Fees

Counsellors are professionals trained to work with normal people with everyday problems or issues that they are struggling to find a solution to or just need to chat to someone completely objective to get some clarity. There is no problem too small or too embarrassing. If it is an issue to you and you would like some help, then counselling can usually provide that.

Standard sessions are 1 hour. Extended sessions of 1.5 hours are available if you feel that is required.

Depending on the issues you want to address, counselling can take anything from 1 session to regular attendance over some months. Throughout the counselling process we review this together to work out the best fit for you. There is no minimum or maximum number of sessions you can attend, it simply depends on your needs at the time. Some people just want to gain some clarity on a personal issue and attend a single session for this, others enjoy the direction, motivation or support that counselling provides them and continue for some time.

Yes. Everything we talk about during counselling is completely private and confidential. All records are kept in a locked cabinet and coded for security. 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. Please call me if you would like more information about this.

I try wherever possible to meet with you within a week. Sometimes for after hours appointments it can take up to 2 weeks to meet with me. If you feel your needs are urgent, please call me and we’ll see what we can work out. The phone counselling service allows quicker access for counselling if this suits your needs.

Regrettably not at this time.

Yes. You can choose to attend counselling in the comfortable counselling room or make an appointment for counselling over the phone. Usually phone counselling is just as effective and beneficial as face to face counselling for individuals. It all depends on your preference.

To have a session via the phone, simply email or call to make an appointment. The counsellor will then call you back on the number you provide at the appointment time. Sessions are run on an hourly basis and are conducted in exactly the same way as a normal counselling session.

Some people who have never attended counselling before or who have perhaps had a bad counselling experience find it a little daunting to come to counselling. I offer a very relaxed atmosphere and we sit and chat about you and what you want to change and the goals you want to achieve.

The first session we spend a little time discussing the counselling process and you can get a feel for whether I am the right counsellor for you. We also talk about what you would like to achieve from counselling. From there we work together to set goals and work out ways to achieve this.

Often we will work out a process of home tasks for you to work on to achieve these changes and at each following session we continue on, reviewing the progress you feel you are making and working further towards your goals.

At each session I welcome your feedback as to whether the process is working for you and if you would like to do something differently. Sometimes you may not feel you are making progress and if this is the case, I am happy to work with you to get the right balance for you.

You can talk to me about anything you want to and there is no judgement on your lifestyle and decisions. It is your life and your choice to set the goals you want to achieve. My role is to help you clarify your issues, put in place strategies with you to achieve your goals and to provide support and direction to help you make the changes you want to make.

At every session we will also review together whether you need to attend more sessions and the timing between sessions.

Payment is via Cash or Eftpos.

There is a fee of $70 for cancellations of appointments with less than 24 notice. Please try wherever possible to attend your appointment as counselling is most effective when it is consistent.

No. For Medicare purposes, a Mental Health Care Plan for a diagnosed mental health issue is required from a GP and covers limited sessions with a clinical or registered psychologist. For counselling you don’t require a referral and there is no mental health diagnosis recorded. The fees for counselling with Affinity Counselling are comparable to the gap payable when using a medicare service.

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.