives $96 and only for six therapy sessions. This program was created to encourage Australians who haven't tried therapy before to give it a go. That said, the six-session limit isn't based on scientific evidence. The duration of treatment is not determined by a fixed number of sessions or a predetermined timeline. Instead, it is based on the subjective experience of each person in treatment.
Most psychological treatment in Australia happens in private practice and isn't adequetly funded by public or private insurance. With psychoanalysis, it's important to understand that it's a long-term weekly commitment. It's about working with the unconscious knowledge, which is based in transference taking time to develop through free association, dreams, and other unconscious formations. Gradually uncovering how you might be contributing to your own suffering without realising it. While it takes dedication, the insights and changesthat come from this mode of working together are worthwhile and liberating.
How do I access Medicare rebates for psychology?
To access Medicare rebates, you'll need to ask your GP to create a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for you based on a diagnosed mental health condition. In addition to the MHCP, you must also request a valid referral letter from your GP to see a psychologist. The referral letter must include a valid Medicare diagnosis and specify the number of rebates (typically, Medicare rule allows an initial 6 rebates, followed by 4 additional rebates after a GP review).
Please note that the Medicare rebate amount and eligibility for various services are set by Medicare, not by the psychologist. To ensure you meet the requirements, it's important that your referral letter from your GP aligns with Medicare's guidelines. It is your responsibility to schedule the necessary reviews with your GP for further rebates.
What is a valid Medicare referral for psychology?
According to the Department of Health, a valid Medicare referral for psychology must include the following information. It is your responsiblity to ask your doctor to include this information on your referral letter. Without this information I cannot lodge a claim to Medicare
- Date of referral and doctor's signature
- Medicare diagnosis
- Patient's Medicare number
- Patient's name (correct spelling as it appears on Medicare records)
- Patient's date of birth
- Patient's residential address
- Presenting problem and previous diagnoses
- Up-to-date list of medications
- Number of rebates (a maximum of 6 rebates in the first referral, followed by a re-referral for 4 additional rebates)
- Doctor's provider number
If you bring a referral letter you are automatically giving consent to the psychologist to communicate with your GP, and as per Medicare requirement psychologists have to write a brief letter to your GP giving an opinion.