Frequently Asked Questions

Psychological Therapy

  • Psychological therapy, also called talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a safe and supportive space where you meet with a registered psychologist. Together, you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to understand what is affecting you. Through this process, you can gain insight, develop effective strategies, and work towards greater well-being and your personal goals.

    While similar to counselling, psychological therapy is delivered by a psychologist and uses evidence-based approaches tailored to your mental health needs, rather than general guidance or support.

    In Australia, all psychologists are registered with AHPRA. Clinical psychologists typically complete six years of university study, followed by a two-year registrar program.

  • In therapy, you and your psychologist work together to understand what’s affecting you, explore patterns, and develop strategies to support your well-being and personal goals. Sessions are collaborative, with the pace guided by you. At Inner Grove, my approach is to walk alongside you, supporting your journey while recognising that you are the expert in your own life.

    Therapy may include reflection, discussion, exercises, or experiential approaches, depending on what works best for you.

    Lina primarily works with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy which an experiential modality. There is increasing evidence that experiential approaches may support deeper processing of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In practice, this means that, in addition to talking, the therapist will help you actively explore and interact with the different “parts” of yourself in the moment, noticing emotions, bodily sensations, and internal perspectives to better integrate your inner experiences.

  • As a Clinical Psychologist, Lina Schonfeld is trained in a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Her primary modality is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and she also integrates ACT, CBT, somatic techniques, and attachment-informed approaches to ensure therapy aligns with your preferences, needs, and circumstances.

    Lina also enjoys working with parents and is a certified Circle of Security Parenting (COSP-P) facilitator.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you explore and work with the different “parts” of yourself. The IFS model suggests that everyone has parts that carry thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

    Managers are protective parts that try to prevent pain by controlling situations and planning ahead. Examples include a part that may push you to always be perfect, is critical, people-pleases to avoid conflict, or may try to be in control to prevent uncomfortable feelings.

    Firefighters are protective parts that react when strong emotions or past pain surface. Examples include the part that may distract you with overeating, drinking, or scrolling on your phone, shuts down emotionally, or reacts with anger to push away uncomfortable feelings.

    Exiles are parts that carry burdens, such as past wounds, fears, or unmet needs. These are vulnerable or hurt parts that protective parts try to shield.

    IFS encourages you to connect with all your parts in a curious and compassionate way, rather than judging or trying to eliminate them. Through this experiential process, you can develop a collaborative relationship with your internal system, allowing your parts to work together more harmoniously. This may support greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and resilience.

    IFS can be helpful for a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and patterns that feel hard to change. Some people find it helpful when other approaches haven’t fully addressed their concerns.

    IFS therapy is recognised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as an evidence-based approach.

    Learn more about IFS

    Podcasts:

    Books:

    • No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. Schwartz

    • The Internal Family Systems Workbook: An Interactive Guide to Individual and Family Therapy by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz

  • At Inner Grove Clinical Psychology, Lina Schonfeld works with adults experiencing a wide range of challenges, including, but not limited to:

    • Anxiety and stress

    • Depression and low mood

    • Trauma, including childhood trauma and experiences related to personality disorders

    • Relationship difficulties

    • Substance use issues

    • Eating and body image concerns

    • Sleep difficulties

    • Life transitions and adjustment challenges

    • Workplace challenges, including isolated work and shift work

    • Parenting-related concerns

  • Therapy provides a safe and supportive space and can help with a range of difficulties. At Inner Grove Clinical Psychology, therapy may support you to:

    • Develop strategies for managing stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions

    • Understand and cope with symptoms of depression or low mood

    • Explore and work through trauma or challenging life experiences

    • Improve relationships and communication with others

    • Navigate life transitions and adjustment challenges

    • Increase self-awareness and skills for managing emotions

    • Address challenges related to parenting, work, or lifestyle

    • Explore patterns related to substance use, eating, or body image

    While therapy can be helpful, it is important to note that outcomes can’t be guaranteed and may depend on several factors, such as your participation, external life circumstances, and the approach used by your therapist.

  • At Inner Grove Clinical Psychology, all sessions are held via secure video or telephone. There are no face-to-face appointments available.

    A psychological Telehealth consultation is a therapy session with a psychologist conducted via video on your phone, tablet, or computer, in the privacy and comfort of your own space. Sessions can also be held via a phone call, or a combination of both if preferred.

    A video Telehealth session works similarly to an in-person appointment, with the main difference being that you and your psychologist connect through a device rather than sharing the same physical space.

  • Telehealth sessions can be a convenient and effective option, especially when you:

    • Have difficulty reaching a clinic due to work, commuting (e.g., FIFO, BIBO, DIDO, long-haul driving), or mobility challenges

    • Care for children, elderly, or medically vulnerable family members

    • Want to continue therapy while away from home

    • Prefer the privacy and comfort of your own space

    • Feel anxious about attending a clinic or waiting room

    • Are concerned about confidentiality in your community

    • Are unwell, isolating, or want to reduce exposure to illness

    • Want to maintain regular sessions without the burden of travel

  • Telehealth may not be the best option if:

    • You have significant communication difficulties, such as severe hearing impairments, that make video or phone sessions challenging.

    • You require in-person interventions that cannot be delivered remotely (applies to some DVA services).

    • You are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis. Inner Grove does not provide crisis support. If you are in a crisis, please reach out to one of the services listed below:

    • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 (24/7)

    • Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)

    • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7)

    • MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)

  • Before your first session, you will receive a link to access your Telehealth appointment. You don’t need to download any software, your session can be accessed directly via video link on your phone, tablet, or computer.

    Telehealth sessions are secure and confidential. Inner Grove uses the Halaxy Telehealth platform which complies with the privacy and data protection requirements set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

    You can find further information about the Halaxy platform and process here.

Telehealth Psychological Therapy

Sessions

  • New clients

    You can either contact Lina Schonfeld using the contact form at the bottom of this page to discuss booking a session, or book a free 15-minute phone call through the appointments page. There is no obligation - this is simply an opportunity to talk about your needs and explore whether my approach feels like the right fit for you.

    Existing clients

    You can book your ongoing sessions directly through the appointments page at a time that suit you. If you would like to meet at a certain time/day and there are no spots available, please contact me at lina@innergrovepsychology.com.au and I will try to accommodate you as best I can.

  • No, you don’t need a referral to make an appointment, you’re welcome to book directly. However, please note that without a referral, sessions are paid in full privately. This means that you cannot get a Medicare rebate.

    If you prefer, you can also see your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan, which allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for part of the session fee.

  • A standard session with a psychologist is 50 minutes.

    You can also book a double session if needed. If you are booking a double session, please note that:

    • If you are claiming via Medicare, only one session per day is eligible for rebate.

    • You may be able to claim the second session through your private health fund, or

    • Pay privately for the additional session without claiming a rebate.

  • After booking your first session, you will receive an email with a Client Intake Form to complete. This form collects your details, such as address and emergency contact and other relevant information. This also includes a consent form with important information about the services offered, privacy, and confidentiality.

    Please complete this form before your first session. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on lina@innergrovepsychology.com.au.

    Prior to your first session, you will also receive the meeting link for your Telehealth session. A reminder is sent 48 hours before your session to help ensure you don’t miss your appointment and have time to make changes if needed.

  • The number and frequency of sessions can vary for each person, and it is your choice how many sessions to engage in. Many people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, but this can be adjusted to suit your needs.

    At Inner Grove Clinical Psychology, Lina Schonfeld provides short-term and longer-term therapy:

    • Short-term therapy focuses on a specific difficulty, current challenge, or goal.

    • Longer-term therapy may address past trauma, entrenched patterns, or ongoing challenges.

    • Some people engage in longer-term therapy for general self-development rather than a particular problem.

    You and your practitioner can discuss the approach and schedule that best meets your individual needs.

Session Fees

  • Session fees for a 50-minute consultation are as follows (all times Adelaide, ACST):

    • Weekdays: $200

    • Saturdays: $230

    • Sundays: $250

    These fees are set below the APS National Schedule of Suggested Fees, which recommends $311 for a 50-minute consultation.

    With a valid Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare provides a rebate of $145.25 per session. You can claim this rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

    For more detailed information please refer to the Services and Fees tab.

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

    • Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a fee of 50% of the session cost, which is $100.

    • Cancellations due to emergency will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    A reminder is sent 48 hours before your session to help ensure you don’t miss your appointment and have time to make changes if needed.

    This cancellation policy helps ensure that time is respected for both you and other clients seeking appointments.

  • You can obtain a Medicare rebate via a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This is a referral from your GP to a psychologist. It allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP will assess your eligibility and complete the necessary paperwork.

    • An initial MHCP provides 6 subsidised sessions.

    • If more sessions are needed, your psychologist can communicate your progress to your GP, who may then refer you for 4 additional sessions.

    • Please note that a maximum of 10 subsidised sessions can be accessed in a calendar year.

    Important:

    • Ensure your MHCP is valid at the time of your session; otherwise, you will be charged the full consultation fee.

    • Rebates cannot be backdated for sessions held before your MHCP referral.

    • Your MHCP and any communication between your psychologist and GP become part of your medical record. Any correspondence will adhere to Privacy Act requirements and professional confidentiality standards to ensure your information remains secure and protected.

  • To access DVA-funded sessions, you will need a referral from your GP, which covers 12 sessions per treatment cycle, and you will not have any out-of-pocket costs (sessions are bulk-billed). At the end of each cycle, your psychologist will provide a progress letter to your GP, who can then refer you for another 12 sessions if required.

    Please note: If your sessions are conducted via telephone, you will need access to a computer or smartphone with video capabilities for the initial consultation of each treatment cycle.

  • You may be able to claim a rebate through your private health insurance for psychology sessions. Please check with your health fund to confirm your coverage and any requirements, such as session limits or provider eligibility.

Contact

lina@innergrovepsychology.com.au