Shining a light on what really matters
Therapy for adolescents, adults, couples, families & parents
Iluminar Psychology is a boutique psychology practice based in Castle Hill, NSW. We offer in-person and online therapy sessions for various ages. Support is offered for differing issues and concerns.
Services
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Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides a safe and supportive space for anyone facing life challenges. Whether your dealing with persistent stress, overwhelming anxiety, feelings of low mood or depression, coping with complex emotions such as anger, grief, and loss, or struggling with issues related to confidence and self esteem, I am here to support you through your journey.
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Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where both partners can openly share their thoughts and feelings. I act as a neutral facilitator, helping to bridge the gap between differing perspectives and communication styles. By observing and guiding conversations, I can uncover sources of conflict that need addressing and highlight areas of mutual understanding.
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Parent Coaching
Parent coaching is for any parent whether they are feeling out of control as parents and needing strategies to reduce conflict or just want to feel more connected with their children. Parent coaching can help you focus on what matters and improve your communication and relationship with your children, making family life more enjoyable.
Bringing joy & fulfilment to everyday life
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Bringing joy & fulfilment to everyday life ~
Hi, I’m Samira Wiemer and I am a Registered Psychologist.
I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, challenging times, and relationship struggles. My goal is to bring joy and fulfilment into my client’s everyday lives.
I believe that joy and happiness should be a part of everyday life, not just reserved for the special times in our life. In our busy lives, we often lose track of what really matters in life, like our values and dreams. This disconnection can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and persistent stress.
My goal is to help clients reconnect with what matters most to them and incorporate those important aspects into their daily lives. By doing so, we can create a greater sense of joy, fulfilment, and control, which ultimately improves mental health.
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From a young age, I knew I wanted to become a psychologist. I had seen firsthand how psychology could change lives and I wanted to be a part of that. My curiosity and passion for the field were always present. However, life often takes unexpected turns.
Before I could formally embark on my studies in psychology, I travelled the world, moved to Australia, and began to build my family. Moving to a new country, navigating a long-term relationship and raising my children deepened my desire to pursue psychology as it was a challenging path.
I faced my own struggles, and I witness the struggles of others and it became clear to me that I wanted to be there to support and help those who were experiencing similar issues.
My honours year major thesis examined the effects of parental burnout on a couple's relationship.
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Master of Professional Psychology
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours)
Diploma of Counselling
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Gottman level 1 and 2 relationship training - Supporting couples using researched based assessments and interventions
Circle of Security Facilitator training - Enabling me to assist parents in providing emotional support to their child allowing them to achieve a secure attachment
Parenting as a Team Program – Designed to help couples develop the skills to support each other in parenting.
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“Spread too thin”: Parents' experiences of burnout during COVID-19 in Australia”
This paper examined the increase in the parental burden created by COVID-19 restrictions and how it impacted parental wellbeing and increased parental burnout.
These findings support researchers globally who call for interventions that support parents during periods of lockdown.
Therapies
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective evidenced based treatment for issues like depression, anxiety, substance use, marital difficulties, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Research shows that CBT can significantly improve functioning and quality of life, and it can be as effective or more effective than other therapies or medications.
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence based treatment that encourages us to let go of the struggle and accept what is beyond our control while committing to actions that can enhance our lives. The aim of ACT is to cultivate a rich and meaningful life despite the inevitable challenges. It emphasizes taking action based on our core values, enabling us to lead a fulfilling life, even in difficult times.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is an evidence-based approach that draws from attachment theory. It aims to create secure and meaningful connections with self and others. EFT helps clients identify and transform negative patterns of thought and interaction - supporting the healing of conflict and distress in relationships. It is effective for individuals, couples, and families and addresses issues like marital/parental distress, anxiety, and trauma.
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Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach designed for couples who wish to improve their relationship or protect it against future challenges. Treatment begins with an assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses and set specific treatment goals. Treatment goals are to reduce conflict, enhance closeness, friendship, and intimacy, deepen emotional connections, and implement changes that enrich the couple's life together and build a brighter future.
“It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring out the most lasting change.”
- Queen Elizabeth
Fees & Policies
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Although the Australian Psychological Society recommends $311 for a 46-60 minute consultation, Iluminar Psychology has chosen to keep our fees well below the APS recommendations in the hope of making treatment more affordable for our clients.
Individual Sessions: The initial assessment and treatment planning session has a fee of $285.00. All subsequent sessions are 50-minutes and range from $240-$265.
Couples Sessions: The initial assessment and treatment planning session is 90-minutes with a fee of $360. All subsequent sessions are 50-minutes and are $290.
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Mental Health Care Plan
Medicare rebates for psychological treatment are available through the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative.Individuals with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP qualify for a rebate of $96.65 per session, up to 10 sessions per calendar year. A referral letter and MHCP can be provided by a GP or Psychiatrist.
For more information about Medicare rebates, view the Australian Psychological Society (APS) fact sheet here.
Private Health Insurance
You may be able to claim rebates for psychological services through your Private Health Fund. Please check with your insurer to confirm your level of cover and rebate amount. -
We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to cancel your appointment:
More than 48 hours in advance, there will be no charge.
Within 48 hours, 50% of the session fee will be charged.
Within 24 hours, the full session fee will be incurred.
Late Attendance: We recognise that delays can happen. However, to respect all our clients, we will end your session at the originally scheduled time.
No-Shows: If something comes up and you are unable to attend your appointment, we understand. However, we will need to charge the full session fee before you can reschedule.
Payment: Payment is due prior to your treatment.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
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Cancellation fees may seem strict, but they are implemented to maintain a respectful and productive therapeutic environment.
Additionally:
Consistent attendance is important for effective therapy. Cancellations can hinder therapeutic outcomes.
A psychologist's work with a client does not end at the conclusion of a session; we dedicate time to prepare for each session as well.
Like many psychologists, Samira has a limited number of slots available for clients. When a client cancels at the last minute, it prevents her from filling that appointment with someone else who may need therapy.
Iluminar Psychology understands that engaging in therapy is a big step.
If you’re feeling unsure, please reach out for a complimentary 10 minute chat where you can ask any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sessions are 50-90minutes in duration, depending on the session and type of appointment (i.e., individual therapy or couples therapy).
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This is often specific to each clients circumstance and is discussed during our initial session. However, it is common to start with weekly sessions and then move to fortnightly once your individual situation has improved.
When clients start to feel more in control and confident they may choose to move to monthly maintenance sessions.
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Telehealth is flexible and convenient can be just as effective as in-person therapy for so many people.
You can still connect with your therapist and build a strong therapeutic relationship, even through an online platform. For some, online therapy makes it easier to share and open up.
It’s all about what makes you feel most comfortable.
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You do not need to bring anything unless you are wanting to claim from Medicare or a private health fund.
In that case, for the first appointment, please bring the following:
A referral letter from your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and Medicare card.
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During your first and subsequent sessions, Samira takes a collaborative approach and likes to work as a team, endeavouring to remain solution-focused.
Samira aims to create a welcoming and nonjudgmental space to help you feel comfortable. However, it's normal to feel nervous before your first appointment, particularly if you have never visited a psychologist. Let us know if this is the case, so Samira can help put you at ease.
Once you’re feeling comfortable, your first session will mainly centre on getting to know you and your story, (your issues and what is maintaining your distress).
Together, Samira and you can then develop treatment goals and decide which form of therapy is right for you. At the end of the first session, you will receive strategies to help you immediately start working towards your goals.
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Research indicates that it typically takes between 12 to 16 sessions to create lasting and meaningful change.
However, it's important to note that everyone is unique, and various factors can influence this process. This can include the severity and complexity of your situation, the type of therapy used, life events that may arise during treatment, and quality of support you receive outside of therapy.
As a result, some people may need a greater number of sessions, and others may require less.
Contact
If you would like more information about Iluminar Psychology or would like to book a session, please call the number listed, email the clinic, or complete the contact form below.