Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to worry about coming prepared with what to say in the first session. Just come with an open mind and I can guide you through the process.

We will explore what led you or your family to reach out and what you hope to get out of the experience. I will ask you about your current concerns and past experiences, to assist in getting to know you and determine what counselling approach might be most helpful for you. I might also ask you to complete one or more questionnaires to better understand your concerns, hopes and challenges. You have control over what information you choose to share, and the pace at which you share.

I prioritise creating an environment in which you feel safe and empowered. By the end of the first session we usually will have agreed on some hopes for our time together, and outlined a plan for achieving these. We might also talk about some strategies to start practicing at home.

During the first session we will also discuss my confidentiality and privacy policy and obligations under my requirements as an Accredited Mental Health Professional.

The number of sessions can depend on the nature of your circumstances. Some people notice positive changes after one or two sessions. Some people benefit from short-term counselling (6-10 sessions) to assist in creating sustainable change in their lives. Some people may wish to engage in longer term counselling. It is up to you.

It is common that people need 2-3 sessions to know their therapist and for their therapist to get to know them. During this phase, we work together to build an understanding about your life. This will provide me with a sense of what type of therapy will suit you best at this time. The type of Therapy can change over time or as your needs change. This is why we work together to review your goals and how the sessions are working for you so that you can get the most benefit out of counselling. Sessions usually occur on a weekly or fortnightly basis to begin with, and then taper out over time.

For a standard 50 minute individual session the fee is $190. Longer sessions are charged at a proportion of the same hourly rate.

Payment is required at the time of your session. Cash, Direct Debit and credit cards are accepted.

For a standard 50 minute couple or family session the fee is $220. Longer sessions are charged at a proportion of the same hourly rate.

Payment is required at the time of your session. Cash, EFTPOS, and credit cards are accepted.

Regular attendance greatly contributes to successful therapeutic outcomes. Frequent cancellation disrupts this progress.

If you do need to cancel, 24 hours notice is required, otherwise a cancellation fee will apply, which is 50% of the session fee.

Currently, people who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP are able to claim a Medicare rebate of $85 per session for up to 10 individual counselling or EMDR sessions (40 for those with a diagnosed eating disorder) per calendar year

Reports to your doctor at various stages are a Medicare requirement. It is your responsibility to monitor how many sessions you have remaining on your Mental Health Treatment Plan and review with your doctor to access more sessions. Without a current Mental Health Treatment Plan/no sessions remaining, the full fee is due.

Please note: An invoice/receipt will be provided to you after payment, that you can use to seek a rebate from Medicare. You can use the Medicare app Express Plus to submit claims.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are regulated private practitioners who hold Medicare Provider Numbers and are eligible for rebates from Medicare for clinical mental health services. AMHSWs are accredited members of the AASW and represent one of the highest standards in professional recognition. They are subject to the same accreditation requirements as both their registered and self-regulated allied health counterparts, such as psychologists and physiotherapists, in adhering to professional and ethical standards, maintaining Continuing Professional Development and engaging in professional supervision. In order to achieve AMHSW accreditation, social workers must be able to demonstrate appropriate use of evidence-based mental health treatment interventions and the use of psychosocial assessment and formulation.