FAQ
Q: How many counselling sessions will I need?
A: The number of sessions is completely up to you. Some people may need assistance with a specific issue, such as dealing with anxiety due to an upcoming presentation, however other people may have deeper issues and require a higher number of sessions. You can decide to continue or cease counselling at your own discretion, depending on your needs.
Q: Do I need a referral to attend counselling?
A: You do not need a referral to attend counselling. If you wish to claim Medicare rebates for non-directive pregnancy counselling you will need a referral from your GP.
Q: Do you provide couple or family counselling?
A: No, I do not provide couple or family counselling.
Q: Do you work with Medicare Mental Health Care plans?
A: No. I am currently completing the clinical professional development process to become Medicare registered to offer counselling to people with Mental Health Care plans. Once this is finalised, I will update this website.
However, my fees are often equal to or less than the gap fee you would generally pay for psychological therapy after a Mental Health Care Plan Medicare rebate.
Q: What will we discuss in counselling?
A: No issue is too big or too small. Some of the common subjects that people talk about include:
Disability and ageing
Relationship issues
Sex, sexuality and gender issues
Managing stress
Mental health concerns
Addiction
Abuse
Trauma
Work and career issues
Parenting
Self-esteem difficulties
Life transitions
Q: What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
A: CBT aims to facilitate change in thoughts and behaviours and is often used to treat anxiety and depression.
CBT is based on the concept that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected and create a feedback loop. Negative thoughts affect feelings, which in turn affects behaviours; these behaviours then reinforce the negative thoughts, and a cycle is formed. CBT aims to assist a person to understand how thoughts can affect moods and behaviours and introduces new ways of thinking and behaving that are more helpful.
Q: Is therapy or counselling available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
A: Yes. I provide Therapy under Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living: Allied Health, Social Work.
Q: Can you provide both NDIS Support Coordination and NDIS therapy to me?
A: No. This is considered a conflict of interest. So I could offer you one service - either Support Coordination or Therapy.
Q: Do you have tips for choosing a counsellor?
A: I would suggest finding someone who is accredited or a member of a recognised professional body in Australia such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Once you have found someone, you need to confirm their level of qualifications, accreditations and affiliations, and that they have the experience in working with the particular issues and challenges you are facing.
Other considerations are locality and cost, however the most important factor is to find someone you trust and who you feel comfortable with.