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Wanting help and arranging it are not the same thing. Identifying the practical obstacle can make the first appointment easier to organise.

When logistics get in the way

Someone can be ready to talk to a professional and still find the arrangements overwhelming. Worry about cost, finding a time that fits around work or school pick-ups, language preferences and simply not knowing how to begin the conversation can all push the first step further away. Naming the specific obstacle is often the most useful place to start.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, is qualified in psychotherapy too, and she understands that the practical side can feel just as daunting as the emotional side.

Questions to ask when you call

When enquiring about an appointment with Christine, it is fine to ask straight out about fees, available times, whether sessions are in person, and anything else that affects you, such as accessibility needs or a preferred language. Getting clear answers can remove a lot of uncertainty.

If the thought of explaining everything feels too much, write down just one thing you would like to talk about and bring that note. You do not have to commit to a long series of sessions before you have even met.

Keeping the focus on you

Once you begin, the work should reflect your priorities. You can talk about what you hope to understand, what seems hard to change and how you might tell whether things are moving. It is worth checking how often the plan gets revisited, and who to contact if things become harder between visits. Urgent situations need 000 or a 24-hour crisis line, not a booked session.

Your GP can also discuss whether a mental health care plan or another service might suit your situation.

Taking the first step in Lane Cove

For residents of Lane Cove and the surrounding lower North Shore, a short phone call or email is usually enough to get started. Christine sees psychotherapy clients at the Lane Cove clinic and can talk through the practical details before you decide anything further.