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Pick the right practitioner.
Schedule an initial consultation with a practitioner to see if it is the right fit.
What do we do?
Best Life Therapy & Mediation is a practice that aims to assist individuals, couples and families in living their best life. Sometimes, just the act of talking can be very helpful. Psychotherapy and counselling provides a safe haven for precisely that kind of free-ranging release; where you can say things in the therapist's office, with the therapist present, that may be considered incendiary to others.
We provide professional and compassionate counselling services that include couples counselling, post-separation therapy, family therapy, individual therapy for adults, adolescents and children. Mediation is also a primary service of this practice, where practitioners are dedicated in providing progressive and empowering approaches to conflict resolution, problem solving and effective decision making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to book a counselling session. However, your GP may refer you to see a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan, which often does require a referral.
Can I get a rebate?
Medicare rebates are available for those who have a Mental Health Care Plan under the Australian Government’s “Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative”. Only registered psychologists are able provide these rebates depending on whether the practitioner wishes to do so. Please note that not all practitioners are registered psychologists.
Depending on your level of cover, your private health fund may offer a rebate for counselling with our practitioners, whether they are registered psychologists or registered psychotherapists and counsellors.
For further details, please discuss pricing and rebate options with your practitioner.
What areas do practitioners specialise in?
Although practitioners that work with Best Life Therapy & Mediation are highly trained to work with people who have experienced a range of difficulties, Maria Sleight’s main areas of expertise is working with people in a solution-focused setting within the Family Law sector. Her specialties are working within a family context, post-separation parenting matters, psycho-social issues, personality disorders, mental health issues, trauma and other issues.
What qualifications do the practitioners have?
There are different registration requirements for different areas of practice. Clincial Psychotherapists require Master’s level training with a certain amount of clinical hours completed within a clinical counselling setting. Registered Psychologists are required to have registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are required to have a tertiary level degree, a post-graduate qualification in family dispute resolution as well as being registering as a Family Dispute Resolution with the Attorney General’s Department.
Maria Sleight has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution and a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy & Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor, a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Attorney General's Department and a Nationally Accredited Mediator. She has also completed an Accredited Parenting Coordination course which makes her an Accredited Parenting Coordinator. Maria’s qualifications and experience makes her qualified and licensed to practice as a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Parenting Coordinator throughout Australia.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a type of therapy that enables participants to address their troubles, concerns, and all complicated insecurities they have in a protected, non-judgmental setting. Counselling can occur in a variety of ways depending on the nature of your issues and the form of therapy that is most appropriate for you.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are two diverse concepts. They both normally operate from similar frameworks (e.g., Person-centred approach) where both use psychological methods to assist in reducing problematic mental health issues. Psychotherapy, often referred to Psychological Therapy, applies strategies or interventions focusing on positive fulfillment, whether to remedy or maybe ameliorate problematic behaviours, ideologies, impulses, thought processes, and sentiments, and to also strengthen social connections capabilities.
Counselling often focuses on assisting people with everyday life struggles, unwanted problematic behaviours and find ways or strategies to deal with life struggles.
How do I know what type of treatment, intervention or therapy I need?
At your initial consultation, your practitioner will complete a thorough assessment of your needs, which usual includes psycho-social history, physical health, family dynamics and more. Most practitioners have a preferred mode of therapy that they practice, but they usually formulate a case plan based on your individual needs.
How many sessions will I need?
Given the individual and unique nature of relationships there aren’t a set number of sessions and there is also no prescribed course of action. The number of sessions required will depend on the complexity of the problem and a person’s progress. Sometimes a series of sessions might be recommended to create sufficient opportunity to address issues. On an average, people usually require up to 6 sessions to work through an issue. Your practitioner will review your progress and discuss with you whether they feel you may require further sessions.
Do I have to prepare for my first session?
There is no obligation for you to prepare anything for your first session, unless requested otherwise by your practitioner and depending on the service you require. It can be helpful to bring prior notes, thought diaries or anything that you may feel you would like to discuss with your practitioner.
For services involving Family Law matters, your practitioner will provide you with an overview of documentation, notes or any other materials that would be helpful for the session.