Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer Medicare rebates, bulk billing or health fund rebates?

The short answer is "No, I cannot". As a Counsellor, I cannot offer Medicare rebates or bulk bill, as counsellors do not sit within the Medicare scheme.

Whilst this means you cannot receive a Medicare rebate, it also means that you do not need any referrals to see me, and you are completely free to decide the number of sessions you want. Within ethical guidelines, I can use any techniques in which I am trained to help you, rather than being constrained to certain approaches.

Also, in order to receive a Medicare rebate, you must first see a GP get a referral. This becomes part of your permanent health record, whereas counselling remains completely confidential within the bounds of my privacy policy.

What can I expect in Couples Counselling and what if I change my mind about doing counselling after I book my Assessment sessions?

I use the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy as a guide and framework, whilst also incorporating other methods as appropriate for each set of clients. For more information on the method I use and on the assessment process, please see my information sheet.

You can book a free 15-minute phone intake session so that we can have a chat. During this chat, we can determine when your assessment can be scheduled, or discuss other options to suit your needs.

Once we have booked your 4 assessment sessions and you have paid your deposit, I require a minimum of one week's notice prior to the first session in order to cancel and receive any refund. If you have already started the Gottman Connect Relationship Survey, you will be charged the survey, and the remainder of your deposit or payment will be returned.

What can I expect in a counselling session?

Each counselling session is unique to the individual(s), but in general you can expect a compassionate, empathetic session where you are listened to and are safe to be as open and honest as you want. You can expect confidentiality and respect.

Counselling is a well-studied approach with a number of techniques to help people who are struggling with the many things life throws at us all: mental health struggles, grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, decision-making, social or behavioural issues, relationships, and many other challenges and tough times.

How do I book an Intake Call?

If you click on any of the buttons which say "Book an Intake Call" in the website, you will be taken to my client portal where you can:

Book a free 15-minute phone session after setting up your Client Portal login (You will be required to enter some basic personal information -kept confidential and encrypted - and set a password.)
1. A calendar will be displayed after you choose which type of intake call to book.
2. Choose your desired time and date from the openings available.

What are your fees?

The current fee structure is available on the Sessions & Rates page.

How confidential and private are your sessions? What do you do with the personal information you collect?

I will not share your information with anyone outside of some basic constraints that are part of the Code of Ethics, and your basic contact details and agreement on my Intake Form in order to collect outstanding debt. Please see my current Privacy Policy for more detail.

Basically, this means everything you say to me and your personal details are confidential. I can only share things if you give me specific permission, if records are subpoenaed, or if I have very good reason to believe you or another person is at serious risk of harm.

Because we live in a regional area, I may run into you outside of my office. If this happens, I will not in any way indicate that I know you as a client, though I will smile to acknowledge you. You may choose to approach me, but I will not be at all upset if you maintain anonymity - this is part of the safe space I offer to everyone.

All of the personal information you supply is kept in an encrypted system that meets both Australian and International health privacy standards (includes GDPR, HIPAA and PIPEDA and meets regulations in AU, NZ, UK, Europe, South Africa, USA, Canada).

What is your general cancellation policy?

I understand that unexpected events (illness, vehicle breakdowns, etc.) occur in everyone's life. Where possible, I will work with you to reschedule or cancel as needed.

However, I reserve the right to charge up to the full amount for your single session should you fail to provide 36hrs notice AND I am unable to fill your session time with another client.

NB: a separate cancellation policy applies for the Couples Assessment, please see the FAQ above for that policy.

What is involved in an Intake Call?

Your intake session is a free 15-minute phone call or video link (video by request).

For clients looking for individual counselling, it is an opportunity for us to have a bit of a chat so that we have a better chance of being a good fit. It also allows me to offer a referral to you if I cannot see you in the timeframe you are hoping for, or you want/need a specific skill or experience that I do not have.

For clients looking for couples counselling, this call lets us chat a bit about what you are looking for, and to schedule in your 4 assessment sessions. As with individuals, if I am not able to see you in the timeframe you are hoping for, or you prefer a different approach to couples counselling, it also allows me to potentially offer you a referral that betters suits your needs.

Can I bring my child along to my session if I cannot arrange for care?

My office is not set up for children. Please find alternative care for your child so that you can focus on your session. In addition, counselling sessions can become emotional, and the topics discussed are often not appropriate for children to hear or witness.