Private sessions · frequently asked questions
Everything you may want to know.
Clear, considered information about private sessions, professional boundaries, online appointments, payments and what each offering includes.
Private support options
Choosing the right private support
Every person brings a different concern, and not every situation requires the same amount or type of support. These questions will help you decide which Ocea Marie private offering may be the most appropriate place to begin.
Which private option is right for me?
The most suitable option depends on what you would like to explore, how complex or interconnected it feels and whether you are looking for a single conversation or support over time.
The Single Private Session may suit you when you have one defined concern, decision, transition or situation you would like to explore during a focused 60-minute appointment.
The Private Wellbeing Package may be more appropriate when you are feeling several areas of your life require attention, your concern has developed over time or you would benefit from greater continuity. It includes one 90-minute session and two 60-minute sessions.
An Additional Session – Continue the Conversation is available to existing clients who have previously attended a Single Private Session or completed the Private Wellbeing Package.
The Private Annual Retainer offers tailored, longer-term private support for clients whose circumstances require a more individualised level of time, continuity and access. It is available by application only.
When should I choose a Single Private Session?
A Single Private Session may be appropriate when you have one central concern, decision, transition or situation that you would like help thinking through. It provides a focused opportunity to understand what is happening, consider relevant influences and identify possible priorities or next steps.
It may also be a suitable starting point if you are new to working with me and would prefer to begin with one contained appointment before deciding whether you require further support.
When should I choose the Private Wellbeing Package?
The Private Wellbeing Package may be more suitable when your concern has been present for some time or is unlikely to be explored adequately in one conversation.
The three sessions give us more time to consider the relationship between your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset and daily life. They also allow us to notice what becomes clearer between appointments and build on each conversation rather than trying to address everything at once.
Can I begin with a Single Private Session and later purchase the Private Wellbeing Package?
Yes. You may begin with a Single Private Session and decide afterwards whether you would benefit from the Private Wellbeing Package.
The Single Private Session and Private Wellbeing Package are separate offers. Once your Single Private Session has taken place, its fee is not deducted from the price of a package purchased later.
Can I use a Single Private Session to see whether working with Ocea is right for me?
Yes. A Single Private Session gives you an opportunity to experience my approach without committing to a longer arrangement. However, it is a complete working session rather than an introductory or discovery call, so our time will be used to explore the concern you bring.
While a constructive working relationship is important, no particular outcome or ongoing arrangement can be guaranteed.
Who can book an Additional Session?
An Additional Session is intended for an existing client who has previously attended a Single Private Session or completed the Private Wellbeing Package.
It allows us to continue the conversation, consider what has changed and focus on what feels most relevant now. If you have not previously had a private session with me, please begin with either the Single Private Session or the Private Wellbeing Package.
Who is the Private Annual Retainer for?
The Private Annual Retainer is designed for women seeking consistent, highly individualised support over a longer period. It may suit someone navigating significant responsibilities, ongoing change or several interconnected areas of life who would benefit from continuity and a tailored level of access.
The retainer is available by application only. Applying does not guarantee that a retainer will be offered, as its suitability depends on your needs, expectations and whether my approach and availability are an appropriate fit.
Can I attend a private session while receiving support from another professional?
Yes. Ocea Marie private sessions may be used alongside appropriate medical, psychological, nutritional or other professional care.
You should continue following the advice of the qualified professionals responsible for your care. Please let me know about any relevant professional support where it may affect the matters we discuss or the suitability of my approach.
What if my concern involves both my health and other areas of my life?
Health concerns do not always sit separately from emotions, relationships, responsibilities, identity or daily habits. If you have one clearly defined concern, a Single Private Session may be an appropriate place to begin.
If your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset and daily life feel closely connected, the Private Wellbeing Package may provide the time needed to consider those connections more thoughtfully. These sessions do not replace medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
What if I am still unsure which option to choose?
Consider whether you are bringing one defined concern or something broader and more interconnected. If you would value one focused conversation, begin with the Single Private Session. If you already know that the situation requires more time and continuity, the Private Wellbeing Package may be the more appropriate choice.
What if Ocea determines that her services are not appropriate for my needs?
If it becomes apparent before or during your appointment that my services are not appropriate for your needs, I may decline or cancel the session and discuss the available options with you. If I cancel before the session takes place and a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, your session fee will be refunded.
If this becomes apparent during a session, I will explain the limitation and, where possible, encourage you to seek a more appropriately qualified professional or service. I cannot guarantee the availability or suitability of another provider.
Private sessions
What to expect
Private sessions provide a confidential, considered space to explore what is happening in your life and determine what may deserve your attention. Each session is shaped around the concern you bring rather than following a fixed script or predetermined process.
What can we explore during a private session?
You may bring a particular concern, decision, transition, relationship matter, health-related challenge or situation you would like help working through. You might also come with a sense that something is no longer working, even if you cannot yet clearly explain what needs to change.
A Single Private Session works best when we identify one central focus. The Private Wellbeing Package provides more time to explore concerns that are broader, long-standing or connected to several areas of your life.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to discuss?
No. You do not need to have your thoughts perfectly organised or arrive knowing exactly what you would like to explore. It is enough to have a general sense of what has been concerning you, what feels unresolved or what you would like help understanding.
At the beginning of the session, we will clarify what has brought you to the appointment and what would be most useful to focus on during our time together.
What happens during a session?
We will begin by discussing what has brought you to the session and what you would find helpful. I will ask questions, listen carefully and help you explore the concern within the wider context of your health, emotional wellbeing, mindset, nutrition, relationships, responsibilities and daily life.
Depending on what emerges, we may identify patterns, question assumptions, consider different perspectives or discuss practical next steps. The session will be responsive to you and the situation you bring.
Does every session follow the same structure?
No. My L.I.V.E. Method — Listen, Investigate, Verify and Embody — provides a considered framework for our work, but it is not a rigid formula. Each conversation will be shaped by your circumstances, priorities and what becomes relevant during the session.
Some sessions may involve exploring and making sense of what has happened. Others may focus more on a decision, a recurring pattern, practical changes or how to move forward.
What can I expect from Ocea during the session?
You can expect me to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and consider your concern within the broader context of your life. I may reflect something you have said, draw attention to a pattern or invite you to consider a perspective you may not have previously explored.
I will be compassionate and respectful, but I will also be honest. At times, meaningful reflection involves considering something uncomfortable, questioning a familiar assumption or recognising where your choices may no longer align with what matters to you.
What will be expected of me?
You are invited to participate as openly and honestly as you feel able. You are not expected to disclose anything you do not wish to discuss, and you may ask to pause, clarify or redirect the conversation at any time.
The session is collaborative. I can offer questions, observations, perspectives and guidance, but you remain responsible for your decisions, actions and the way you apply anything discussed.
What if more than one concern comes up?
Different areas of life are often connected, so other concerns may naturally arise as we explore your central focus. We will consider those connections where they are relevant while remaining mindful of what can reasonably be addressed within the available time.
If another concern requires more attention than the session allows, we can discuss whether a further session, the Private Wellbeing Package or support from another appropriately qualified professional may be suitable.
Will you tell me what decision to make?
No. My role is not to make personal decisions for you or tell you how to live your life. I can help you examine the situation, recognise relevant influences, consider different perspectives and think through the possible implications of your options.
I may offer a professional observation or recommendation where appropriate, but the final decision and responsibility for any action remain yours.
Will you give me practical advice?
Where appropriate, we may identify practical steps, questions to consider, conversations to have or changes you may wish to explore. Any guidance will be shaped by what we discuss and the scope of the session.
Not every session will end with a list of actions. Sometimes the most useful outcome is a clearer understanding of what is happening, what matters or what requires further consideration before action is taken.
What might I gain from a private session?
A session may help you understand your situation more clearly, recognise influences or patterns, consider a different perspective, identify what matters most or determine possible next steps.
Every person and circumstance is different, so a particular result cannot be promised. What becomes possible through the session will also depend on the nature of your concern, your participation and what you choose to do afterwards.
Will one session resolve my concern?
Not necessarily. One session may provide useful perspective, greater clarity or a more considered direction, but some concerns require additional time, continued reflection or specialised professional care.
A Single Private Session is not intended to comprehensively resolve complex, interconnected or long-standing concerns within 60 minutes. If it becomes apparent that more time is required, we can discuss the available options without any obligation for you to continue.
What if I become emotional during the session?
It is understandable for emotions to arise when discussing something important, difficult or unresolved. You will be given time to pause, gather your thoughts or decide whether you wish to continue with a particular part of the conversation.
You are welcome to have water and tissues nearby and to attend from a place where you feel comfortable speaking privately. If your needs extend beyond what can be appropriately supported within the session, I may encourage you to seek assistance from a suitably qualified professional or service.
What if something arises that is outside Ocea’s scope?
If an issue arises that requires medical assessment, mental health treatment, crisis assistance, legal advice, financial advice or another form of specialised expertise, I will explain the limits of my role and encourage you to seek an appropriately qualified professional or service.
Where possible, I may suggest the type of professional or service you could consider, but I cannot guarantee the availability, suitability or outcome of another provider.
Am I required to book another session afterwards?
No. There is no obligation to book another appointment or purchase another offer. At the end of the session, we may discuss whether further support could be useful, but the decision to continue remains entirely yours.
Private sessions
Attending online, privacy and preparation
All private sessions are held online via live video. Preparing your technology and choosing a quiet, private setting will help you feel comfortable and allow us to use the available time well.
Where will my session take place?
Your session will take place online via live video. You may attend from any suitable location, provided you have a reliable internet connection and somewhere quiet and private where you can speak comfortably.
There is no in-person option currently available.
How will I receive the live video link?
Your live video link details will be sent to the email address provided when you book. Please check your appointment confirmation carefully and save the link somewhere accessible before the session.
If you cannot find the email, check your junk, spam or promotions folders. Please contact Ocea Marie before your appointment if the information has not arrived: [email protected].
What technology will I need?
You will need a computer, tablet or mobile device with:
- A reliable internet connection
- A working camera and microphone
- Access to your account created on checkout
- Sufficient battery life or a nearby power source
You may wish to test your camera, microphone and speakers beforehand, particularly if you have not used live video recently. Headphones can improve sound quality and provide greater privacy.
Do I need to download any software?
No. You will be able to join through your internet browser, by logging into the account created on checkout.
Please allow enough time to complete any updates or permissions required for your camera and microphone before the session begins.
Do I need to have my camera on?
Private sessions are designed to take place with both video and audio available. Being able to see one another supports communication and helps create a more connected conversation.
If you cannot use your camera because of a temporary technical problem, please let me know at the beginning of the appointment. If you require a different arrangement for accessibility or another significant reason, contact Ocea Marie before purchasing or booking.
Can I attend from my car, workplace or a public place?
You should attend from a quiet, private and stationary location where you can speak freely without being overheard or interrupted.
A parked car may offer privacy if no more suitable location is available, but you must not participate while driving or operating a vehicle. Cafés, shared workspaces, waiting rooms and other public places are generally unsuitable because they may compromise your privacy and make it difficult to participate fully.
How can I protect my privacy during an online session?
Choose a location where other people cannot overhear the conversation, close unnecessary applications and notifications, and use a secure internet connection where possible. Headphones may provide additional privacy, although you should still ensure that no one else can hear your side of the conversation.
You are responsible for protecting your privacy within the location and on the device you use to attend. Please do not allow another person to listen to or observe the session without prior written agreement.
Is the session completely private and secure?
Reasonable steps are taken to protect your privacy when sessions are conducted online. However, no online platform, device or internet connection can be guaranteed to be entirely free from technical or security risks.
You are encouraged to keep your device software updated, use a private internet connection and protect access to your email and device. Further information about the handling of personal information is available in the Ocea Marie Privacy Policy.
Will the session be recorded or transcribed?
No. Private sessions are not recorded or automatically transcribed by Ocea Marie.
You must not make an audio, video, screen or transcript recording, or use an artificial intelligence notetaker or transcription service, without prior written agreement. You are welcome to take your own written notes during the session.
Do I need to complete a questionnaire before my session?
Yes. You will be asked to complete a pre-session questionnaire before your appointment. Your responses will help me understand what you would like to explore, the wider context of your concern and what you hope to gain from our time together.
Please complete the questionnaire thoughtfully and return it by the date stated in your booking information. You do not need to write extensively or have everything worked out before responding.
What information should I include in the questionnaire?
Include information that is relevant to the concern you would like to explore and that may help me understand your circumstances. This may include details about your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, relationships, responsibilities, current professional support or significant recent changes.
You are not expected to disclose everything about your life. However, withholding information that is important to your safety or the suitability of the session may limit the guidance I can appropriately provide.
What happens to the information in my questionnaire?
Your questionnaire forms part of the information collected to prepare for and provide your private session. It will be handled in accordance with the Ocea Marie Privacy Policy and the agreement you accept when purchasing.
Please do not send highly sensitive information through social media messages or other informal channels.
Can I send documents, test results or other information before the session?
Please do not send medical records, pathology results, legal documents, extensive written histories or other supporting material unless I have specifically asked you to provide them.
A private session does not include a formal review or interpretation of medical, legal or financial documents. If limited information would be useful for context, we can discuss it during the session or arrange for it to be provided appropriately beforehand.
How should I prepare for my session?
Before your appointment, consider the central concern you would like to explore and what would make the conversation useful to you. You do not need to prepare a detailed account or know exactly what you want to do.
Shortly before the session:
- Check your internet connection, camera and microphone
- Log into the members area on the Ocea Marie website
- Silence notifications and minimise possible interruptions
- Let other people know you require privacy
- Have water, tissues, a notebook and pen nearby if helpful
- Allow yourself a few quiet minutes before the appointment begins
You may also wish to leave some space after the session before returning to work, family responsibilities or other commitments.
What time will my appointment appear if I live outside Australia?
The booking calendar should display available appointments in the time zone selected on your device or within the booking system. Please check that the correct time zone is shown before confirming your appointment.
Your confirmation email should show the booked date and time. You are responsible for checking that these correspond with your local time, including any daylight-saving differences.
What happens if I arrive late?
Please join the live video appointment at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, your session will generally still finish at the original end time because another appointment or commitment may follow.
If you are having difficulty joining, contact Ocea Marie as soon as possible using the details in your booking confirmation. Late arrival does not usually entitle you to an extension, partial refund or replacement session.
What happens if we experience technical difficulties?
If our connection is interrupted, we will first attempt to reconnect using the original meeting link. Please check your internet connection and rejoin the meeting as promptly as possible.
If technical difficulties prevent the session from continuing, the appropriate next step will depend on the cause of the disruption, how much of the session has been completed and the circumstances at the time. Any rescheduling or other arrangement will be managed in accordance with the agreement accepted when you purchase.
What if I need an accessibility adjustment?
Please contact Ocea Marie before purchasing or booking if you require an accessibility adjustment to participate in an online session. I will consider reasonable requests and let you know what can be accommodated.
It may not be possible to meet every request, and any arrangement involving a support person, interpreter or alternative method of communication must be discussed and agreed to in writing beforehand.
Private sessions
Suitability and professional boundaries
Private sessions are designed for adults seeking a thoughtful, individual space to explore a concern within the context of their health, emotional wellbeing, mindset, nutrition and daily life. They do not replace emergency assistance, medical treatment, psychological or psychiatric care, or advice from another appropriately qualified professional.
Who are private sessions suitable for?
Private sessions may suit adults who would like support exploring a concern, decision, transition, relationship matter, health-related challenge or broader period of change.
You need to be willing and able to participate in a reflective conversation, consider different perspectives and take responsibility for your own decisions. Suitability will depend on your needs, the nature of your concern and whether my experience and approach are appropriate for you.
Are your private sessions only available to women?
No. My education, experience and approach make my work particularly suited to women, especially women in midlife. However, I welcome adult clients of all genders where my approach is appropriate for their needs.
Do you provide sessions for minors, couples or families?
No. Private sessions are available to individual adults aged 18 years and over. I do not provide sessions for minors, couples or families.
If your concern involves a partner, family member or another relationship, we can explore your experience and the choices available to you. However, the session will remain focused on you and will not provide couples work, family work, mediation or conflict resolution between multiple people.
Can a family member, partner or friend attend my session?
Private sessions are intended for the individual named in the booking and should generally be attended alone. This helps protect your privacy and allows the conversation to remain focused on your needs.
If you require a support person or another reasonable adjustment for accessibility reasons, please contact Ocea Marie before purchasing or booking. Any arrangement must be discussed and agreed to in writing beforehand.
Is this suitable if I am experiencing a crisis?
No. Ocea Marie private sessions are not an emergency or crisis-response service and do not provide immediate or 24-hour assistance. Emails, questionnaires and booking messages are not monitored continuously and must not be used to request urgent help.
If you or another person is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day.
If you are outside Australia, contact your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department. You can locate crisis support in your country through Find A Helpline or Befrienders Worldwide.
Can I attend if I have a diagnosed mental health condition?
Having a diagnosed mental health condition does not automatically make a private session unsuitable. You may wish to explore how your experiences relate to your identity, relationships, daily life, choices or wellbeing.
These sessions do not provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment or management of acute or unstable mental health symptoms. You should remain under the care of the qualified professionals responsible for your treatment. If your current needs require specialised mental health care, you may be encouraged to consult your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or another appropriate service.
Is this a medical or clinical nutrition consultation?
No. A private session is not a medical appointment or a stand-alone clinical nutrition consultation.
As a qualified nutritionist, I may consider how your physical health, nutrition and daily habits relate to the concern you bring. However, the session does not replace medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment. Depending on what arises, you may be encouraged to consult your GP or another appropriately qualified health professional.
Can Ocea diagnose a condition, prescribe medication or change my treatment?
No. I do not provide medical or psychiatric diagnoses, prescribe medication or advise you to begin, discontinue or alter prescribed treatment.
Questions about medication, diagnosis, medical investigations or treatment should be directed to your GP, specialist or the qualified health professional responsible for your care. You should not delay or disregard medical advice because of something discussed during a private session.
Can Ocea provide a medical certificate, professional report or letter for a third party?
No. Private sessions do not include medical certificates, diagnostic assessments, capacity assessments, medico-legal or forensic reports, insurance reports, court reports or formal recommendations for an employer, educational institution or government agency.
Can I attend while receiving support from another professional?
Yes. A private session may be used alongside appropriate medical, psychological, nutritional or other professional care.
You should continue following the advice of the qualified professionals responsible for your care. Please share relevant information about other support where it may affect your safety, the matters we discuss or whether my approach is suitable for your needs.
Will Ocea communicate with my doctor or another professional?
Not ordinarily. Your private session does not include ongoing communication or coordination with your doctor, psychologist or another professional.
Information will not be shared with another provider without your consent unless disclosure is required or authorised by law. If communication with another professional appears appropriate, the purpose, information to be shared and any applicable fees or limitations must be discussed and agreed to in writing beforehand.
Can you provide legal, financial or other specialised advice?
No. We may explore how a legal, financial, workplace or relationship matter is affecting you, but I do not provide legal, financial, accounting, employment, mediation or other specialised professional advice.
You remain responsible for obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional before making decisions that require specialist expertise.
What happens if Ocea determines that the session is not appropriate for my needs?
If it becomes apparent before your appointment that my approach is not appropriate for your needs, I may decline or cancel the session and explain the available options. If I cancel before the session takes place and a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, your session fee will be refunded.
If a matter outside my professional scope becomes apparent during the session, I will explain the limitation and may encourage you to seek support from a more appropriately qualified professional or service. Where possible, I may suggest the type of support you could consider, but I cannot guarantee the availability, suitability or outcome of another provider.
Is my session confidential?
Your privacy is treated with care. Information shared during your session will be kept confidential except where you consent to its disclosure, disclosure is required or authorised by law, or I reasonably believe disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to someone’s life, health or safety.
Further information about how personal and sensitive information is collected, used, stored and disclosed is available in the Ocea Marie Privacy Policy and the agreement accepted when you purchase.
Will my session be recorded?
No. Private sessions are not recorded. You must not make an audio, video, screen or automated transcript recording of the session. Neither person may record any part of the session unless prior written agreement has been obtained.
Do you work with clients outside Australia?
Yes, where my approach is appropriate for the client’s needs. All sessions take place online via live video and operate according to the Ocea Marie agreement, policies and terms accepted at purchase.
Because available services and professional requirements differ between countries, I may decline a booking if a client’s location or circumstances make the session unsuitable. Clients outside Australia should know how to contact appropriate medical, mental health and emergency services in their own location.
What language are sessions conducted in?
All sessions, questionnaires and related communication are conducted in English. You will need to be sufficiently comfortable communicating in English to understand and participate in the session.
If you require an accessibility adjustment or an independent interpreter, please contact Ocea Marie before purchasing. It may not be possible to accommodate every request, and a family member or friend cannot act as an interpreter during the session unless this has been expressly agreed to in advance.
Private sessions
Bookings, payments and changes
Appointments are subject to availability and confirmed once the required purchase and booking steps have been completed. Please review the offer details, client agreement and applicable policies carefully before purchasing.
How do I purchase and book a private session?
Select the private option that best suits your needs and follow the prompts on the relevant offer page. You will be asked to complete the online purchase and accept the applicable client agreement and policies.
After purchasing, you will receive instructions for booking your appointment. Your session is not reserved until you have selected an available appointment and received confirmation by email.
What happens after I purchase?
You will receive an email confirming your purchase and explaining the next steps. Depending on the private option selected, this may include:
- Instructions for booking your appointment
- Your appointment confirmation
- Live video access information
- Preparation guidance
- A link to your pre-session questionnaire
- The applicable client agreement and policies
- Your payment receipt
Please check your junk, spam or promotions folders if an expected email does not arrive. If you still cannot locate it, contact Ocea Marie: [email protected].
Is payment required when I purchase?
Yes. Full payment is required at the time of purchase unless an instalment option is expressly offered at checkout.
An appointment cannot be reserved without the required payment. Any instalment arrangement offered will be subject to the payment schedule and conditions displayed when you purchase.
What payment methods are accepted?
The payment methods available are displayed at checkout. These include major credit cards, Apple Pay and Afterpay. Payment is processed securely through the online payment provider, and you should not send credit card or banking information by email, social media message or questionnaire.
What currency are prices shown in?
All prices are quoted and charged in Australian dollars (AUD).
If you are purchasing from outside Australia, your bank or payment provider may apply currency-conversion fees, international transaction fees or exchange-rate adjustments. These charges are outside Ocea Marie’s control and are your responsibility.
Is GST included in the advertised price?
The relevant offer page and checkout will show the session fee, any applicable taxes (GST in Australia) and the total amount payable before you complete your purchase.
Please review the total carefully before confirming payment.
Why is GST added to the fee?
GST applies to Ocea Marie private services. Where GST is applicable, the GST amount and the total price payable will be clearly shown before you complete your purchase.
Will I receive a receipt or tax invoice?
You will receive payment confirmation or a receipt by email after your purchase has been processed.
If you require a tax invoice and the information you need is not included in the automated receipt, contact Ocea Marie using the details provided in your confirmation email.
Can I claim the fee through private health insurance?
Private health insurance rebates are not currently available for Ocea Marie private sessions or packages.
If this changes in the future, updated information will be provided on the relevant offer page. Any future eligibility would depend on the requirements of the individual insurer and cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need to accept an agreement before purchasing?
Yes. You will be asked to read and accept the client agreement and applicable terms before completing your purchase.
These documents contain important information about the session, payment, cancellations, privacy, professional boundaries and your responsibilities as a client. Please contact Ocea Marie before purchasing if there is anything you do not understand.
Can someone else purchase or book a session for me?
The adult attending the session must be identified as the client, provide their own information and personally accept the applicable agreement and consent requirements.
If another person will be paying on your behalf, please contact Ocea Marie before purchasing so the appropriate arrangements can be confirmed. A session should not be purchased for another person as a surprise.
Is my preferred appointment time guaranteed?
No. All appointments are subject to availability. Purchasing a session or package does not guarantee that a particular date or time will be available.
Please review the available appointment times promptly after purchasing. If none of the available times are suitable, contact Ocea Marie before the offer’s booking or completion period expires. Additional appointment times cannot be guaranteed.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
You may reschedule your appointment by providing at least 48 hours’ notice. Please use the rescheduling instructions in your confirmation email or contact Ocea Marie as soon as possible.
Your rescheduled appointment remains subject to availability and must fall within any booking or completion period applying to your session or package.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you cannot attend. Where sufficient notice is provided, your appointment may be rescheduled to another available time within the applicable booking or completion period.
Purchases are not refundable simply because you change your mind or no longer wish to attend. Rescheduling allows you to retain the session when the required notice has been provided.
What happens if I cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice?
A session cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will ordinarily be treated as used and will not be refunded or replaced.
Ocea Marie may consider an exception where serious or exceptional circumstances prevented you from attending or providing the required notice. Any exception will be determined according to the individual circumstances and cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you do not attend your appointment and have not provided the required notice, the session will ordinarily be treated as used.
For a Private Wellbeing Package, the missed appointment will ordinarily be counted as one of the included sessions. A missed appointment does not automatically entitle you to a replacement session, credit or refund.
What if I am unable to attend because I am unwell or something unexpected happens?
Please notify Ocea Marie as soon as possible. If at least 48 hours’ notice is provided, you may reschedule your appointment subject to availability and the applicable booking or completion period.
When less than 48 hours’ notice is provided, the session will ordinarily be treated as used. Serious or exceptional circumstances may be considered individually, but an exception cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if Ocea needs to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
If I need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you will be contacted as soon as reasonably possible and offered another suitable appointment. You will not lose the session because I have needed to make the change.
If a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, the amount paid for the affected undelivered session will be refunded.
Can I receive a refund if I change my mind?
A refund is not available simply because you change your mind, decide not to proceed or no longer wish to attend. If you provide the required notice, you may be able to reschedule the appointment in accordance with the applicable agreement.
Once a session has been delivered, a change-of-mind refund is not available. Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
Can I transfer my session to another person?
Private sessions and packages are purchased for the individual client named in the booking. They cannot ordinarily be transferred, shared or given to another person.
If there are exceptional circumstances, contact Ocea Marie before making any arrangements. Any transfer would require prior written agreement and cannot be assumed.
What happens if I do not complete my questionnaire before the appointment?
Your pre-session questionnaire should be completed by the date stated in your booking information. It helps me assess suitability, understand what you would like to explore and prepare appropriately.
If the required questionnaire has not been completed, your appointment may need to be postponed. Any postponement will remain subject to appointment availability, the cancellation terms and the applicable booking or completion period.
How long do I have to book and use my purchase?
Each private option has its own booking or completion period. The applicable timeframe will be stated on the offer page, at checkout or in the client agreement.
You are responsible for booking and attending within that period. The specific timeframes are also explained in the individual FAQ sections for the Single Private Session, Private Wellbeing Package and Additional Session.
Frequently asked questions
Single Private Session
The Single Private Session provides a focused opportunity to explore one central concern, decision, transition or situation. It is a complete 60-minute working session rather than an introductory consultation, and there is no requirement to commit to further support.
Book a Single Private SessionWhat is the Single Private Session?
The Single Private Session is one 60-minute private appointment held online via live video. It provides a considered space to explore what is happening, understand the factors influencing your situation and consider what may require your attention next.
The conversation is shaped around the concern you bring and may consider the relationship between your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset, relationships, responsibilities and daily life where these are relevant.
Who is the Single Private Session for?
The Single Private Session may suit you if you:
- Have one defined concern, decision or situation you would like to explore
- Are navigating a particular transition or period of uncertainty
- Would value an informed perspective on something you have been considering alone
- Feel that something is not working but are unsure what needs to change
- Would like to experience my approach before deciding whether you require further support
If your concern is long-standing, involves several interconnected areas or is likely to require greater continuity, the Private Wellbeing Package may be a more appropriate starting point.
How long is the session and what does it cost?
The Single Private Session is a 60-minute appointment held online via live video.
The fee is $297 AUD including GST. Full payment is required at the time of purchase unless another payment option is expressly displayed at checkout.
What is included in the Single Private Session?
Your purchase includes:
- A pre-session questionnaire
- One 60-minute private session via live video
- Focused exploration of one central concern, decision, transition or situation
- Consideration of the concern within the relevant context of your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset and daily life
- Personalised observations, guidance or possible next steps where appropriate
The session does not include a written report, formal assessment, detailed clinical nutrition plan or ongoing contact after the appointment.
What can I bring to the session?
You may bring a pressing concern, personal or professional decision, life transition, relationship matter, health-related challenge or situation you would like help thinking through.
You do not need to know exactly what you want to say or have your thoughts organised beforehand. Your questionnaire and the beginning of the session will help us identify the most useful focus for our time together.
Can we discuss more than one concern?
A Single Private Session works best when we identify one central concern. Other areas of your life may naturally arise because health, emotions, relationships, responsibilities and daily choices are often connected.
We can consider those connections where they help us understand the central issue. However, it may not be possible to explore several separate concerns thoroughly within one 60-minute appointment.
What can I expect to gain from the session?
The session may help you:
- Understand your situation more clearly
- Recognise relevant patterns or influences
- Consider a perspective you may not have previously explored
- Clarify what matters most to you
- Identify a possible priority or next step
The purpose of the session is to support thoughtful exploration, not to promise a particular result. What emerges will depend on the nature and complexity of your concern, your participation and what you choose to do following the appointment.
Will the session resolve my concern?
A Single Private Session may provide greater clarity, a different perspective or a more considered direction, but it may not resolve a complex or long-standing concern within 60 minutes.
Some matters require further reflection, additional sessions or support from another appropriately qualified professional. If this becomes apparent, we can discuss the available options, but you will not be required to continue working with me.
Will I receive a written plan or summary afterwards?
A written plan, report or summary is not included in the Single Private Session. You are welcome to take your own notes during the appointment, and we may identify observations, priorities or practical next steps as part of the conversation.
The session does not include medical records, diagnostic reports, formal recommendations for third parties or written confirmation of what was discussed.
Does the session include contact before or after the appointment?
Administrative communication relating to your questionnaire, booking and live video access is included.
The Single Private Session does not include ongoing email, messaging, telephone or voice-note support before or after the appointment. If you would like to continue exploring the matter after your session, you may book an Additional Session or consider the Private Wellbeing Package.
Do I need to complete a questionnaire?
Yes. You will receive a pre-session questionnaire to complete before your appointment. It will ask about the concern you would like to explore, relevant circumstances and what you hope to gain from the session.
Your responses help me prepare and allow us to use the appointment time more effectively. Please complete the questionnaire by the date stated in your booking information.
How long do I have to book and attend my session?
The Single Private Session must be booked and attended within 90 days of purchase.
Appointments are subject to availability, so you are encouraged to book promptly rather than waiting until the end of the 90-day period. If you reschedule, the new appointment must also fall within this period unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What happens if I do not use the session within 90 days?
You are responsible for booking and attending your session within the 90-day validity period. If you do not use the session within that time, it will ordinarily expire and will not be refundable, transferable or extended.
If serious or exceptional circumstances prevent you from attending within the required period, please contact Ocea Marie before the session expires. Any extension will be considered individually and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I book another session afterwards?
Yes. If you would like to continue the conversation after attending, you may book an Additional Session – Continue the Conversation, subject to availability and the applicable booking terms.
If it becomes clear that you would benefit from more time and continuity, you may instead choose to purchase the Private Wellbeing Package. There is no obligation to book further support.
Can the Single Private Session fee be credited towards the Private Wellbeing Package?
No. The Single Private Session and Private Wellbeing Package are separate offers. If you attend a Single Private Session and later decide to purchase the Private Wellbeing Package, the fee already paid for your completed session will not be deducted from the package price.
Frequently asked questions
Private Wellbeing Package
The Private Wellbeing Package provides more time and continuity when a concern is broader, has developed over time or involves several connected areas of your life. It includes one 90-minute session and two 60-minute sessions, held privately via online live video.
Book the Private Wellbeing PackageWhat is the Private Wellbeing Package?
The Private Wellbeing Package is a connected series of three private sessions designed to help you explore a concern with greater depth and continuity than may be possible during a Single Private Session.
Across the three appointments, we can consider what is happening within the wider context of your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset, relationships, responsibilities and daily life. Each session builds on the previous conversation while remaining responsive to what becomes most relevant for you.
Who is the Private Wellbeing Package for?
The package may suit you if:
- Your concern involves several connected areas of your life
- The situation has developed over time
- You are navigating a significant transition or period of change
- You have been feeling uncertain, stuck or unable to see the situation clearly
- You would benefit from time between sessions to reflect and notice what changes
- You want greater continuity than one appointment can provide
If you have one clearly defined concern or decision, the Single Private Session may be an appropriate place to begin.
What is included in the package?
Your purchase includes:
- A pre-session questionnaire
- One 90-minute private session via online live video
- Two 60-minute private sessions via online live video
- Exploration of your concern within the relevant context of your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, mindset and daily life
- Personalised observations, guidance and practical considerations where appropriate
- Time between appointments to reflect on what has emerged and notice what may be changing
The package does not include a formal written report, clinical nutrition plan or unrestricted contact between appointments.
How long are the sessions and what does the package cost?
The package includes one 90-minute session followed by two 60-minute sessions.
The fee is $1,188 AUD including GST. Full payment is required at purchase unless an instalment option is expressly displayed at checkout.
How is the package different from booking three separate sessions?
The package is intended to form one connected process rather than three unrelated appointments. Each session builds on what has already been discussed, what you have noticed between appointments and what has become more important or clearer over time.
The initial 90-minute session provides more time to understand your circumstances and establish the central focus of our work. The following sessions allow us to revisit, refine and extend the conversation without needing to begin again each time.
Is the Private Wellbeing Package a fixed program?
No. The package does not follow a standard curriculum or require every client to move through the same steps.
My L.I.V.E. Method™—Listen, Investigate, Verify and Embody—provides a framework for our work, but the content and direction of each session will be shaped by your circumstances, priorities and what emerges through the process.
What happens during the first session?
The first session is 90 minutes, giving us time to understand what has brought you to the package and consider the wider context of your concern.
We may explore what has been happening, how different areas of your life are connected, what you have already tried and what appears to require closer attention. Together, we will identify the most useful focus for the remaining sessions.
What happens during the second session?
The second session provides an opportunity to consider what you have noticed since our first conversation. We may explore new insights, recurring patterns, questions that have arisen or changes you have attempted.
The session will build on our earlier work while allowing room for your priorities to change as the situation becomes clearer.
What happens during the third session?
The third session allows us to bring together what has emerged across our time together. We may consider what has changed, what remains unresolved and what you would like to carry forward.
Where appropriate, we can clarify your current priorities and discuss practical next steps. The final session is not expected to produce a permanent resolution to every concern, but it can help you determine how you would like to proceed from a more informed position.
Do I need to know what I want from all three sessions before beginning?
No. You do not need to know exactly what each session should cover or have a predetermined outcome in mind.
Your questionnaire and first session will help us establish an initial focus. The direction may then develop as you reflect, notice new connections and gain a clearer understanding of what matters.
Can we explore more than one concern?
Yes, where the concerns are meaningfully connected. The package offers more time to consider how different aspects of your health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, responsibilities, identity and daily life may be influencing one another.
However, three sessions cannot necessarily address every difficulty or area of your life. We will establish priorities so that the work remains focused and appropriate for the time available.
How far apart should I book the sessions?
Sessions are generally intended to take place approximately two to three weeks apart. This allows time to reflect on the conversation, notice what arises in daily life and consider any changes without losing continuity.
The timing may be adjusted according to your circumstances and appointment availability, provided all three sessions are completed within the package period.
How do I book the second and third sessions?
After purchasing, you will receive instructions for booking your sessions. You are encouraged to arrange all three appointments early so you have the best choice of available times and can maintain the recommended spacing.
Each appointment is subject to availability. Your second and third sessions must be booked and attended within the package completion period.
How long do I have to complete the package?
All three sessions must be booked and attended within 90 days of purchase.
You are encouraged to book promptly and schedule the appointments approximately two to three weeks apart. Rescheduled appointments must also fall within the 90-day period unless an extension has been agreed to in writing.
What happens if I do not complete the package within 90 days?
You are responsible for booking and attending all three sessions within the package period. Any session not used within that time will ordinarily expire and will not be refundable, transferable or replaced.
If serious or exceptional circumstances may prevent you from completing the package on time, please contact Ocea Marie before the expiry date. An extension may be considered individually but cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need to complete a questionnaire before every session?
You will complete a more detailed questionnaire before the first session. This provides relevant background and helps us identify what you would like to explore.
Before the second and third sessions, you may be invited to provide a brief update or consider what has changed since the previous appointment. You will not ordinarily be required to complete the full initial questionnaire again.
Will I be given work to complete between sessions?
The package does not involve compulsory homework or a standard set of exercises. Depending on what we discuss, you may be invited to reflect on a question, observe a pattern, consider a conversation or explore a practical change before the next appointment.
Any between-session reflection will be relevant to your circumstances. You remain responsible for deciding what you are willing and able to apply.
Does the package include contact between sessions?
Administrative communication relating to your appointments, questionnaires and live video access is included.
The package does not include ongoing support by email, telephone, text message, social media message or voice note between sessions. If a brief administrative clarification is needed, you may contact Ocea Marie using the details provided in your booking information, but this is not a substitute for a scheduled appointment.
Will I receive a written personalised plan?
Personalised planning takes place through the three sessions, but the package does not include a formal written plan, clinical nutrition plan, report or detailed summary prepared after your appointments.
You are welcome to take notes during the sessions. Where appropriate, we may identify priorities, practical considerations or possible next steps together as part of the conversation.
What happens if I miss one of the package sessions?
If you miss an appointment or cancel without the notice required under the booking policy, that appointment will ordinarily be counted as one of the three included sessions.
A missed or late-cancelled appointment does not automatically entitle you to a replacement session, credit or refund. Serious or exceptional circumstances may be considered individually, but an exception cannot be guaranteed.
Can I pause the package?
You may allow more time between appointments if needed, provided all three sessions are completed within the 90-day package period.
The package cannot ordinarily be placed on hold beyond its expiry date. If serious or exceptional circumstances arise, contact Ocea Marie before the expiry date so your circumstances can be considered.
Can unused sessions be shared or transferred to another person?
No. The package is purchased for one individual client, and the sessions form part of a connected private process. They cannot be divided, shared or transferred to another person.
Can I receive a refund for unused sessions?
A change-of-mind refund is not available for unused package sessions. If you provide the required notice, an appointment may be rescheduled subject to availability and the package completion period.
Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
What if the package does not resolve everything I am experiencing?
The package may help you develop greater understanding, recognise relevant patterns, clarify priorities or determine possible next steps. It cannot guarantee that every concern will be resolved within three sessions.
Some matters require more time, continued reflection or support from another appropriately qualified professional. If this becomes apparent, we can discuss the available options without any obligation for you to continue working with me.
Can I book further support after completing the package?
Yes. After completing the Private Wellbeing Package, you may book an Additional Session – Continue the Conversation, subject to availability and the applicable booking terms.
If your circumstances require a longer-term and more individualised level of support, you may also consider applying for the Private Annual Retainer. There is no obligation to purchase further support.
Frequently asked questions
Additional Sessions
An Additional Session – Continue the Conversation provides a further 60-minute appointment for an existing client who would like to continue exploring a concern previously discussed. It allows us to build on the context already established without committing to another package.
What is an Additional Session – Continue the Conversation?
An Additional Session is one 60-minute private appointment held online via live video. It provides further time to revisit a concern, explore what has changed and consider what may require your attention next.
The session builds on previous work with me. It is not intended as an initial appointment for a new client or as the beginning of an entirely unrelated area of work.
Who can book an Additional Session?
Additional Sessions are available to existing clients who have attended either:
- A Single Private Session
- The Private Wellbeing Package
Availability will depend on whether an Additional Session remains appropriate for your current circumstances and the concern you would like to explore.
When might an Additional Session be useful?
You may wish to book an Additional Session if:
- Something new has emerged since your previous appointment
- You would like to revisit a decision, pattern or priority
- You have attempted a change and would value time to reflect on what happened
- Your circumstances have changed
- A concern discussed previously requires further exploration
- You would benefit from another considered conversation without purchasing a new package
Booking another session does not mean the earlier work was unsuccessful. Some matters become clearer over time or benefit from being reconsidered as circumstances develop.
Can a new client purchase an Additional Session?
No. New clients should begin with either a Single Private Session or the Private Wellbeing Package.
The Additional Session is designed to build on an existing professional relationship and the context established through previous work together.
How long is an Additional Session and what does it cost?
An Additional Session is a 60-minute appointment held online via live video.
The fee is $297 AUD including GST. Full payment is required at the time of purchase unless another payment option is expressly displayed at checkout.
What is included in an Additional Session?
Your purchase includes:
- A brief pre-session update or questionnaire where required
- One 60-minute private session via live video
- Continued exploration of a concern previously discussed
- Consideration of relevant developments or changes since your earlier session
- Personalised observations, guidance or possible next steps where appropriate
The session does not include a written report, formal assessment, clinical nutrition plan or ongoing contact following the appointment.
How is an Additional Session different from a Single Private Session?
A Single Private Session is the appropriate starting point for a new client or for an existing client bringing a new and clearly defined concern that requires fresh consideration.
An Additional Session builds on work we have already undertaken together. Because relevant background has previously been discussed, we can focus more directly on what has developed, changed or remained unresolved.
How is an Additional Session different from the Private Wellbeing Package?
An Additional Session is one stand-alone follow-up appointment. It may suit you when you require further time for a matter already explored but do not need a structured series of sessions.
The Private Wellbeing Package provides three connected appointments and is more appropriate when a concern is broader, involves several areas of your life or would benefit from planned continuity over time.
What happens during an Additional Session?
We will begin by discussing what has happened since our previous appointment and what would be most useful to focus on now.
Depending on your circumstances, we may revisit an earlier observation, consider what you have noticed, explore a new development, examine a recurring pattern or clarify your next steps. The session will remain responsive to what is most relevant at the time.
Do I need to complete another questionnaire?
You may be asked to complete a brief pre-session update outlining what has changed and what you would like to explore. You will not ordinarily need to repeat the complete initial questionnaire.
If considerable time has passed, your circumstances have changed significantly or you are bringing a different concern, further information or a new questionnaire may be required before the appointment.
How soon after my previous session can I book?
You may book when you feel further time would be useful, subject to availability and continued suitability.
There is no requirement to book immediately after your previous appointment. Allowing some time to reflect may be helpful, although the most appropriate timing will depend on the nature of your concern and what has arisen since we last spoke.
Is there a time limit after my previous session?
There is no fixed period within which every returning client must book. However, if considerable time has passed or your circumstances have changed substantially, an Additional Session may no longer be the most appropriate option.
In that situation, you may be asked to begin with a new Single Private Session or Private Wellbeing Package so your current circumstances can be considered properly.
How long do I have to use an Additional Session after purchasing?
Your Additional Session must be booked and attended within 90 days of purchase.
Appointments are subject to availability, so you are encouraged to book promptly. If you reschedule, the new appointment must also fall within the 90-day period unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What happens if I do not use the session within 90 days?
You are responsible for booking and attending within the 90-day validity period. If the session is not used within that time, it will ordinarily expire and will not be refundable, transferable or extended.
If serious or exceptional circumstances may prevent you from attending within the required period, contact Ocea Marie before the session expires. Any extension will be considered individually and cannot be guaranteed.
Does an Additional Session include contact between appointments?
Administrative communication relating to your booking, questionnaire and online live video access is included.
An Additional Session does not include ongoing support by email, telephone, text message, social media message or voice note before or after the appointment.
Will I receive a written plan or summary?
No. A written plan, report or session summary is not included. You are welcome to take your own notes, and we may identify priorities, practical considerations or possible next steps during the conversation.
Can I purchase several Additional Sessions?
Yes. Additional Sessions are generally booked according to your needs and the continued suitability of the service.
If you already know that you require planned continuity or want to explore a broader concern over several appointments, the Private Wellbeing Package may be more appropriate. Clients seeking a longer-term, highly individualised arrangement may consider applying for the Private Annual Retainer.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
The rescheduling, cancellation and missed-appointment conditions explained in the Bookings, payments and changes section apply to Additional Sessions.
Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to change your appointment. A late cancellation or missed appointment will ordinarily be treated as used and will not be refunded or replaced, subject to any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Can I transfer my Additional Session to another person?
No. An Additional Session relies on the context established through our previous work and is purchased for the individual client named in the booking. It cannot be shared, transferred or given to another person.
Can the fee be credited towards another package or service?
No. An Additional Session, Private Wellbeing Package and Private Annual Retainer are separate offers. The fee for an Additional Session will not ordinarily be credited towards another service purchased later.
Does booking an Additional Session guarantee a particular outcome?
No. A further session may help you understand a development, reconsider a concern, clarify your priorities or determine possible next steps, but a particular result cannot be guaranteed.
What becomes possible will depend on your circumstances, the nature of the concern, your participation and what you choose to do following the session.
Frequently asked questions
Private Annual Retainer
The Private Annual Retainer is a bespoke, application-only arrangement for clients seeking consistent, highly personalised support across a longer period. It provides an agreed combination of private online video sessions and, where appropriate, communication between appointments, within clearly defined professional and practical boundaries.
Apply NowWhat is the Private Annual Retainer?
The Private Annual Retainer is a 12-month private arrangement tailored to your circumstances, priorities and anticipated level of support.
Rather than following a standard program or predetermined schedule, the structure is developed following an application questionnaire and private consultation. Your written proposal will specify what is included, how we will work together and the boundaries applying to the arrangement.
Who is the Private Annual Retainer for?
The retainer may suit a client who:
- Is navigating an extended period of personal, professional, health or life change
- Would benefit from consistent support rather than occasional appointments
- Has several interconnected priorities requiring continuity over time
- Values an established private relationship with someone who understands their wider circumstances
- Wants space to reflect, make considered decisions and adapt as circumstances change
- Is willing to participate actively and take responsibility for their decisions and actions
- Requires a more individualised arrangement than the Single Private Session or Private Wellbeing Package provides
My work is particularly suited to women in midlife, although applications may be considered from other adults where my experience and approach are appropriate for their needs.
Is the retainer a fixed program?
No. The Private Annual Retainer does not follow a standard curriculum, require every client to attend the same number of sessions or provide an identical form of access.
The focus, session frequency and forms of communication included will be determined according to your circumstances and documented in your individual proposal and agreement.
Why is an application required?
The retainer involves a significant commitment from both the client and Ocea Marie. The application process allows us to consider:
- What is currently happening in your life
- The areas in which you are seeking support
- The level and type of access you believe you require
- Whether your needs fall within my professional scope
- Whether my approach is suitable for you
- Whether the requested arrangement can be accommodated
- Whether we are both comfortable entering a 12-month professional relationship
The application process is designed to support a considered decision. It is not a sales call, and neither person is required to proceed with the retainer afterwards.
What does the application process include?
The application process includes:
- A detailed private questionnaire
- Review of the information you provide
- One 60-minute private application consultation online via live video
- Discussion of your circumstances, priorities and anticipated support needs
- Consideration of whether the Private Annual Retainer is suitable for both parties
- A tailored written proposal if you are invited to proceed
The application consultation is separate from the annual retainer and does not begin the 12-month service period.
How much does it cost to apply?
The application fee is $396 AUD including GST. Any applicable taxes (GST in Australia) and the total amount payable will be shown before you complete your purchase.
The fee covers the application questionnaire, its review and your 60-minute private consultation. It is payable for the application process and does not guarantee that an annual retainer will be offered.
Is the application fee refundable?
The application fee is not refundable simply because you change your mind, decide not to proceed or are not offered a retainer after completing the application process.
If Ocea Marie cancels the application consultation and a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, the amount paid for the undelivered application service will be refunded. Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
Is the application fee credited towards the annual retainer?
The application fee is separate from the annual retainer investment and pays for the questionnaire review and private application consultation. It is not ordinarily deducted from the retainer fee if you later accept an offer.
Does submitting an application guarantee that I will be accepted?
No. The Private Annual Retainer is offered only where there appears to be an appropriate fit between your needs, my professional scope, the requested level of support and the availability required to provide the arrangement responsibly.
An application may be declined even where you are willing and able to make the financial commitment. This is not necessarily a judgement about you or the importance of your circumstances; it means the retainer is not considered the appropriate arrangement at that time.
What happens during the application consultation?
The 60-minute application consultation gives us an opportunity to discuss what has prompted you to apply, the areas in which you are seeking support and what you believe would be helpful across the coming year.
I may ask further questions about your health, emotional wellbeing, responsibilities, current professional support, communication preferences and anticipated availability. We will also discuss the practical boundaries of the retainer so that both of us can make an informed decision.
The consultation may provide useful initial perspective, but it is primarily intended to assess suitability and develop an appropriate retainer structure.
What happens after the application consultation?
After the consultation, I will consider whether the retainer is appropriate and whether the requested level of support can be accommodated.
If you are invited to proceed, you will receive a tailored written proposal explaining:
- The proposed length and commencement date
- The forms of support included
- The anticipated session structure or frequency
- The communication channels available between sessions
- Applicable contact and response boundaries
- The annual investment and payment terms
- Review arrangements
- Cancellation and termination conditions
- Any other limitations or responsibilities applying to the arrangement
You will have an opportunity to review the proposal and agreement before deciding whether to accept.
How quickly will I receive a decision?
The expected decision period will be explained during the application process. Additional information may occasionally be required before a proposal can be prepared.
You should not rely on the retainer beginning by a particular date until you have received and accepted a written offer, completed the required agreement and made the applicable payment.
What does the Private Annual Retainer include?
Each retainer is different. Depending on the agreed arrangement, it may include:
- Private sessions held online via live video
- A planned or flexible appointment schedule
- Periodic review of your priorities and support needs
- Limited communication between sessions by agreed channels
- Email support
- Private messaging or chat support
- Voice-note support
- Personalised reflection, guidance and practical considerations
- Continuity across changing circumstances, decisions and areas of your life
Only the services expressly included in your written proposal and agreement form part of your retainer. Examples listed on the website do not guarantee that every communication channel or inclusion will form part of your individual arrangement.
How many sessions will I receive?
There is no standard number of sessions included in every Private Annual Retainer. The anticipated frequency, duration and method of arranging sessions will be outlined in your individual proposal.
The recommended structure will reflect your circumstances, the support required and the availability that can responsibly be reserved for you. Additional sessions or material changes to the agreed scope may require a revised arrangement and additional fee.
Are sessions held online or in person?
Private sessions are ordinarily held online via live video. An in-person service is not included unless it is expressly stated in your individual written proposal.
You should not assume that travel, in-person meetings, attendance at appointments or support at events forms part of the retainer.
Does the retainer include email, chat or voice-note support?
It may. Between-session communication can be included where it is appropriate for you and will be provided within clear boundaries.
Your proposal will specify:
- Which communication channels may be used
- The purpose of between-session contact
- Any limits on frequency, length or volume
- The days or hours during which messages are reviewed
- The usual response window
- Circumstances that require a scheduled session instead
Access to a communication channel does not mean unlimited or immediate access.
Will Ocea be available whenever I need support?
No. The Private Annual Retainer does not provide continuous, on-demand or 24-hour access.
Communication is reviewed and responded to within the hours and timeframes stated in your agreement. I may be unavailable during sessions, evenings, weekends, public holidays, planned leave, illness or other periods advised to you.
If a matter requires a longer or more complex conversation, you may be asked to arrange an online live video session rather than continue through written or recorded messages.
Is the retainer an emergency or crisis-response service?
No. The Private Annual Retainer does not provide emergency, crisis, acute mental health or immediate-response services. Messages are not monitored continuously and must not be used to request urgent assistance.
If you or another person is in immediate danger in Australia, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day.
Clients outside Australia are responsible for knowing how to contact emergency and crisis services in their location.
What kinds of matters can we explore?
The retainer may provide continuity while you navigate connected matters involving your health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, identity, relationships, responsibilities, work, decision-making and daily life.
The specific focus will be shaped by your needs and may change as your circumstances develop. However, the retainer remains subject to my professional scope and does not replace medical treatment, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, legal advice, financial advice or another specialised service.
Does the retainer include clinical nutrition treatment?
Not unless a particular nutrition service is expressly described in your written proposal.
My nutrition qualifications inform how I understand the relationship between physical health, nutrition, energy, emotions and daily life. However, the retainer does not automatically include clinical nutrition assessment, pathology interpretation, diagnosis, meal plans, supplementation protocols or medical treatment.
Where specialised assessment or treatment is required, you may be encouraged to consult your GP or another appropriately qualified practitioner.
Will I receive a written plan, report or session notes?
A formal report, clinical treatment plan or summary of every session is not automatically included.
Depending on the agreed arrangement, we may develop priorities, reflections or practical next steps through our work together. Any written resources, plans or summaries to be provided will be specifically identified in your proposal.
The retainer does not include medico-legal reports, diagnostic assessments, medical certificates or formal recommendations for courts, insurers, employers, educational institutions or government agencies.
How much does the Private Annual Retainer cost?
The annual investment begins at $27,000 AUD, plus any applicable taxes (GST in Australia).
The final investment may be higher depending on the frequency and duration of sessions, the communication channels included, the expected level of access, the time reserved and the complexity of the proposed arrangement.
Your proposal will clearly state the fee, applicable GST, total investment and payment terms before you decide whether to proceed.
Are payment plans available?
Any available payment options will be set out in your individual proposal. A payment plan divides the agreed annual investment into scheduled payments; it does not convert the retainer into a month-to-month arrangement unless the proposal expressly states otherwise.
You remain responsible for the payment obligations in the agreement, including where you choose not to use every available aspect of the service.
When does the 12-month retainer begin?
The retainer begins on the commencement date stated in your signed agreement. It does not begin when you submit the application, attend the application consultation or receive a proposal.
The commencement date will be confirmed after the agreement has been accepted and the required initial payment has been received.
Can the retainer be changed if my needs change?
Your priorities may naturally change across the year, and the focus of our conversations can adapt within the agreed scope.
If your needs change substantially, we will consider whether the existing arrangement remains appropriate. A material increase in session frequency, access, response requirements or services may require a revised written agreement and an additional fee. Any material reduction or other adjustment must also be agreed to in writing.
What happens if I do not use all the available support?
The retainer reserves agreed time, capacity and continuity across the 12-month period. It is not simply a collection of individual sessions purchased separately.
You are encouraged to make appropriate use of the support available to you, but unused sessions, contact opportunities or other inclusions do not ordinarily accumulate beyond the retainer period or convert into a refund or credit. Any different arrangement must be expressly stated in your written agreement.
Can I pause or extend the retainer?
The retainer cannot ordinarily be paused or extended simply because you are busy, travelling or choose not to use the available support.
If serious illness or exceptional circumstances substantially affect your ability to participate, contact Ocea Marie as soon as possible. Any pause, extension or adjustment will be considered according to the circumstances and must be agreed to in writing. It cannot be guaranteed.
What happens during Ocea’s planned leave?
Planned leave and any effect on session availability or communication will be explained in advance where reasonably possible.
The annual arrangement will be structured with ordinary periods of leave, public holidays and non-working days in mind. The retainer does not guarantee access every day of the year, and planned leave does not automatically extend the retainer term unless your agreement states otherwise.
Can I cancel the retainer before the 12 months have ended?
The retainer is a substantial 12-month commitment. Any right to end the arrangement early, the notice required and the financial consequences will be set out in your individual proposal and agreement.
Please review these provisions carefully and seek independent advice if needed before accepting the offer. Nothing in the agreement excludes any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.
Can Ocea end the retainer early?
The circumstances in which Ocea Marie may suspend or end the retainer will be set out in the agreement. These may include a material breach of the agreement, non-payment, inappropriate or unsafe conduct, repeated disregard of communication boundaries, loss of suitability or circumstances moving beyond my professional scope.
Where reasonably possible and appropriate, concerns will be discussed before the arrangement is ended. Any outstanding services, payments or refunds will be addressed in accordance with the agreement and applicable law.
Can I transfer my retainer to another person?
No. The Private Annual Retainer is developed for the individual client named in the agreement. It cannot be shared, assigned, transferred or divided between family members, colleagues or another person.
Does the retainer guarantee a particular outcome?
No. The retainer provides greater continuity, access and time for considered work, but it cannot guarantee a particular personal, professional, health, relationship or financial outcome.
What develops across the year will depend on your circumstances, participation, decisions, actions and factors beyond either person’s control. You remain responsible for your choices and for obtaining specialist professional advice where required.
What happens when the 12-month retainer ends?
Before the end of the retainer, we may review what has changed, what remains important and whether any further support would be appropriate.
Continuation is not automatic. If both parties wish to continue, a new proposal and agreement will be required and will be based on your circumstances, my availability and the fees applying at that time. You are under no obligation to renew, and Ocea Marie is not required to offer a further term.