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Wanting help and managing to book it are two different things. Here are practical ways to get past the common obstacles to a first psychotherapy appointment.

It is entirely possible to want support and still find it hard to make the call. The obstacles are often practical rather than emotional, and naming them can make the first step towards an appointment at the Lane Cove clinic feel far more manageable.

Common reasons people put it off

• uncertainty about the cost
• appointment times that clash with work, school pick-ups or caring duties
• a preference to speak in a particular language
• not knowing what to say once you arrive

Working out which of these applies to you is useful in itself. It turns a vague sense of being stuck into a specific problem that can be discussed.

Questions to ask when booking

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, has psychotherapy qualifications as well as her acupuncture training. When you contact the clinic, it is fine to ask about:

• fees and any rebate arrangements that may apply to you
• available appointment times
• whether sessions are in person or another format
• anything else that would make attending easier for you

If explaining feels too much

Write down a single concern you would like to start with. One line on a piece of paper or a note on your phone is enough. Having practical details sorted can make the next step easier without asking you to commit to a long course of sessions in advance.

Keeping your needs in view

Once you begin, you can talk with Christine about what you hope to understand, what feels difficult and how you would notice progress. Ask how the work will be reviewed and what other support exists if your needs change. If a different service would suit you better, that can be part of the discussion too. In an emergency, contact emergency services or a crisis line.

When the practical hurdles are the main thing in the way, a quick enquiry to the Lane Cove clinic about times and fees can be enough to get started with Christine.