My counselling service is focused on individual health and wellbeing ranging in age from 16 years and up. My integrative, holistic approach is tailored to each individual and their unique needs and goals. I offer a warm and safe space where you can go at your own pace. Our time together is a collaboration, whereby we sort through what is troubling you and work together to help you break down or identify what is at the core of your overwhelm.
It is a good idea to work with a Counsellor who belongs to a professional body so that they are required to fulfil the obligations of ethical and professional practice. For this reason, I am a registered practitioner with the Australian Counselling Association and guided by their Code of Ethics and Practice. This means I am obliged to honour the individuality of clients and work in a safe, empathic manner. As a member of the Association, I am required to complete ongoing personal and professional development annually, as well as attend supervision by my Counselling peers.
In the initial session, I will be seeking information from you about what brought you to require their services. Depending on the individual, this may be an unpleasant experience (either recent or from their past) or could be a feeling with no identifiable cause. I will explore your daily routine, relationships and background with the aim of understanding the nature of your issue and what it is you are hoping to achieve from attending counselling.
The number of sessions required can vary from person to person. The initial session is an opportunity to get to know you and discuss what brings you to counselling. At the end of the first session, I may make recommendations, however, you are only required to attend the minimum number of sessions that you are comfortable with, or when you feel you have met your needs or goals.
There is a multitude of reasons people seek counselling, and taking care of your mental health and well-being can be a positive and rewarding experience for many. Some common problems people experience are relationship issues or loss, separation, divorce, work/life balance, parenting, family conflicts, anxiety, poor self-esteem, workplace issues, confusion around decision making or general malaise. Sometimes circumstances mean some issues remain, however, working on increasing resilience, creating coping skills or gaining a different perspective can assist in alleviating some suffering.
Often feelings can interfere with our day-to-day lives. You may seek counselling knowing exactly what it is you wish to talk about, or you may feel unhappy, and not be entirely sure why. Sometimes the initial issue is not at the root of your problems and talking through things can surprise you as to the underlying cause of your pain or suffering. Had you not sought counselling you may remain unaware, suppressing your feelings which may keep you in a perpetual unhappy state.
Your counselling sessions and any information provided by you are not shared with anyone else, however, we are bound by certain ethical and legal exceptions. Confidentiality is discussed in more detail during your phone consultation. Before agreeing to work together, the aforementioned obligations will be further clarified.
Medicare does not cover counselling or psychotherapy services at this time. Some private health funds may contribute, however, you would need to check with your private health insurer as to their terms and conditions. Medicare rebates are offered only for those diagnosed with a mental health disorder under a mental health plan prepared by a GP, for a referral to a Psychologist.
Other ways counselling can support you are if you're experiencing change, and need some extra support. This could be a life change such as becoming a parent, experiencing the onset of perimenopause, children becoming teenagers, children leaving the nest, or facing retirement. Perhaps you feel you can't talk to your family or friends and want a non-biased and non-judgemental person to listen and support you along the way.
Counselling is a less diagnostic model than Psychology or Psychiatry, and as such I can offer a wider variety of therapy modalities in my practice. A critical factor that underlies a successful counselling relationship to form is building trust, rapport and connection between the counsellor and the client. Another element of building a counselling alliance is choosing a counsellor you feel comfortable with. You may not 'click' with your GP-referred therapist and therefore may not seek out further treatment.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, payment in full is required upon booking. For direct debit payments please provide a receipt. To cancel or reschedule your appointment please provide 48hrs notice. I reserve the right to retain the booking fee, at my discretion, if notice is not provided within the stipulated time. Please note if the appointment has been transferred this can only be completed once and the full fee will be retained.