Counselling and Psychology differ in their approach to mental health. Psychology involves a broader range of mental health issues including diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and mental disorders. Whilst counselling focuses on mental health challenges, providing support and guidance to help clients focus on practical issues and develop coping strategies. Counselling does not involve formal diagnosis or assessments of mental illness or disorders, but rather emphasises a person-centred approach, focused on the client’s individual perspective, experiences, and goals.
If we believe that your presenting conditions require a psychological intervention, then we will refer you to an appropriate specialist for further support and assistance.
Counselling is a form of talk therapy that can help improve mental health and wellbeing by providing individuals with a safe and supportive environment to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Through counselling, individuals can gain insight into their mental health issues, develop coping skills and work through their problems in a constructive and positive way. One of the main benefits of counselling is the opportunity to talk to a trained professional who can provide empathy, understanding and guidance. A Counsellor can help individuals understand their emotions and thoughts and provide them with the tools and strategies to help them manage them in a healthy way.
The length of Counselling can vary depending on the individual and their specific challenges, requirements and goals. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others may need ongoing counselling for an extended period of time. Your Counsellor will discuss this with you during your initial consultation session. Below is a typical counselling treatment session plan:
The frequency of counselling sessions can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. Some people may need to attend weekly sessions, while others may only need to attend sessions every other week or once a month.
You can stop counselling at any time and all you have to do is let us know. There is no obligation or pressure to continue sessions. Similarly, if we feel that a referral to a specialist may be more suited to addressing your needs then we will discuss this further with you.
We offer telehealth Counselling sessions Australia-wide through either phone or video. We also offer in-person Counselling sessions to our clients in Melbourne at our state-of-the-art practice in Murrumbeena, Victoria.
It is normal to feel nervous about taking the first step towards embracing change. Our Counsellors are here not to judge you, but to help you. So remember, come to us with an open mind and let us help you on your journey to a happier and healthier you.
During your first counselling session, which will be an Initial Consultation (extended session) we will typically ask you a series of questions to get to know you better and to help us understand your unique needs and concerns and develop a counselling plan. We will also explain our approach and any forms of therapy we will use during our sessions together. Prior to your session, you will receive a number of forms which will need to be filled out and will be discussed in your initial consultation session.
You can expect an experienced and professional, empathetic and understanding individual who will provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely voice your thoughts, feelings and emotions and work towards making changes to improving your mental health and wellbeing. Our team are members of industry associations including the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) and have qualifications and accreditations from a variety of reputable institutions.
Connection is a critical part of the counselling process. If you don’t connect with your Counsellor, please reach out and let us know and to ensure you still get the support you need, we can offer options with our other Counsellors or provide a referral.
We have established a cancellation policy to ensure the efficient management of our schedule and to provide fair treatment to all our clients. To ensure that we can optimise our appointment schedule, maintain reduced operational costs (including the schedule of fees we set for our clients), and accommodate other clients in need of our services, the following cancellation policy applies:
1. Booking and Payment:
To secure your appointment, all appointments must be paid in full at the time of booking. This helps streamline the process and ensures your reservation is confirmed.
2. Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the session cost as these sessions cannot be rescheduled. No shows will also incur 100% of the session cost.
Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours of the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the session cost and clients will receive a refund for the remainder of the amount paid.
Cancellations made more than 48 hours from the scheduled appointment can receive a full refund (less processing fees of $5.00) of the original session fee or a credit note towards their next appointment.
3. Reschedule Policy:
Re-schedules made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will be subject to a reschedule fee equal to 50% of the session cost as it is difficult for us to fill these spots at the last minute.
4. Refund Policy:
All refunds will incur a processing fee of $5.00 AUD. This fee covers our administrative and processing fees associated with the original booking and subsequent cancellation.
Counselling and Psychotherapy are NOT covered under the Medicare Better Access Scheme and there are no medicare rebates offered by the government for Counselling or Psychotherapy services.
Therefore, you do NOT require a MHCP (mental health care plan) or GP referral to access our services or book an appointment allowing for lower waiting times and your personal circumstances are not recorded on your medical records.
Counselling and Psychotherapy services are NOT covered under the Medicare Better Access Scheme and there are no medicare rebates offered by the Government for Counselling or Psychotherapy services. Our low and affordable fees reflect this and we charge less than the gap cover to see a Psychologist to ensure our services are accessible by all who need it.
We are registered with the Doctors Health Fund and offer rebates to members of this fund.
Everything that is discussed in your counselling session is private and confidential and strictly between you and your Counsellor. Your Counsellor will protect your privacy and any information you disclose during your sessions. Clinical notes may be taken during sessions and these may be stored in an securely encrypted environment to which no other person can access other than your Counsellor and yourself should you request access to your information. Under the rare circumstance of mandatory disclosure your Counsellor may be legally required to provide limited information if requested, however this will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation session.
