Therapy for adults
My Special Interest Areas Include:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
ADHD
Autism
Chronic health conditions
Trauma (including complex and developmental trauma)
Intellectual disability
Burnout and stress
Relationship difficulties
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem and confidence
Life transitions
Parenting support
Sleep concerns
Identity and self-discovery
Sexuality
Eating and body image concerns
Perfectionism
Adults may benefit from therapy to:
Process trauma held in both the mind and body
Reconnect with their most authentic self
Understand and regulate a full range of emotions
Develop healthier, more sustainable coping strategies
Feel more present and connected in their lives
Build and maintain meaningful, fulfilling relationships
Strengthen resilience and self-awareness
Shift limiting or unhelpful thought patterns
Embrace a neuro-affirming sense of identity
Honour and integrate all parts of themselves
Therapy for children and teenagers
Important Note for Parents of Children Aged 0–12
If you're seeking support for a younger child, please be aware that I work from a highly collaborative, parent-involved model. This means therapy will often involve you, the parent or caregiver, as much as (if not more than) your child.
You can expect parent-only sessions focused on:
Adjusting parenting approaches
Advocating for your child’s needs
Making supportive environmental changes
Learning and applying therapy-informed strategies at home
Research has shown that just one hour of therapy with a parent can be as effective as 80 hours of direct therapy with a child. My approach reflects this evidence: empowering caregivers is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s growth and wellbeing.
Special Interest Areas
I have a strong interest and clinical experience in working with:
School trauma
Burnout
Depression
Anxiety
ADHD
Autism
Intellectual disability
Social communication differences
Identity and self-discovery
Sexuality
Emotional regulation
ARFID and other eating disorders
PANS and PANDAS
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
OCD
Attachment and relational trauma
Complex trauma
Developmental delays
How Children and Teens May Benefit from Therapy
Therapy can support young people to:
Develop decision-making, identity, and self-advocacy skills
Reduce distressing or disruptive behaviours
Strengthen social and relational skills
Expand their emotional vocabulary
Process trauma stored in the body and non-verbal memories
Learn how to regulate their nervous system
Deepen their sense of connection and belonging
Build play and imagination skills
Enhance communication and expression
Explore their inner world safely and creatively
Improve problem-solving and resilience
Support secure attachment by helping caregivers understand developmental needs
Learn protective behaviours and safety strategies
Feel seen, heard, and validated
Build understanding of neurodiversity and celebrate their differences
What is Play-Based Therapy?
Play-Based Therapy is a child-centred, neuro-affirming approach that uses the natural language of play to support emotional expression, learning, and connection. Rather than focusing on changing a child’s behaviour to meet neurotypical standards, play therapy meets the child where they are—honouring their communication style, preferences, and sensory needs.
Through guided play, children can:
Safely explore and express their emotions
Build confidence and self-awareness
Strengthen social connections and communication
Learn in a way that feels natural and enjoyable
For autistic children and other neurodivergent children, play becomes a trusted space to process experiences, foster independence, and engage with the world on their own terms.
Why Use Play-Based Therapy?
Play is not just fun—it’s a powerful way for children to grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Play-based therapy creates a low-pressure environment where children feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves.
Key reasons it supports neurodivergent children:
Meets the child where they are—no need to mask or perform
Reduces anxiety and pressure often found in traditional settings
Encourages natural, self-directed learning
Enhances language, social, and emotional development
Builds motivation by incorporating the child’s interests
This approach supports children in a way that respects their autonomy and celebrates their individuality.
Key Benefits of Play-Based Therapy
Improves communication in ways that feel authentic to the child
Encourages eye contact and joint attention in playful, non-forced ways
Supports turn-taking and cooperative play without coercion
Boosts problem-solving and creative thinking
Strengthens emotional expression and regulation
Builds stronger connections with caregivers and peers through shared joy
These outcomes are not the result of changing who the child is, but of creating an environment where who they are is fully welcomed and supported.
What Does It Look Like?
Play-based therapy may include:
Pretend play
Toy-based interactions
Storytelling and imaginative play
Social play
Sensory exploration tailored to the child’s preferences and needs
Therapists may use games, art, puppets, music, or movement—whatever the child naturally gravitates toward. The focus is always on creating a safe, affirming space for the child to grow at their own pace.
In-Person Appointments
If you're local to the Townsville region, you’re welcome to attend sessions in person. My office is located at:
19 Patrick Street, Aitkenvale QLD 4814.
Business Hours (Fortnightly Schedule):
Even-numbered weeks: Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Odd-numbered weeks: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
To enquire about engaging, click here.
Telehealth Appointments
I offer therapy sessions Australia-wide via secure phone or video conferencing. Telehealth is available during the same hours listed above and offers flexible access to support from the comfort of your home.
Please Note:
I do not offer bulk billing or reduced-fee sessions.
After-hours appointments are not available unless arranged in advance.
I do not provide psychometric assessments or formal diagnostic reports, including those for Autism or ADHD.
Before starting therapy, I encourage you to consider your readiness to engage in meaningful, active participation. Therapy is most effective when approached with openness and commitment.
Funding Options at Thompson Psychology
Private Health Insurance
Many private health insurers offer rebates for psychology sessions, though the rebate amount and number of eligible sessions vary by provider.
Please contact your insurer directly to confirm your coverage and expected rebate.
Full payment is required at the end of each session (via bank transfer or debit card).
A receipt will be issued, which you can submit to your insurer.
Note: HICAPS is not available on-site.
Medicare – Better Access Scheme
You may be eligible for Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) provided by your GP.
The plan initially covers 6 individual sessions, with an option for 4 additional sessions after a GP review (10 sessions per calendar year).
Full session fees are payable upfront. Thompson Psychology can process your Medicare rebate on your behalf.
Please book a long consultation with your GP and let reception know it's for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
I welcome NDIS participants and am committed to neuro-affirming, inclusive care.
Funding requirements: I am not NDIA registered, so your plan must be self-managed or plan-managed.
Fees: Charged below with the current NDIS Schedule of Fees, same fees as other clients of Thompson Psychology.
Services: I offer intervention support only (not assessments).
Accessibility: Please note that the office has a small number of stairs at entry.
I work collaboratively with support coordinators and stakeholders and follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.
My approach is grounded in functional capacity-building, with a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that uphold your autonomy and values.
WorkCover Queensland
If your WorkCover claim is approved, you may be eligible for psychology sessions funded through the scheme.
All appointments must be pre-approved by WorkCover before booking.
Session limits and coverage are determined by WorkCover based on your claim.
Please confirm approval with your case manager before making an appointment.
Cancellation Policy
Your time—and mine—is valuable. I maintain a clear cancellation policy to ensure fairness for all clients and to allow those on the waitlist a chance to access appointments.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice (on business days).
Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will incur the full session fee.
Medicare rebates do not apply to missed or late-cancelled sessions.
Payment for late cancellations or non-attendance is required before another appointment can be booked.
Why This Matters
A late cancellation affects three people:
You, by delaying your progress
Another client, who may have needed that time
Your psychologist, who has prepared for your session.
Thank you for your understanding and for respecting this policy.
Fees
Standard 45-50 minute session (Medicare, NDIS, or Private): $225
After-hours appointments (before 8:30am or after 4:30pm): Additional $15 surcharge
Thompson Psychology does not offer reduced or concession rates. WorkCover sessions are billed in line with the current WorkCover Queensland fee schedule.
Medicare Rebates
With a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $98.95 (as of July 2025).
This results in an out-of-pocket cost of $126.05 per session.
Thompson Psychology’s fees are set below the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) recommended rates. I recognise the financial pressures many families are facing and aim to keep fees fair while ensuring the sustainability of a small, locally run practice. Fees are reviewed annually.
