Contact us

Our consulting room is easily accessible in the Sydney CBD. We are located opposite Hyde Park on Elizabeth, south of the Sheraton, north of Park St. There is also an entrance on Castlereagh St. The St James Trust Building is wheelchair accessible.

Close to city buses, trains and light rail, we are 500m from Martin Place and 400m from Town Hall.

There are a number of parking stations in nearby city streets, however, most clients who drive in for their sessions prefer to avoid the city centre and more expensive parking fees and choose to park in either the carpark at the Domain or St Mary’s Cathedral/Cook & Phillip Pool. It is then about a 400m walk. Limited paid meter parking is available in the streets surrounding the pool and cathedral, near the Domain and the Art Gallery of NSW.

You do not need to bring anything or do any preparation for your therapy session. 

Most often you will have a phone conversation prior to your first therapy session — to answer any questions you have, gather some details to ensure we are the right service for you, and make arrangements for your first appointment. 

Your therapist will welcome you and invite you to speak about what has brought you to counselling. She will assist you to get started where necessary and facilitate discussion about your challenges, and/or some background information, for example, your family and medical history. 

A first counselling/therapy session is different for everyone, depending on your situation and level of need. Most people are reassured by our therapists' professionalism, warmth and skill in making your experience not only manageable but commonly a source of great relief.

Counselling and therapy sessions are generally 50 minutes and offered on a weekly basis. While this is the most common service we offer, in some cases longer sessions and a different pattern of frequency may be suitable after assessment and discussion (relating to clinical need and practical parameters).

Session fees range from $175. 

As a private, unsubsidised, city-based practice we are unable to offer a sliding scale or discounted fees.

Payment is by card or online transfer at the time of your appointment.

Sometimes clients come to our service via word-of-mouth recommendation and request their recommended therapist. Where possible their request will be accommodated. 

Occasionally a specific clinical need may suggest that a therapist with specific training or expertise will be best suited to you. And this will be discussed when we speak with you on the phone prior to booking an appointment.

However, given that Jacqueline Stone, Jill Schmidt-Lindner and Dominique Smajstr generally share a common approach and style, with the requisite qualifications and clinical registration, you need not choose which therapist to book.

Do consider your schedule and availability. This often determines when during the week therapy sessions will best suit you. Your availability and that of our therapists are key factors.

Counselling and therapy sessions can be challenging, psychologically and emotionally. Your therapist will facilitate safety and be mindful to proceed at a pace that suits you. 

If you are looking to make constructive changes in your life or confront the difficulties you are experiencing, a degree of upset is likely. You may not always feel comfortable. 

However, positive shifts, relief and insight and direction are also likely. 

Your counsellor is mindful of session endings and will assist you to recover and prepare to finish up. A walk in Hyde Park or similar can be useful if you are returning to work.

It can be a little like a gym workout, even though it is a psychological and emotional workout. You may feel tired and sore, but also pleased.

Most clients go back to work after their sessions, and we are mindful of this and help you to feel okay to do so. 

There may be times in your therapeutic work when you can feel ‘stirred up’ or depleted. We work with your needs and commitments to ensure the best outcomes — we may take a different approach to a session, for example, if you had an interview or presentation afterwards. 

We work with you to ensure you are able to do good therapeutic work in session, but also to be able to function fine in-between sessions.

Preparation for sessions is not necessary. 

Often those of us prone to overthinking will think too much beforehand, and those who are more avoidant will not. We will work with you, no matter your style. Forethought may be useful and welcome but there really is no preparation required.

You will learn new skills in therapy which you may begin to use between sessions. And it can be helpful to reflect on your sessions afterwards. You will soon come to know what works for you.

From a practical point of view, online therapy is similar to Zoom-type meetings with which you are familiar. You will receive a link beforehand.

Most people are surprised by how well counselling and therapy work online. If you have a decent connection and can ensure uninterrupted privacy, it can be just as beneficial as face-to-face therapy sessions.