FAQ
How do I make an appointment?
The best way to make an appointment is to get in touch via the
contact form on the website.
Alternately you could
email me directly,
text or call. We can arrange a suitable time for you from there.
Do you offer counselling sessions on weekends or after hours?
Counselling is available on fortnightly Saturdays. As these sessions are limited, they do get booked quickly.
If you need a Saturday appointment I suggest booking in early. Any Saturday appointments that become available at short notice will be offered to those on a waitlist.
After hours appointments are only available by arrangement. Please discuss your needs with me.
How long is the session?
Counselling sessions for adults are 60 minutes long. In some instances, a session may be longer if required but this will be discussed with you and pre-planned.
Children’s counselling sessions are between 30-60 minutes, usually 45 minutes. This varies greatly because the child’s attention span and energy can change from session to session.
The session cost remains the same regardless of session length as more planning and preparation are required for children’s sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No. Adults and children can access counselling without a referral from your doctor.
I have a disability – Can I access counselling with you?
Yes. Our counselling service is focussed on inclusion and has access supports to meet almost everyone’s needs. There are no steps, and we are wheelchair accessible. A range of sensory supports are available within the counselling room such as fidgets, weighted blanket, eye mask, soft toys, a cushion corner, and a wobbly seat cushion.
You are encouraged to do whatever will make you feel most comfortable whether than be attending in your pyjamas, sitting on the floor, or bringing your own comfort items. If there is something you may require for accessibility, please let me know.
Can I bring a support person?
Absolutely! If you are feeling anxious or concerned you are welcome to bring someone into the session with you until you feel more at ease and comfortable to attend alone. You can choose if this person is a silent support or if they are involved in the session in some way.
How many sessions will I need?
The shortest answer to this question is “it depends”.
The beauty of counselling is that there is no ‘one size fits all’. It is tailored to your needs, circumstances and goals. Some people come for a small handful of sessions and feel they are equipped to reach their goals themselves. Others come for an intense short block of sessions (eg. weekly for 6 weeks) then choose to space out sessions and use them as a chance to check-in and stay on track. Other clients find that coming regularly for an extended period of time is what works for them.
The assurance I give to my clients is that it is my goal to get you off my couch as soon as is good for you, so you are out living your best life sooner rather than later. I am always available to former clients coming back for further counselling at a later date.
What happens when my child comes to counselling?
This process has been outlined in the ‘Counselling for Children’ page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Any session cancelled with more than 24 hours’ notice will not incur any fee.
For sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice a cancellation fee of up to the full cost of the session may be incurred, at the counsellor’s discretion.
If cancellations are happening regularly, a booking fee may be charged which will be deducted from the session fee at the completion of the session.
What is the difference between a counsellor and psychologist?
Counsellors are trained and qualified specifically in interpersonal skills; in supporting people through growth and change with empathy.
Counsellors are more emotion and client centred. Most are qualified at a minimum undergraduate level of 3-4 years of university training.
You are entitled to ask any counsellor about their training and qualifications if you aren’t sure. Counsellors are required to undergo continued professional development for the life of their career to maintain skills and gain new skills. All counsellors should be a member of either ACA or PACFA.
Rebates for counsellors can sometimes be accessed through your private health insurance.
Counsellors most often have no wait times. Counselling can usually begin within a week or two.
Psychologists are trained and qualified specifically with assessing, diagnosing and treating cognitive and mental disorders and illnesses.
Psychologists need to seek their own training in interpersonal counselling if that is an area they want to work in. You are entitled to ask what training and qualifications psychologists have. Psychologists usually undergo 6 years of university training and are required to be a member of the APS and undergo ongoing professional development. Some rebates can be accessed for psychology through private health insurance or your GP for a limited number of sessions.
Psychologists often have long wait times to begin counselling.
Do you have a concession rate?
Yes. If you are committed to attending counselling but under financial duress, you may be able to access a lower counselling fee.
With current financial pressures I understand that even those on a full income can be struggling so a concession card is not required.
Please talk to me about your circumstances so that we can hopefully come up with a plan that is do-able for you.
