Question 1

What makes DIVE Healing® different?

Accepted Answer

DIVE Healing® was founded by Arissa Brunelli (Registered Psychologist & Integrative Sound Medicine Practitioner) as a response to a gap many people feel in traditional healthcare, a gap between symptoms and meaning, between diagnosis and true healing.

Many clients arrive here feeling tired of searching outside themselves for answers that never quite land. They may be experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, compulsive patterns, relationship challenges, or a lingering sense of disconnection, often without a clear explanation as to why.

At DIVE Healing®, we view these experiences not as problems to be fixed, but as messages, signals pointing toward deeper unmet needs, unresolved experiences, or misalignment within the system as a whole.

Our work is grounded in the understanding that healing is not about fixing yourself. It’s about remembering who you truly are, beneath labels, diagnoses, and expectations.

This is where our unique integration of Women’s Holistic Psychology and Integrative Sound Medicine comes in. Sessions are informed by both evidence-based psychological science and body-based, energetic, and subconscious approaches, allowing healing to occur at emotional, nervous system, and cellular levels.

Each session is a meaningful collaboration, carefully tailored to your individual needs, intentions, and readiness. Together, we create a space that supports deep, sustainable transformation, not just symptom management, but real change at the root.

DIVE Healing® is for those who sense there is more to their healing journey, and who are ready to gently yet powerfully reconnect with their inner wisdom, resilience, and truth.

Question 2

How can I start working with you?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, congratulations on taking the step to reach out and entrust us with your care. It takes courage to begin, or continue, your therapeutic journey.

To make your first appointment, please book online via the “Book Now” link. This is the most efficient way to secure your session, as the online calendar reflects the most up-to-date appointment availability.

If you have a question, please refer to our FAQs before getting in touch, as you may find your answer there. For any other enquiries, you’re welcome to contact us via email  (preferred) or phone. Please note that we don’t manage appointment requests through Instagram or Facebook. Thank you.

At DIVE Healing®, we acknowledge that not all women menstruate, and not all who menstruate identify as women. Throughout our website, the term “women” is used to reflect the focus of Women’s Holistic Psychology and to highlight longstanding gaps and biases in women’s health research. Our services are inclusive and affirming of all gender identities, including cisgender and transgender women, non-binary individuals, and anyone assigned female at birth who feels drawn to this work.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see you and how does Medicare work?

Accepted Answer

You’re very welcome to book a session without a referral, a medical referral is not required to begin therapy.

All appointments must be booked online via our booking system, and the full session fee is required to be paid upfront at the time of booking in order to secure your appointment.

If you would like to claim the Medicare rebate, you’ll need a valid GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) addressed to the practitioner you’re seeing. If you are changing psychologists, please ensure your GP updates the referral with the new practitioner’s details.

The traditional psychology session length (and the timeframe Medicare rebates are based on) is 50 minutes. Appointments are scheduled for 60 minutes to allow time for clinical note-taking and administrative tasks following your session.

The current Medicare rebate for a 50 minute psychology session is $98.95 AUD. Once your referral has been received, the rebate can be processed on your behalf on the day of your appointment. Please note that Medicare rebates cannot be processed prior to your session.

You may provide your referral as a hard copy on the day of your appointment, or ask your GP to send it to us electronically in advance.

Please be aware that the Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of the session. For up-to-date fee information, please refer to the relevant section of our FAQs.

If you have private health extras cover, you may also be eligible to claim a rebate depending on your policy. Please check directly with your health fund. Rebates can be claimed from either Medicare or private health, not both.

Question 4

How is Integrative Sound Medicine woven into ‘Women’s Holistic Psychology’ sessions?

Accepted Answer

The integration of Acutonics® and Biofield Tuning Sound Medicine within Women’s Holistic Psychology sessions allows for a deeply restorative and multidimensional therapeutic experience.

To include both psychological-focused strategies and Sound Medicine within the same appointment, a long session of 90 minutes must be booked. This extended timeframe enables space for the sound-based work to be incorporated safely and effectively, supporting both the mind and body in the therapeutic process.

The traditional psychology session length, particularly for sessions referred under Medicare, is 50 minutes. The Sound Medicine integration occurs outside of this timeframe, yet it is seamlessly and skilfully woven into your session to support emotional processing, energetic balance, and nervous system regulation.

Each session is tailored to your individual needs, with the sound-based components complementing the psychological focus of the work.

Question 5

What psychology approaches do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I (Arissa) offer evidence-based psychological therapy within a trauma-informed and person-centred framework. All therapy is tailored to the individual and grounded in contemporary psychological practice, with a focus on safety, collaboration, and meaningful, sustainable change.

My work commonly integrates mindfulness-based approaches, which support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. Depending on your goals and clinical needs, therapy may draw on established, evidence-based modalities such as:

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) 
 • Internal Family Systems (IFS-informed therapy)
 • Somatic or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

I also incorporate mindfulness-based behavioural therapies, including:
 • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
 • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCT)

All psychological interventions are delivered in accordance with professional standards, ethical guidelines, and scope of practice for registered psychologists in Australia.

For clients who are interested and where clinically appropriate, longer sessions (90 minutes) may be booked to include Integrative Sound Medicine with Acutonics® and Biofield Tuning® - for more information on these approaches, please visit the Integrative Sound Medicine page here.(https://www.divehealing.com.au/integrative-sound-medicine-gold-coast)

Therapy is collaborative, respectful of your pace, and responsive to your individual needs and readiness for change.

Question 6

Do you see children or couples for sessions?

Accepted Answer

At this time, Arissa is not accepting couples therapy referrals. All sessions are conducted one-to-one, supporting the individual’s personal process and creating space for deep emotional and energetic work.

Psychology sessions are currently available for adults (18 years and over), and on occasion, female and AFAB youth aged 16 years and over. However, children are welcome to receive support through Integrative Sound Medicine sessions, incorporating Acutonics® and Biofield Tuning, which can be deeply soothing and restorative for their developing nervous systems. Please note that Arissa does not currently offer paediatric psychology sessions.

Working with one individual in a family, particularly a parent or primary caregiver, often brings about meaningful change within the wider system. As an adult begins to heal, regulate, and shift long-held patterns, these changes naturally ripple outward, influencing relationships and family dynamics in powerful ways.

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; everything is connected, and transformation within one person can bring balance and harmony to many.

Question 7

What are the fees for Psychology sessions?

Accepted Answer

The fee structure for Psychology sessions is based on a sessional rate, with each session typically lasting 50 minutes. While appointments are scheduled for 60 minutes, the traditional session time for psychological services (including Medicare-referred sessions) is 50 minutes, which allows time for note-taking and session preparation between clients.

The Australian Psychological Society’s recommended rate for psychologists is $318 per hour, and we continue to keep our fees well below this.

• Standard session (60 min appointment / 50 min session): $210 AUD
 • Extended session (90 min appointment): $288 AUD

A small administration fee applies to each payment (maximum of 1.9% + $1.00), which will be clearly displayed on your invoice total.

Payment is taken upfront at the time of booking your session. If you have a referral under Medicare the same applies, and your Medicare rebate is usually deposited into your nominated bank account by the next business day after the session takes place. If you’ve reached your Medicare Safety Net threshold, your rebate amount increases substantially.

Alternatively, clients with private health extras may be eligible for a rebate through their insurer. Please note that rebates can only be claimed from either Medicare or private health, not both.

Our fees may occasionally be updated, so for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please visit our Bookings Page and click “Book Now”.

For environmental reasons, our practice is paperless. Once payment is complete, a digital receipt is emailed to you. Should you require a printed copy, this will be your responsibility to arrange.

*We are a cash-free practice, and all payments are made online via a secure payment gateway.

Question 8

What are the fees for Integrative Sound Medicine sessions?

Accepted Answer

Integrative Sound Medicine with Acutonics® & Biofield Tuning - Session Rates:

• Adult (18+ yrs) session (90 mins): $255 AUD
 • Youth (12-17 yrs) session (60 mins): $198 AUD
 • Kids (5-11 yrs) session (45 mins): $148.50 AUD

A small administration fee applies to each payment (maximum of 1.9% + $1.00), which will be clearly displayed on your invoice total.

Payment is taken upfront at the time of booking your session. Our fees may occasionally be updated, so for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please visit our Bookings Page and click “Book Now”.

For environmental reasons, our practice is paperless. Once payment is complete, a digital receipt is emailed to you. Should you require a printed copy, this will be your responsibility to arrange.

*We are a cash-free practice, and all payments are made online via a secure payment gateway.

Question 9

Do you charge a deposit to secure appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From January 2026, the full session fee will be required upfront at the time of booking to secure your appointment.

All appointments can be made through our online booking system, which is the preferred method as it displays the most up-to-date availability and reduces the time spent going back and forth to coordinate a session. Booking online ensures your appointment is confirmed immediately and reserved exclusively for you.

Collecting the full session fee at the time of booking helps us to:
 • Confirm your commitment to your appointment and maintain mutual reliability in scheduling.
 • Secure your dedicated session time and ensure smooth calendar management for all clients.
 • Allocate the time, energy, and resources necessary to provide you with the highest quality care.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please review our Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy (see next FAQ) for full details on timeframes, fees, and how to make changes to your appointment.

Question 10

What is the late cancellation fee and missed appointment policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
At DIVE Healing®, our goal is to provide quality care to all clients in a timely and respectful manner. This policy ensures fair access to appointments, minimises disruption for others, and supports the smooth flow of care throughout the practice.

Appointment Cancellations & Rescheduling
When you book an appointment, you’re reserving a dedicated time that becomes unavailable to others. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer your appointment to another client in need of care.

Late cancellations or missed appointments reduce access for others and impact the continuity of care. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

How to Cancel or Reschedule
To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact us via:
 • Phone: (07) 5618 8882 — Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (AEST).
If outside business hours, please leave a detailed voicemail.
 • Email: support@divehealing.com.au()

We’ll confirm your cancellation or reschedule request as soon as possible.

Late Cancellations & No-Shows
A late cancellation is any cancellation or rescheduling made less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time.
A no-show occurs when an appointment is missed without notice.

From January 2026, as all appointments are paid in full at the time of booking, please note:
 • The full session fee is non-refundable in the event of a late cancellation, late reschedule, or no-show.
 • This payment will be retained as the cancellation fee to cover the reserved session time and administrative costs.

Refunds & Credits
If you cancel or reschedule your appointment with more than 24 hours’ notice, the amount paid will not be lost, it will be credited toward your next appointment.

Refunds are not provided once a booking has been made and paid for. In exceptional circumstances, refunds may be considered at the discretion of DIVE Healing®.

Question 11

I have a student, healthcare, or pensioner card - do I still pay the full fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at present our services are provided at the standard session fees listed.

We understand that financial considerations play an important role in seeking support, and we deeply value the courage and commitment it takes to invest in your wellbeing. Our fees reflect the time, expertise, and resources dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.

Charging the full fee allows us to maintain the time, depth, and focus necessary for a truly personalised therapeutic experience. It also ensures we can continue to offer extended session lengths, a calm and well-supported environment, and evidence-based holistic care that integrates mind, body, and energy.

While bulk billing may offer short-term financial relief, it also brings significant limitations that can impact the level of care and attention we’re able to provide. By maintaining a private practice model, we’re able to uphold the integrity, quality, and sustainability of our work.

This structure also enables ongoing professional development, ensuring our practitioners remain up to date with the latest research, approaches, and modalities,  all of which directly enhance the outcomes and experience for our clients.

Question 12

Do you accept referrals through third-party funding (e.g. NDIS, WorkCover, VOC, insurer, or solicitor)?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for considering our services for your healthcare needs. We strive to provide the highest quality of care in a way that genuinely benefits our clients while also supporting our practitioners to do their best work.

This includes ensuring that our practitioners can focus their time and energy where it feels most aligned and purposeful, creating the best possible fit between practitioner and client, which we believe is essential for positive therapeutic outcomes.

As much as we would love to help everyone who reaches out, we do not currently accept referrals through third-party funding arrangements, including NDIS, WorkCover, VOC, insurance, or legal/solicitor pathways.

We recognise the importance of these services, particularly for individuals who have experienced injury or are seeking care through formal support systems. However, the complex administrative, financial, safety, and medico-legal requirements involved in such referrals can significantly reduce the time and resources available for direct client care.

This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining a high standard of focused, timely, and holistic care for all clients within our scope of practice.

We deeply appreciate your understanding, respect, and cooperation.

Question 13

I’ve been court-ordered, or my solicitor has recommended that I see a psychologist for a psychological evaluation, clinical report, or assessment. Do you accept referrals of this nature?

Accepted Answer

Navigating legal matters and court processes can be highly stressful, and we truly appreciate that you’ve considered our services for your support.

However, we do not accept referrals for court-related psychological evaluations, reports, or assessments, and recommend that you seek a practitioner or practice that specialises in medico-legal or forensic psychological services to meet your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress, crisis, or require immediate counselling support, particularly in situations involving domestic or family violence, please reach out to one of the following 24/7 support services:

• 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732
 • DVConnect Womensline — 1800 811 811
 • DVConnect Mensline — 1800 600 636
 • Sexual Assault Helpline — 1800 010 120
 • Lifeline — 13 11 14
 • Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800

Question 14

Do you provide services for victims of crime or families affected by homicide?

Accepted Answer

We hold deep compassion for those impacted by violent crime and homicide and fully acknowledge the immense pain, complexity, and trauma these experiences carry. However, DIVE Healing® is not equipped to provide psychological services to victims of crime or families affected by homicide. This type of work involves significant safety considerations and requires specialist training, clinical frameworks, and legal expertise that extend beyond the scope of our practice.

Supporting victims of crime often involves unique requirements such as:

1. Legal and Forensic Considerations: These cases may involve court reports, testimonies, or close collaboration with legal professionals. This work requires forensic psychology expertise, which falls outside our clinical focus.
2. Resource and Risk Management: Individuals affected by violent crime often need access to multidisciplinary services including crisis response, trauma-specific care, and legal support. These needs are best met by dedicated agencies with the infrastructure and risk management protocols to ensure comprehensive safety and support.

To ensure you receive the specialised and immediate care you deserve, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following dedicated services in Queensland:

Specialist services for families affected by homicide:
 • Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group - Available 24 hours on 1800 774 744. Provides state-wide specialist support for those who have lost a loved one to homicide, including guidance through investigation and court processes.

Victim Assist Queensland:
 • Offers financial assistance and referrals for victims of crime.
Phone: 1300 546 587 | Website: www.qld.gov.au/victimsassist(https://www.qld.gov.au/victimsassist)

Victim Support Services:

• VictimConnect: Free and confidential counselling and case management to help address the practical and emotional impacts of violent crime. Available 24 hours on 1300 318 940.
 • DVConnect: Supports Queenslanders affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence. Provides crisis counselling, accommodation, safety planning, and transport. 24 hours: 1800 811 811.
 • 1800RESPECT: National 24/7 counselling, information, and support for people impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence.
Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or use online chat (video call available Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST).
 • Queensland Health Victim Support Service (QHVSS): Free, state-wide support for individuals or families impacted by a person with mental illness or intellectual disability who has committed a personal crime. Provides counselling, information, and support before, during, and after Mental Health Court proceedings. Offices in Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns.

For additional guidance and information, the Domestic and Family Violence Portal provides resources for people seeking help and safety support in Queensland.

DIVE Healing® by Arissa Brunelli

Holistic Psychology & Integrative Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions