NeedleCalm

Appointments with Lauren Barber

Clinical Nurse Specialist

 

15 minutes complimentary introduction visit available upon request via zoom or in-person. Bookings essential via Sydney Phobia Clinic or Macquarie Towns Specialist Centre Richmond.

What to expect: The first appointment is typically overwhelming and emotional. The equipment is packed away initially and only brought out when you are ready. We have a general discussion about your health history including current medications, allergies and health conditions. Please allow 1.5- 2 hrs for your appointments with a gap of 2 weeks maximum between appointments with stressful life activities minimised on those days. Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays and Sundays are preferred for these appointments.

You will be asked to sign a waiver prior to the appointment as we will be touching real medical needles.

• Fees: $350 per hour non medicare rebate. $600 for 2 hours.
• Pre-Payment is needed.
• NDIS rebate available.
• Cancellations: 24 hours notice needed. If you do not attend the appointment you will be charged a one hour fee of $350.

 

Goals: The aim of these appointments are to solidify the progress gained from your therapy session, have a clear understanding of the ‘real life process’ for your needle procedure and a chance to discuss any concerns you may have before the actual procedure so there are no surprises. I try to empower patients with as much knowledge as possible so they are able to advocate for themselves and know what is normal and what is not to prevent further medical issues in the future.

 

Limitations for appointments:

Ages: 0-10- arts and crafts, water and syringe play, demonstrations and appointment attendance. Parent/caregiver present.

Child: 12-16 arts and crafts, water and syringe play, demonstrations, appointment attendance, blood test in house or at the pathology clinic (Ages 14-16). Parent/caregiver present.

Teens: 16-18- arts and crafts. Option to facilitate the needle procedure during the second session with a Primary caregiver present.

Adults: Demonstrations, option to facilitate the needle procedure during the second session.

 

First appointment: Psychologist attendance is mandatory. 15-30 minute discussion. Low level background healing and relaxing meditation music for the duration of the appointment. Appointments are usually conducted sitting on the floor.

Demonstration with all ‘real’ equipment that will be used for your procedure. I will show how these procedures are performed on the dummy.  It is encouraged that you give this a try on the dummy as it does generally take away a lot of the uncertainty.

Vital sign checks prior to commencement of exposure therapy, during breaks and prior to completion of the session.

Vein mapping with and without tourniquet application.

Optimal site mapping for the needle procedure.

Pathology form practice and what to expect when you visit the collection centre.

 

Second appointment: Psychologist presence optional. De-brief from first appointment.

Visit the local GP clinic or Pathology Collection Centre 309 Pitt St Sydney- Australian Clinical Labs to see the room and meet the staff. Firming up the treatment plan. Revision of procedures and role play if needed. We aim to have the needle procedure completed by the second/third appointment.

If further appointments are needed it is advisable to have another session with your psychologist prior.

I am able to accommodate most needs and requests for different types of procedures. Medication administration assistance is also available upon request.

Immunisations/ Vaccinations and IV therapy treatments are available upon request. This requires planning and discussion with your GP.

Your appointment costs include time needed to discuss and plan your needle procedure with treating clinicians such as your psychologist and GP. Disposables used during the appointment. Administration time and a follow up call.

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