Tara offers counselling and psychological focused therapuetic interventions to individuals and families.

Tara is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and provides counselling services to individuals with Mental Health Treatment Plans, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and WorkCover. Under the NDIS, she works alongside participants to reach their goals while applying therapeutic strategies to overcome barriers.

You can call 0493 187 663 to schedule an appointment or email Tara: tara.macdonald@oceanbluesocialwork.com.au.

Tara is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and accepts Medicare referrals (Mental Health Treatment Plans). Allocated sessions are up to 10 per year. Referrals are made to Tara Macdonald (Ocean Blue Social Work) by your GP or Psychiatrist. Medicare rebated sessions are treatment-based using Focused Psychological Strategies which is a requirement for both Social Workers and Psychologists accredited under the scheme.

• Counselling sessions are 50 minutes in duration which caters for necessary case notes and progress reports.

Tara provides appointment based counselling services and can assist with referring people into community programs. Ocean Blue Social Work is not a case management or crisis service. For crisis matters, please contact the relevant services for assistance:

- Acute Care Team (QLD Health) 1300 642 255

- Lifeline 13 11 14

- DV Connect 1800 811 811

- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

- Mens Line 1300 789 978 - Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

- 13 YARN 139 276

- QLife 1800 184 527

- Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753

- Alcohol and Drug Support 1800 177 833

Emergencies call 000

The cancellation policy at the bottom of the page specifies the fees and times associated with cancelling an appointment. Due to limited appointment times, Ocean Blue Social Work and Counselling requires a minimum 24 business hours notice-business times (MonFri 9am - 5pm) for cancellations. Full fees apply with the exception of Mental Health Treatment Plans* where 50% of the session fee will be charged within a 24 hour notice period and paid directly to the practice. Cancellations can be notified through phone call or message to 0493 187 663, or email: tara.macdonald@oceanbluesocialwork.com.au.

*The cancellation fee is not funded under the Mental Health Treatment Plan and will be at the individuals expense.

• A Safe & Judgment-Free Space: You can openly express emotions, thoughts, and concerns without fear of judgment.

• Therapist’s Role: The role of the therapist is to listen, asks questions, and offer insights and coping strategies.

• Self-Exploration: Sessions can involve discussing past experiences, identifying patterns, or working on specific issues.

• Emotional Reactions Are Normal: You might experience emotions like sadness, relief, or frustration, and that’s part of the healing process.

• Techniques & Tools: Tara incorporates various therapeutic modalities which are dependant on what is presented at each session. Everyone is different and what might work for some, may not work for other so these strategies are individually tailored.

• Continued Reflection: Therapists may encourage clients to think about or practice certain ideas between sessions to reinforce progress.

After and between sessions:

• Emotional Reflection: Some clients feel lighter and relieved, while others may feel emotionally drained. Both are normal.

• Gradual Progress: Therapy is a process, and change takes time. Clients should be patient with themselves.

• Between-Session Work: Practicing coping strategies or reflecting on discussions helps reinforce progress.