Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the right counsellor?

Finding the right counsellor can be intimidating. Four things I recommend to friends to look for when seeking counselling:

• do you ‘click’ with them? You will know in the first session or after a short phone call.
• do they have the qualifications?
• do they have experience in the area you need? Avoid a generalist who says they work with everything. Be aware that education is great but practising in the field is equally important. Ask how long they have been counselling in that field. Hands on work. This matters a lot.
• do they seem like a good fit for you after the first session? Did they understand you?

How experienced are you?

I work in a couple of niche areas that I have practised in for 15 years. I am a specialist in these areas and have helped thousands of people. In particular, relationship counselling requires a counsellor trained and practising in this area. You will be in safe hands with your relationship. Self-esteem is my other passion and one that I work with people all over the world with. 

Is remote counselling as effective as face to face counselling?

The short answer is ‘Yes’. For most people there is no difference in the quality of the counselling service or the benefit they get from it, when they attend via video or phone. Other benefits that you get from remote counselling are the cost effectiveness, the ability to access counselling from anywhere and for parents, no babysitting is needed. Overall it is a great way to access counselling.

The only time online counselling isn’t effective is for couples counselling where there is anger and high level conflict. The best space for this is in the counselling room.

What sort of problems does a counsellor deal with?

Counsellors are professionals trained to work with normal people with everyday problems or issues, including relationship problems. There is no problem too small or too embarrassing. If it is an issue to you and you would like some help, then counselling, with the right person, can usually provide that. If you require a different specialist, I will talk to you about that. The world of mental health can be a difficult road to navigate.

How long is a counselling session?

Standard sessions are 1 hour.

How many sessions are usually required?

As an individual, the number of sessions and period they are over, can vary greatly. We will discuss this together during your first session to find the right fit for you. Some people will attend a couple of sessions and feel they have achieved their goals. Others will use counselling as an ongoing service as part of normal life. As one long-term client said to me, “Counselling with you is like a massage for my brain. It keeps it healthy”.

For couples, after many years of specialising in marriage counselling, I have found that fortnightly sessions at the start, are by far the most effective way of getting real change. Typically I would expect that 6 sessions, scheduled once a fortnight, will help achieve many positive changes in a relationship.

For some couples this will be enough, for others who have been in a lot of relationship pain, we may continue counselling sessions for some time longer. I don’t use lock in contracts.

Some couples have one or two sessions, feel some relief and put their relationship on the backburner. This is really ineffective and the changes made in the first two sessions rarely last in this situation. Couples who do this will likely be back to see me again within the year, back in the same negative space they started in, often worse. Please don’t do this!

Is the session confidential?

Yes. Everything we talk about during counselling is completely private and confidential. Your details will not be released to anyone else unless a referral is needed to another service and you agree to this. The only exceptions to this are legal requirements which mean that if I believe you are an immediate danger to yourself or someone else, then the appropriate authorities need to be notified for your safety. Or, if I am subpoenaed by a court. Please contact me if you would like more information about this.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

I don’t lock you into a timeslot that you must prebook for weeks which means I can usually meet with new clients within 4 weeks. For clients I am already working with, I try wherever possible to meet with you within two weeks. Existing clients will always get priority.

Are after hours appointments available?

I see clients Monday to Thursday from 7am to 4pm being the start of the last session. Fridays 7am to 12pm and Saturdays when they are available.

What payment methods do you offer?

Payment is made by card at the time of booking online or via Eftpos in the rooms at the end of the session.

Do you charge a cancellation fee?

Appointments can be rescheduled at any time prior to the 48 hours before the appointment. Changes or cancellations within 48 hours of an appointment will incur the full fee.

How much for sessions?

As of 1 May 2023, all sessions are $165 including GST. 

Can I get a rebate for counselling?

Unfortunately, counselling doesn’t attract a Medicare rebate which is why you can often get in faster for an appointment with counselling as opposed to psychology which is supported by Medicare. I don’t offer Insurance rebates. My rates are very competitive.

If I have not answered your questions here, please give me a call or email me and I will be happy to get back to you with the information you require. Emails I will respond to within the day. Phone calls will take a little longer to return if I am in sessions.

If you need urgent help now, please contact Lifeline for crisis support.

Are you ready to take the first step to changing your life?

Click the Book Online button below to find my first available appointment and make an online booking