FAQs

Why do people come to counselling and therapy?

People seek counselling for a range of needs and reasons. Anxiety, depression, anger and phobias are common, but many of us have also experienced painful things in our lives that still impacts us - a difficult work place & bullying, divorce and break-ups, abusive childhoods and difficulties during our teenage years. 

Clients also present with more recent and current stresses like social anxiety/phobia, the death of a loved one, sudden job loss, family conflict and affairs.

More than anything, people want to feel relief from from therapy, to better understand their situation and feel like they have a way forward. I’ve worked with an enormous variety of client challenges to help them improve their circumstances.

How do you work with people?

For many people, opening up and sharing personal things is difficult. The decision to do so is anxiety provoking. So it’s ok to feel nervous or awkward - this is normal!

I want to get a sense of what’s going on for you and help find ways to overcome them, so it’s important you feel safe, heard and not judged. 

During our first meeting, I like to get to know you and hear a bit about your story. I’ll ask you some questions about why you’ve come to counselling and tell you a bit about myself and how I work with people - i encourage you to ask any questions about the therapy and counselling too!

I encourage people to practice the strategies, techniques and skills learnt in therapy in between sessions. A big part of my therapeutic style is getting you to try new behaviours and complete therapeutic activities during your everyday functioning. I believe this is key to the change clients are seeking.

What kind of therapy do you practice?

I have specific training in several modalities of therapy and therefore don’t believe in any one ‘stand alone’ treatment approach. All are underpinned by the Emotional Focused Therapeutic model of therapy, which i’m also trained in.

I practice Schema therapy and find this to be highly effective. Schema therapy involves having clients complete an extensive questionnaire which tells us what your core schemas (beliefs) are at a clinical level, and how they can negatively impact your behaviours and daily functioning. The exercises and interventions help clients form a different view of their situation and ultimately begin to behave in healthier ways. 

I’m also an Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner. ACT complements Schema Therapy well, and teaches strategies to accept, rather than ‘fight’ with difficult thoughts and feelings. Like schema therapy, clients are asked to practice new skills and workable behaviours between sessions.

When working with a couple, I mainly practice Gottman Method therapy & EFT (emotional focused therapy). The main focus of these therapy is improving communication between couples, learning new approaches to conflict management and working to getting couples on the same ‘team’ again.

Do I need a referral to see you?

No, this isn’t essential and you can request an appointment either online or contacting me directly

Can I see you using a Mental Health Care Plan?

Being a full fee paying Counsellor and Psychotherapist enables me to offer more flexible, expansive and effective modes of therapy than what treatment under a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan can. Therefore I don’t provide rebated counselling sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan. As a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), you may be eligible for a Private Health rebate with your provider.

What about my privacy and confidentiality?

Psychotherapists and Counsellors are bound by the Privacy Act to maintain confidentiality with clients UNLESS we believe you are going to harm yourself, someone else or abuse/harm a child. I’ll always discuss this with you before any action is taken.

What are your fees?

Fees are payable at the time of your consultation via  EFTPOS, cash, credit card or through third party arrangement.  You can also book and pre-pay via our website.

Individual Counselling $130 + GST

Couples Counselling $150 + GST

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or postpone the appointment, I request at least 24hrs notice, otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of the session cost. In cases where you do not provide any notice at all, 100% of the session fee will be charged.