Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes LEXs different from other counselling or therapy services? LEXs is a lived-experience-led practice grounded in professional social-work expertise. The work is shaped by both formal training and real-world experience of caregiving, migration, grief, and navigating mental-health systems. In 2025, Michael Elwan won the WA Mental Health Award for Lived Experience Impact & Inspiration and won the AASW Social Worker of the Year. He was also a finalist for the R U OK? Barbara Hocking Memorial Award and the WA Multicultural Awards (Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award). These recognitions reflect a commitment to practice that is rigorous, ethical, and deeply human; support that honours both evidence and lived reality. What sets LEXs apart is how clinical skill, cultural humility, and lived understanding are woven together. Therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and responsive to the realities of people’s lives, not just their symptoms. Sessions are shaped around your context, values, and pace, with respect for complexity and difference. Whether you’re engaging in online therapy, NDIS-related support, or psychosocial recovery work, the focus remains consistent: creating a space where you are taken seriously, supported thoughtfully, and able to move forward with greater clarity and steadiness.
What kinds of concerns can therapy help with? Therapy at LEXs supports people navigating a broad range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Common reasons people seek support include anxiety and fears, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship and marriage difficulties, challenges with self-esteem, social anxiety or social isolation, men’s issues, and periods of suicidal thinking or emotional overwhelm. You do not need to be in crisis to begin. Many people reach out because something feels off; they may feel disconnected, stuck, or exhausted from carrying too much for too long. Therapy offers a steady space to slow things down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and begin responding to life with greater clarity, safety, and self-trust.
How can therapy help? Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, we work together to strengthen insight, emotional regulation, and practical coping tools. It’s about helping you make sense of your story and find steadier ground - at your own pace.Therapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach, we work together to strengthen insight, emotional regulation, and practical coping tools. The aim is not to “fix” you, but to help you make sense of your story and find steadier ground, at your own pace.
What happens in a therapy session? Each session is guided by what matters most to you. We might unpack a difficult experience, explore patterns, or practise tools to manage stress and anxiety. I draw on trauma-informed strategies, reflective dialogue, and somatic awareness to support meaningful and sustainable change, always respecting your readiness and pace.
How long is a session? Standard sessions run for 60 minutes, longer than the typical 45–50 minutes offered in many settings. This allows time to slow down, process, and leave feeling grounded rather than rushed. Extended sessions are available for deeper assessment or more complex presentations.
What approaches do you use? My approach is integrative and trauma-informed. I draw on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Attachment-informed work, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approaches, and polyvagal-based strategies. This is combined with lived experience and culturally responsive practice, recognising that healing is shaped by context, identity, and relationship.
Do you offer NDIS counselling and psychosocial recovery coaching? Yes. LEXs offers NDIS-funded online counselling and psychosocial recovery coaching for self- and plan-managed participants across Australia. Supports are available under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living (Item 15_056_0128_1_3) and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching (Item 07_101_0106_6_3). Sessions focus on emotional wellbeing, daily living skills, and community connection.
What is your approach to couples therapy? Couples therapy at LEXs focuses on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and fostering emotional safety. Drawing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and cross-cultural frameworks, sessions support partners to understand patterns, repair disconnection, and strengthen their relationship.
What can I expect from my first session? Your first session is a calm, exploratory space. We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what matters to you, and what kind of support might be helpful. There’s no pressure; just clarity, collaboration, and a chance to see whether we’re the right fit.
How many sessions will I need? There’s no set number. Some people attend a few focused sessions; others choose longer-term therapy or recovery coaching. We review progress regularly to ensure the work remains aligned with your goals and needs.
Do I need a referral? No. You can book directly through the website. If you’re an NDIS participant, your plan manager or support coordinator can also contact LEXs to arrange services.
Can I access rebates or private health cover? I’m an Accredited Social Worker (AASW). Some private health funds reimburse social work services; please check your individual policy.
Will my information remain confidential? Yes. Confidentiality is a core ethical responsibility. Information is managed in line with the AASW Code of Ethics and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Limits apply only where there is serious risk of harm, legal obligation (such as a subpoena), or child protection concerns; these are discussed transparently.
What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel? At least 72 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel. Late cancellations or non-attendance may incur the full fee. This helps ensure fair access for others waiting for support.
Can I get support if my partner isn’t ready to attend? Yes. Individual therapy can be a powerful first step toward relationship clarity and emotional steadiness. You can begin exploring your own patterns and needs, which often opens the door for future joint sessions.
What is coaching, and how is it different from therapy? Coaching is more action-focused and future-oriented. It supports clarity, alignment, and momentum around change, work, or personal goals. While different from therapy, coaching at LEXs still honours emotional experience, values, and context.
Do you only work with clients in Western Australia? No. All LEXs services are delivered online via secure platforms and are available across Australia.