About Werner Briedenhann
​Hi, I'm Werner. You're welcome to call me Verner or Vern. It's been a while since I qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2013. Since then, I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, substance rehabilitation centres, tertiary education, primary healthcare, community mental health, and private practice. I've listened to many people's stories and seen how they change when they resolve what's on their minds.
I'd like to believe that none of us are one-dimensional, and neither is my approach to therapy. As a therapist, I take a multi-model approach to therapy that allows me to see difficulties from different perspectives and varied possible ways of helping.
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A core component of my practice is building awareness. When we are more aware of how we feel, think, and act, we can work towards change. This is where our therapeutic relationship comes in. How we interact can tell us a lot about what's going on behind the scenes. Learning from our interactions is what makes therapy a helpful relationship.
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About Therapy
In my practice, therapy is a conversation. When we meet, I'll ask what brought you to therapy today. You'll do most of the talking while I listen, observe, and process what you say. If we meet in person, there will be water, coffee, or tea to help with the mental unpacking.​​
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During our conversation, I'll ask questions to help me understand you and clarify what I've heard. I'll mention what I notice and ask what you become aware of as you talk. At some point, I'll share how I perceive what's going on for you. We'll keep talking and making sense of what's happening for you. There might be tears- I have tissues for this- and laughter in between. Together, we'll untangle what brought you to the couch and what to do next.​
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About Sessions and Fees
Sessions are fifty minutes and can be in-person or online. The cost of an individual session is $220. Cancellations within 48 hours of a booked session will be charged. If you have a Medicare referral, you will receive a $141.85 rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. For Medicare funded sessions, the out-of-pocket fee would be $78.15.
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If you have private health insurance, it's a good idea to check with your provider regarding the rebates offered for psychology sessions. Remember, you can't claim from both Medicare and your private health insurance for the same session. You can also make an appointment without a rebate or referral. This means that you will pay the full session fee out of pocket.