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Wanting support and arranging it are two different hurdles. Naming the practical obstacle is often the most useful first move.

Plenty of people know they would like to talk to someone and still never quite make the call. Work hours, family commitments, cost, language or simply not knowing how to begin can all push that first conversation further down the list.

Naming the real obstacle

Sometimes the most helpful step is identifying exactly what is in the way. Is it the fee, the time of day, uncertainty about what a session involves, or worry about finding the right words? Once the obstacle has a name, it often becomes easier to solve or at least to ask about.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, holds qualifications in psychotherapy and sees clients at the Lane Cove clinic. Some people first meet Christine during another appointment, which can make a later talking session feel less daunting.

Questions to raise when booking

• What are the fees, and is any rebate relevant to me?
• Which days and times are available?
• How long does a session last, and what format does it take?
• Are there any arrangements that would make attending easier for me?

If explaining everything feels overwhelming, jot down a single concern you would like to start with. One sentence is enough to open a conversation. Some people also find it helps to book a time of day when they will not need to rush straight back to work or school pick-up afterwards.

Small steps, no long commitment

Getting practical answers can make the next step easier without locking you into a lengthy course of sessions. Psychological care should still leave room for your priorities: what you want to understand, what feels hard to change and how you will notice movement. Ask Christine how the work will be reviewed and where else you can turn if your needs change between visits.

If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a crisis line straight away rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.