Frequently Asked Questions

The length of time it takes to see results varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. 

Some clients may see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy.

  The cost will depend on whether you are doing a single session or have signed up for a package.  We regularly have specials so get in contact with us and we can walk you though our pricing options.

A counsellor is a person trained to give professional guidance and support on personal, family, relationship, work or psychological issues. 

Although there is overlap in treatment modalities, counselling services differ from psychologists or psychiatrists in that the latter professions specialise in diagnosis and treatment of emotional disturbance, behaviour problems and mental health disorders (i.e. those conditions described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).  Psychiatry is also medical specialty, therefore only psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication. 

As counsellors are informed by psychological research and evidence, they use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, similar to those used by psychologists. These approaches support clients to explore their concerns, while guiding them to find their own workable solutions.

Counselling services are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates. At this time, the only mental health professions that are eligible for Medicare rebates are psychiatrists and registered psychologists. 

If cost is a barrier to accessing counselling services for you, please advocate (to your local government member or GP) for inclusion of counselling within the Medicare system.

Of note, is that in order to access Medicare rebates for registered psychologist consults, your General Practitioner (GP) must assess your mental health, assign an initial diagnosis, and create a Mental Health Care Plan. This diagnosis then becomes part of your health record. This may have future implications as by law you must disclose this information if certain organisations ask if you have ever had a mental health diagnosis (e.g. insurance companies). A mental health exclusion may be placed on insurance policies, such as income protection and travel insurance. 

Choosing a private counsellor ensures your mental health information remains confidential. 

This will be discussed at your initial consultation and will be decided upon between you and your counsellor depending on your individual circumstances. 

Some people attend between 4-6 sessions and others choose a longer period of support. Clients may choose to commence weekly, and as their comfort level increases it can decrease to fortnightly or monthly. Clients who are interested in moving forward more quickly may choose to attend twice a week.

Communication is the key for you to experience the best possible outcomes. We encourage you to talk to your counsellor if you're not feeling comfortable, or if you have any special needs that you feel aren't being addressed. As trained professionals it is our intention to provide you with a safe, supportive and relaxed environment, and to work with you to alleviate any concerns you may have.  

Our counsellors are bound by a code of ethics and confidentiality. This means that unless there is some risk of harm to yourself or others, or your counsellor's session notes are subpoenaed by a court of law, we must respect your confidentiality. 

So, other than the aforementioned, what is divulged in a session stays with your counsellor.  You can discuss with your therapist whether or not you are happy with notes being taken.  If notes are taken by your counsellor, they will always be kept in a secure and locked location and can only be accessed by them. 

 Please view our Privacy Statement link at the base of this webpage for further information.