Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you have never spoken with a counsellor before. These frequently asked questions may help you understand what to expect.
If there is anything else you would like to know, please feel free to get in touch.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You do not need to be experiencing a crisis or have a particular diagnosis to benefit from talking things through.
I provide counselling and support for areas including:
Sometimes people simply know that something does not feel right and want a confidential space to explore what is happening.
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what has brought you to counselling.
We will talk about your current circumstances, what is important to you, and what you would like to be different in your life.
There will also be some brief administrative matters, including confidentiality and the counselling agreement.
Most importantly, the first session gives you an opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. Counselling is a collaborative process, and finding a counsellor you feel comfortable talking with is important.
No.
Some people come to counselling with a very specific issue they would like help with. Others simply feel unhappy, overwhelmed, confused or stuck and are not quite sure why.
Part of counselling can be working together to understand what is happening and what might help.
A standard counselling session is approximately 50 minutes.
There is no set number of sessions.
Some people find that a few sessions help them work through a particular problem or decision, while others benefit from counselling over a longer period.
We can regularly review how things are progressing and whether counselling continues to be useful for you. There is no obligation to continue for a predetermined number of sessions.
My fees are:
Service | Fee |
Individual counselling, 50 minutes | $155 |
Telephone counselling, 50 minutes | $155 |
Video counselling, 50 minutes | $155 |
Concession rate, limited places | $125 |
Couples counselling, 60 minutes | $210 |
Couples counselling, 80–90 minutes | $260 |
Initial 15-minute suitability call | No charge |
There are no ongoing commitments or packages that you are required to purchase.
I provide counselling and support for areas including:
Sometimes people simply know that something does not feel right and want a confidential space to explore what is happening.
I offer a free 15-minute Discovery Call for people considering counselling.
It is an informal opportunity to briefly discuss what you are looking for, ask any questions you may have and decide whether you feel I may be the right counsellor for you.
There is no obligation to book a counselling session afterwards.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash.
Payment details will be provided when your appointment is confirmed.
I understand that plans sometimes change.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice wherever possible.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur the full session fee, except where there are exceptional circumstances.
Yes.
Telephone and video counselling are available Australia-wide, allowing you to have counselling from your own home or another private place where you feel comfortable.
Yes. In-person counselling is available in Mornington by prior arrangement.
Many people find telephone or video counselling just as helpful as meeting face-to-face.
For some people, being able to speak from the privacy and familiarity of their own home can actually make counselling feel easier.
The most important factor is generally finding a form of counselling in which you feel comfortable, safe and able to speak openly.
Yes. What you discuss in counselling is treated as private and confidential.
There are, however, some limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken, particularly where there is a serious concern about someone’s immediate safety or where disclosure is required by law.
I will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly before counselling begins.
Usually, no.
My role is not to make decisions for you or tell you how to live your life.
You are the expert in your own life. My role is to listen carefully, help you understand what may be happening, explore different perspectives and possibilities with you, and support you in making choices that are right for you.
Where appropriate, I may also suggest practical strategies or therapeutic approaches that could be helpful.
My approach is primarily person-centred, collaborative and practical.
Because every person’s circumstances are different, I do not believe that a single therapeutic approach suits everyone. We can draw upon different counselling methods and perspectives according to your individual needs, circumstances and goals. Some of the methods I will use are CBT, ACT, Psychotherapy, Strength-based, Mindfulness and various models of human development.
Above all, counselling takes place in a respectful, non-judgemental environment where you can speak openly and feel heard and understood.
Feeling apprehensive before a first counselling session is very common.
You will not be expected to immediately discuss anything you are uncomfortable talking about. We can begin wherever feels right for you and work at a pace that feels comfortable.
Many people find that the uncertainty reduces considerably once the first conversation has begun.
Yes.
Counselling is always your choice. You can take a break or finish counselling whenever you wish.
Ideally, if you are considering ending counselling, we can discuss it together so that we can review what has been helpful and ensure you feel comfortable moving forward.
The relationship between counsellor and client is an important part of counselling.
You should feel that your counsellor listens to you, respects you and provides an environment where you can speak honestly without feeling judged.
The free 15-minute Discovery Call is a simple way for us to have an initial conversation and for you to decide whether you would feel comfortable working with me.
You can book a free 15-minute Discovery Call if you would like to speak with me before making an appointment.
Alternatively, if you are ready to begin counselling, you can book a counselling session directly through the website or contact me to arrange a suitable time.
Book a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
Book a Counselling Appointment
My counselling service is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you believe that you or someone else is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service rather than waiting for a counselling appointment. Please refer to the Resources tab for contact details for urgent support.
The Resources page is blank and will be populated with more information at a later date. In the meantime, let’s put the crisis support info there:
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Crisis and immediate support
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