Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wavelength’s outdoor sessions are grounded in a growing body of research exploring the relationship between natural environments and psychological wellbeing. Research suggests that spending time in nature, particularly when combined with movement, may support reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, psychological restoration and overall wellbeing.

    Blue-space research also suggests that environments around water, including the ocean, rivers and lakes may provide particular opportunities for restoration, physical activity and positive emotional experiences. Wavelength combines these potential benefits with evidence-based psychological therapy, offering another environment in which meaningful therapeutic work can take place.

    References

    Britton, E., Kindermann, G., Domegan, C., & Carlin, C. (2020). Blue care: A systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing. Health Promotion International, 35(1), 50–69. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/day103

    Corazon, S. S., Sidenius, U., Poulsen, D. V., Gramkow, M. C., & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2019). Psycho-physiological stress recovery in outdoor nature-based interventions: A systematic review of the past eight years of research. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(10), 1711. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101711

    Coventry, P. A., Brown, J. E., Pervin, J., Brabyn, S., Pateman, R., Breedvelt, J., Gilbody, S., Stancliffe, R., McEachan, R., & White, P. C. L. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM – Population Health, 16, 100934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100934

    Gascon, M., Zijlema, W., Vert, C., White, M. P., & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2017). Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: A systematic review of quantitative studies. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 220(8), 1207–1221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.08.004

    Georgiou, M., Morison, G., Smith, N., Tieges, Z., & Chastin, S. (2021). Mechanisms of impact of blue spaces on human health: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2486. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052486

    Lahart, I., Darcy, P., Gidlow, C., & Calogiuri, G. (2019). The effects of green exercise on physical and mental wellbeing: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(8), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081352

    Nguyen, P. Y., Astell-Burt, T., Rahimi-Ardabili, H., & Feng, X. (2023). Effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic and mental health, and physical activity: A systematic review. The Lancet Planetary Health, 7(4), e313–e328. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00025-6

    White, M. P., Elliott, L. R., Gascon, M., Roberts, B., & Fleming, L. E. (2020). Blue space, health and well-being: A narrative overview and synthesis of potential benefits. Environmental Research, 191, 110169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110169

  • Well… you might get a little wet! Outdoor sessions will usually go ahead in light rain, so bring a rain jacket and shoes you don’t mind getting a bit damp.

    If the weather is looking truly awful (or unsafe), we’ll simply move your session indoors or switch to telehealth, whichever you’d prefer. We’ll keep an eye on the forecast and let you know if plans need to change.

  • Life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we just ask that you give us as much notice as you can.

    Cancellations within 48 hours of your appointment will incur a 50% cancellation fee, and cancellations within 24 hours will be charged the full session fee.

    Of course, sometimes genuinely unexpected things happen. If something serious has come up, send us an email and we can chat about it.

  • Wavelength is an adults only psychology practice, so we currently work with clients aged 18 and over.

    Keeping our practice focused on adults allows us to offer therapy that’s tailored to the kinds of experiences and challenges that can come with adulthood, whether you’re 18, 38 or 78.

  • -Psychosis
    -Eating disorders and treatment under an eating disorder management plan.
    -Alcohol or substance use as the primary concern
    -People under the age of 18
    -Court-related assessments, legal reports, or medico-legal matters
    -Services funded under TAC, WorkCover/WorkSafe, NDIS, or FAS 

  • Outdoor sessions are designed to feel relaxed, flexible and a little different from traditional therapy. Our meeting location will change throughout the year depending on the season, weather and conditions, but will generally be within 5–20 minutes of Torquay. Before your appointment, you’ll be given a clear meeting point and from there, we’ll head out together for a 50-minute walk, usually along the beach or near the ocean.

    One important thing to consider with outdoor therapy is confidentiality. While we’ll choose locations that allow us to talk comfortably, we can’t guarantee that we won’t cross paths with someone you know. If that happens, there’s absolutely no need to introduce me as your psychologist — accountant, friend, personal trainer… whatever feels easiest! I’ll follow your lead and won’t acknowledge our therapeutic relationship.

    If privacy is particularly important to you, or you think worrying about seeing someone you know might make it harder to speak openly, an in-clinic session may be a better fit. You can always mix and match outdoor and in-clinic sessions depending on what feels right for you.

  • Confidentiality works a little differently when therapy happens outdoors. We choose locations that give us space to talk comfortably and discreetly, but because we’re in a public place, complete privacy can’t be guaranteed. There is always a chance we may pass someone you know while we’re out walking.

    If that happens, I’ll follow your lead and won’t acknowledge that I’m your psychologist or that we’re having a therapy session. You’re welcome to introduce me however you like — your accountant, friend, personal trainer, or simply not introduce me at all.

    We can also talk about confidentiality and what you’d like me to do if we run into someone before your first outdoor session. If the possibility of seeing someone you know is likely to make you feel uncomfortable or less able to speak openly, in-clinic sessions may be a better option for you — and you’re always welcome to switch between outdoor and in-clinic sessions depending on what feels right.

  • Yes! We can provide rebates for indoor and outdoor sessions. Please see the fees section of the website for more information.

  • Outdoor sessions are completely optional and clients can choose in-room or telehealth instead. You can also mix and match if you’re not sure what you would like to do.

  • This is therapy not a workout! We’ll go at whatever pace feels right for you. Some days that might even just be having a sit on the beach.

  • Whatever you’re comfortable walking in! Comfortable clothes and a pair of shoes you’re happy to walk in are perfect. We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing a hat, sunscreen or rain jacket when needed. And maybe leave the good shoes at home! Sand, puddles and the occasional rogue wave are all part of the deal.