At Perception Psychology we help treat, support and eliminate psychological concerns and indirectly physiological health issues. We do this through multiple therapies, such as EMDR, ACT and Schema Therapy.
The physical symptoms that accompany psychological concerns, are often very debilitating, such as digestive problems, headaches, lethargy, aches and pains. As a result of wanting to help more, we have decided to extend our treatment toolbox, by introducing polyvagal theory/yoga-type classes = Brain & Body
The Polyvagal Theory provides us an understanding of three neural circuits that support different types of behaviour:
social engagement behaviors in safe environments
fight or flight immobilization behavior
shutting down (second level of defense)
It does so through the Vagus Nerve, which starts at our brain stem and extends throughout our bodies, all the way down to our digestive system.
Why Is the Vagus Nerve Important?
Because information flows both to and from the brain via vagal pathways, the vagus nerve can be thought of as a major mind-body highway. The many branches of the vagus nerve are increasingly seen as pathways for promoting or restoring health and ameliorating the physiologic unease that gives rise to anxiety and other negative mental states.
The vagus nerve is why your heart races and stomach curdles when you sense a threat and why your breathing slows and your body relaxes when friends welcome you to their house. The vagus nerve is the key player in the autonomic nervous system controlling your internal organs.
Brain and Body classes will include, yoga, education, breathwork, laughter and social connection - all the things that the vagus nerve needs to tone and provide relief from both psychological and physiological concerns.
Brain & Body Class Information:
Classes will run, initially, every Friday morning for 8 weeks. There will be limited spaces available, so you may want to get in fast!
8 Week course
Time: 9:30-11AM @ Perception Psychology
Course cost: $480.00 ($60.00 per session)
Medicare Rebate: $197.20 ($24.65 per session)
Out of Pocket cost: $282.80 ($35.35 per session)
*payment per week is encouraged as it can be financially easier. Full payment of course is available also
1st Half session – Therapy/education
2nd Half session – Yoga
If you would like further information, please email Bec directly:
bec@perceptionpsychologysa.com.au
GROUP PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY MEDICARE REBATE INFORMATION
Medicare currently offers eligible individuals a rebate for 6 -10 group ‘Psychological Therapy’ sessions (in addition to the 6-10 individual sessions) with a Medicare registered Psychologist.
*Please note that unless otherwise specified, the Medicare rebate is only available for 6 week courses in person, not for workshops, retreats or online courses.
To be eligible for the rebate, you will need an Australian Medicare card and a mental health care plan and a referral letter from your GP or Psychiatrist.
You only need a referral from you GP if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for the course.
If you already have a mental health care plan and a referral for individual counselling (either with me or another psychologist), you will need to talk to your referring GP about adding group therapy to the care plan, and you will need another referral letter specifically for group therapy (details below).
To receive a rebate from Medicare you must:
Book a long appointment with your GP (or Psychiatrist) and receive the following:
Mental Health Treatment Plan that includes GROUP psychological therapy under the Medicare ‘Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative’ (if you already have a Treatment Plan, group therapy will need to be added).
a written referral to Psychologist Rebecca Richardson, specifying a referral for 8 sessions of GROUP psychological therapy. It must be dated before the beginning of the course (if this is dated after the commencement of the course, you will only be able to claim for the classes after this date).
Register for the course either by calling Rita at Perception Psychology Reception, 8364 2145, or emailing Bec at bec@perceptionpsychologysa.com.au You can register before or after the visit to your GP.
Complete the registration form (this will be emailed to you after you register).
Bring the referral letter and Mental Health Treatment Plan to the first session (alternatively your GP can email it to Perception Psychology – reception@perceptionpsychologysa.com.au
Attend all the sessions to receive the full rebate (Medicare only provides a rebate for classes you actually attend, if you miss a class you won’t get a rebate for that class).
At the end of the course, complete the feedback form (you’ll receive this at the end of the course).
In accordance with Medicare requirements, we will:
Provide you with a detailed receipt after payment. We will process your Medicare claim online.
Write a letter to your referring GP at the conclusion of the course (you will need to complete the feedback form in a timely manner for this to happen).
For more information about Medicare, visit the Medicare website.
Please note that while we do all we can to support you to claim a rebate, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct referral information to do so. While we will endeavour to process your Medicare rebate for you, on the rare occasion that this fails, we will provide you with a detailed receipt of your session to take to Medicare and claim the rebate yourself.
If you are uncertain whether your GP has completed all the necessary referral information for you to be eligible for a rebate, please confirm this with your GP or call Medicare on 132 011. We cannot confirm these details for you.
