What is the Difference Between Counselling and Psychology?

Counselling provides an opportunity to talk to a professionally trained Counsellor about a range of life issues that are often unavoidable such as grief and loss, workplace stress, relationship strain as well as more serious concerns such as abuse and drug/alcohol issues. Psychology focuses more on diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and includes a more structured and clinical approach to advice and the treatment required to help clients function better. Counselling is not based on giving clients advise or diagnosis, it focuses on listening attentively  to clients concerns and difficulties without bias or judgment and the Counsellor works with the Client to develop an understanding of themselves and ways of making their own changes in their lives which invests in creating client autonomy and improved wellbeing , clarity and outlook on their future and relationships with others.

How Often will I have to Attend counselling sessions?

In my Practice you have the flexibility to attend as many or as few sessions as you require, it is your individual choice.  I do not insist on clients attending set numbers of sessions so it is always your free choice.  Obviously to gain the full benefits from Counselling and to maintain emotional regulation, it is advised that you attend at least 6 sessions to see the benefits or gains but this is always dependent on a number of variable factors such as the intensity of your concern, the changes you make outside of Counselling, your effort and willingness to use the tools and knowledge to your best advantage, how you feel after a few sessions and any other external factors that may or may not add to your stress during the time I see you.

Is Counselling Confidential?

YES, counselling is always confidential and what we talk about in session is not discussed anywhere else or with another person.  You are free to talk about anything you want.  There are some limits to confidentiality though and the only time I would have to break that is if you were a) a danger to yourself or others, b) you said you were going to kill yourself and had means to do so or c) if records were subpoenaed by a Court of Law or d) If you, the client, gives written permission to release information to outside sources for reasons such as a referral to another professional organisation.

Do I need a GP Referral to Attend Counselling?

No, you do not need a GP referral or referral from anywhere else to see Me. You are able to book in counselling sessions directly with me as I work in Private Practice, simply message me via my website, Facebook Page or directly via phone on 0403 951 609 and I can book you in at a convenient time to suit you.

Are there any Medicare or HealthCare refunds available in your Practice?

No, Unfortunately there are no Healthcare or Medicare rebates available.  I am in Private Practice only which is why you are able to attend sessions without referral and you are also not required to pay a large upfront fee before a rebate. My fees are kept at a very reasonable price so all clients can access Counselling without having to have their GP records noted or for those who cannot afford expensive Clinical fees.

What Kind of Therapeutic Approaches are used and Will I be required to do anything?

Personally, I prefer not to use intense and clinical approaches and tend to focus on the here and now with a client - which is more person centred and focused on their needs rather than pushing clinical techniques.  I am trained in Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy as well as number of other variations and have added training and experience in Family Therapy, Relationships, Grief & Loss and Abuse Counselling.

Clients may have experienced past Counsellors who like them to do “homework” after sessions, this can seem quite daunting when you are investing enough emotional energy into talking and do not feel like doing more work outside of therapy.  Don’t worry, I do not push “homework”, I may at times offer you some challenges, more verbally, that you may like to practice or provide you with some more fun things to do but no, homework is not an issue and you are not required to do or bring anything more than yourself and an open mind and be willing to learn something new.