Frequently asked questions
What are your qualifications?
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Graduate Diploma in Counselling (2018)
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Bachelor of Social Work (2006)
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Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
I am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association - #2802.
I undertake regular ongoing professional development and I participate in regular professional supervision with a senior registered Counsellor.
How many sessions will I need?
This is different for everyone, and depends on what you are wanting to achieve with counselling.
For some people, a single session is enough for them to begin to make powerful changes.
For others, 3 - 6 sessions will enable opportunities to more deeply explore concerns, learn new strategies and to implement changes.
Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly, or maybe a 'check-in' session in 4-6 week's time just to consolidate new patterns.
We will review your goals and progress at each session, and discuss the best fit for you according to your goals, your schedule, your preference, and your budget.
You can pause or stop counselling at any time.
What happens at the first session?
The first session will initially involve a little bit of paperwork and setting the scene for our work together.
We will then have about 40 minutes to explore your concerns and for me to gain an understanding of what’s been happening for you, and what you would like to achieve from counselling.
Towards the end of the session, we will review what’s been achieved, and I will offer you some feedback and ideas about how we might be able to work together.
If you feel that we are a ‘good fit’ and you feel comfortable, we can then plan for future sessions. Its also perfectly Ok if you decide that it doesn't quite feel right - counselling is all about you.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan or referral?
A Mental Health Care Plan is NOT required from your GP, because Counselling services operate outside the Medicare system
- This means that you do not need a mental illness diagnosis to access counselling.
- This enables you more choice about who you see, and the number of sessions.
- Medicare will not hold records of your counselling attendance.
*Medicare rebates/Bulk-Billing arrangements are NOT available
What about privacy and confidentiality?
As a registered, professional counsellor, your privacy is of utmost importance to me.
I am bound by the Australian Counselling Association code of ethics to keep your identity, records, and content of our sessions private.
The only exceptions are when:
- You have consented for me to do so.
- Where there is a legal obligation to do so.
- If there is an immediate and specified risk of harm to an identifiable person
See my privacy policy here.
I do not accept friend requests from current or past clients on any of my social media pages.
**Please be aware if you choose to like or follow my social media pages, this may show up in your timeline and your privacy may be compromised.
Where, when and how can I see you?
Daytime appointments currently available on Thursdays and also on Friday mornings.
Tele-Counselling appointments may also be available via Zoom.
I can usually make an appointment to meet within one week of your call.
Appointments for counselling can be made by phone or email.
Although I cannot always answer my phone, if you leave me a brief message, I will attempt to return your call before 5pm on the same day, or as soon as possible on the next business day.