FAQs
Got a question?
If you have a question that is not answered here, please ask via the form opposite.
What is counselling? Who would benefit?
Counselling is a type of talk therapy that promotes mental health, wellbeing and self-understanding. It is a collaborative process with the client to explore, and work towards resolution of, issues which might be broad or focussed. The process is person-centred, confidential and non-judgemental. It can be short-or long-term with the counsellor using deep listening, empathy and specialised skills to facilitate change.
You do not have to have a formal diagnosis or mental health condition to benefit from counselling. Sometimes it can help to talk through day-to-day issues to get clarity, or be guided through life transitions. Counsellors can also help with grief and loss. Most counsellors have particular interests and skills to help particular populations and communities in addition to generalist counselling skills. For example, one of my special interests is neurodivergence.
Do you see children?
I see people aged 16 years old and over.
Do you see clients online?
Yes I do. We can set up a secure Zoom meeting at a time that is mutually convenient. Although there are advantages to face-to-face counselling, there are many reasons why clients may want or need to do one or all counselling sessions with me online. Let me know if this is your preference.
Do I have to live in Canberra to access counselling with you?
No. If you would like an online consultation from anywhere in Australia (or the world!) we can link up via a secure Zoom meeting. I cannot see clients who live in North America.
You have a psychology degree. Are you a psychologist?
It is true that I have an honours degree in Psychology however to be a psychologist, further education, supervision and registration in psychology is required. I do not have that. I have qualifications in counselling.
What is the difference between a counsellor, psychologist and psychiatrist?
This a question that many people have so here is a quick explanation. In fact there are other types of mental health practitioners too but let’s stick with these.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications.
Psychologist
There are different specialities within psychology but here we are concerned with psychologists who diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They are not medical doctors but have studied the human mind and behaviour for several years at undergraduate and postgraduate level. They generally work within the ‘medical model’ of mental health care.
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
While there are different definitions for counsellor and psychotherapist, there is also a lot of overlap. Essentially they both mental health therapists who tend to work holistically, looking at the whole person and the systems in which they live. These titles are not currently regulated so look for professionals who are registered with accrediting bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). To be a member of these organisations, practitioners must have appropriate education and training.
What can I expect in my first counselling session?
Our first session will be a bit of a get-to-know-you session where we can get an idea if we’ll work well together. The relationship you have with your therapist is an essential ingredient in for the success of therapy so use this session to ask you own questions too. I will be asking you lots of questions about what has brought you to counselling and your goals. We’ll also discuss some of the content in your intake paperwork including the limits of confidentiality. At the end, we can make a plan for next steps and book a second appointment if you wish and that will be much more directed by you.
Are you registered wtih a professional body?
I am a member of the Australian Counselling Association and abide by their codes of conduct and ethics. I am also fully insured as a counsellor.
How many sessions will I need?
It is impossible to tell how many sessions you will need. A single presenting issue might be resolved within just a few sessions but many people find that other things come up in the process of therapy and will continue on. Some people find that they continue with counselling for months or years, even coming back time and again over the course of decades. You are in control of how long you would like your therapy to continue and the more active you are in the process, the more effective it will be.
How much will counselling cost?
My current session fee is $120 and sessions are a full 60 minutes.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referrals are needed. Counselling does not fall under Medicare rebated mental health plans as yet and therefore no doctor’s referral is required to see me. Despite no Medicare rebate, counselling is a cost-effective mental health service due to overall lower fees.
Can I claim the fee back from Medicare?
Currently counselling is not covered by Medicare even with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. However, counselling fees are generally lower than those to see a psychologist so you will most likely find the out-of-pocket costs to see me would be simliar or lower than seeing a psychologist – with the added bonus that there is no annual limit on the number of subsidised sessions. For example, if you pay $260 for a session with a psychologist, the current Medicare rebate with a Mental Health Treatment Plan is $96.65 leaving you with a gap of $163.35 per session. My 60-minute session rate is $120.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice should you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Cancellations made within 24 hours of an appointment will incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the full session fee. Cancellations made within 4 hours of an appointment, or not arriving for a scheduled appointment will incur a fee equivalent of 100% of the full session fee.