Evidence-Based Therapy
Sometimes the most powerful therapy is being truly heard. Person-centred therapy offers a warm, non-judgemental space to understand yourself and grow — at your own pace.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Person-centred therapy (also called client-centred or Rogerian therapy) is a humanistic, evidence-based approach developed by psychologist Carl Rogers. It is founded on a simple but profound belief: given the right conditions, people have a natural capacity to understand themselves and move toward growth and healing.
Rather than directing or diagnosing, your psychologist provides three ‘core conditions’ — genuine warmth, unconditional positive regard (acceptance without judgement), and deep empathy. In this safe, respectful relationship you are free to explore your feelings, make sense of your experiences, and find your own way forward.
Person-centred therapy is one of the most influential approaches in modern psychology. The quality of the therapeutic relationship it pioneered is now recognised as one of the strongest and most consistent predictors of good outcomes across every kind of therapy.
Congruence (a genuine, real therapist), unconditional positive regard (acceptance without judgement), and empathy (deeply understanding your experience). Together, these create the safety that makes change possible.
Person-centred therapy supports a wide range of concerns, and is especially valued when you want space to explore rather than be directed:
Person-centred therapy is led by you, not by a fixed agenda. Rather than following rigid steps, your psychologist offers a consistent, supportive relationship in which you can:
Speak openly in a space of genuine acceptance and warmth, free from criticism or pressure.
Follow what matters to you, rather than a set structure or protocol imposed from outside.
Make sense of your feelings, values, and experiences with empathic, attentive support.
Draw on your own strengths and insight to find the direction that is genuinely right for you.
Because it is led by you, the length of person-centred therapy varies widely — some people value just a few sessions, others a longer supportive relationship. Your psychologist checks in with you about what is helpful.
We believe cost should never be a barrier to quality mental health care. There are several ways to fund your sessions at The Talk Shop:
Medicare Mental Health Care Plan — up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year with a GP referral. Bulk billing may be available.
WorkCover & TAC — no out-of-pocket cost with an approved claim; we bill your funder directly.
NDIS — supported for plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Private Health & self-funded — extras may apply; affordable rates from $50, no referral needed.
Not sure what you are eligible for? Call 1300 224 665 and our team will help you work out your options before your first session.
We offer person-centred therapy in-person at all four Melbourne clinics and via secure Telehealth Australia-wide:
Person-centred therapy is non-directive — your psychologist won’t tell you what to do. Instead they offer warmth, acceptance, and empathy so you can find your own answers. If you would prefer a more structured or skills-based approach, they can integrate one.
It is helpful for self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief, identity questions, and life transitions — and any time you want a supportive space to explore and be understood.
Yes. Person-centred and related humanistic therapies have research support, and the therapeutic relationship they pioneered is one of the most consistent predictors of positive outcomes across all forms of therapy.
It varies. Because the approach is led by you, some people find a few sessions valuable while others prefer an ongoing supportive relationship. There is no fixed timeframe.
Yes. The warmth and connection at the heart of person-centred therapy come through well over secure video, and many people find online sessions comfortable and effective.
No referral is needed to book. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP lets you access Medicare rebates for your sessions.
Elliott, R., Bohart, A. C., Watson, J. C., & Murphy, D. (2018). Therapist empathy and client outcome: An updated meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 399–410. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000175
Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045357
Elliott, R., Watson, J. C., Timulak, L., & Sharbanee, J. (2021). Research on humanistic-experiential psychotherapies: Updated review. In Bergin and Garfield’s Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change (7th ed., pp. 421–467). Wiley.
Our Melbourne psychologists offer warm, non-judgemental, person-centred support. Book online or call — no referral needed to start.
