Frequently asked questions
Counselling Service Questions
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Yes, I work with clients Australia-wide. I offer online counselling sessions via secure video conferencing software, which ensures that you can access my services from the comfort and privacy of your own home or wherever you may be. Please review our bookings, payment and cancellations page for more details on how the booking process works.
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The typical cost of a 60-minute session is around $130 (for Individuals or children) or $160 for couples and family sessions.
I currently do not accept private health insurance directly, but I can happily provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your private health insurance provider for reimbursement, subject to your policy. It's recommended that you check with your insurance provider about whether my services are covered under your plan.
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Not at the moment feel free to book anytime, but there can sometimes be a waiting list for my services, particularly during peak times. However, I strive to accommodate new clients as quickly as possible and will always endeavour to provide initial appointments within a reasonable timeframe.
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Understanding that many of my clients have work or other commitments during standard business hours, I do offer evening appointments during weekdays (please refer to my business hours/days).
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I understand that unexpected events can arise, and you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours’ notice, full fees will be incurred. Please review my service terms and conditions and booking, payment & cancellations before booking for more details on this.
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Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to me. All sessions and records are kept strictly confidential in accordance with Australian Privacy and Ethical guidelines. Exceptions to this confidentiality occur only under legal obligation, such as when my notes are subpoenaed in court, there is a risk of harm to yourself, there is a risk of harm to others or in the case of child abuse. Otherwise, any release of information about your counselling services would only occur with your consent. Please review our Privacy Policy before booking for more details on this.
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Counselling serves as a vital tool for improving mental and emotional well-being. It provides an outlet for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment. This process allows them to identify and manage mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Moreover, counselling can foster better communication skills which can aid in resolving conflict and cultivating healthier relationships. By encouraging introspection and promoting self-awareness, counselling can also assist individuals in making more informed decisions in various aspects of their lives. Furthermore, counselling equips individuals with strategies to manage stress and to set and work towards achieving personal goals. According to the APA, “Counselling can help people to improve their mental health, resolve relationship problems, make better decisions, cope with stress, and reach their goals”. Please view our Disclaimer before booking to decide if this service is right for you.
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Absolutely, individual counselling can also be beneficial to a relationship/marriage. It's not uncommon for individual struggles or mental health issues to ripple into their partnership, causing tension or conflict. By engaging in individual counselling, a partner can work through their personal challenges, leading to a healthier self and, in turn, a healthier relationship. According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, individual counselling was found to be an effective strategy for improving marital satisfaction (Whisman & Snyder, 2007). Please view our Disclaimer before booking to decide if this service is right for you.
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In my practice, I utilise a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to the specific needs of each client. These methods may include and are not limited to: Imago Relationship Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy for Couples, Bowen’s Family System therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based techniques, Family Trauma Therapy and Sex Therapy Informed Practices. My aim is to provide an integrative and personalised approach to support my clients' unique journeys.
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During a typical session, we'll begin by discussing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences since our last session. We'll then explore these experiences more deeply, identifying patterns and developing new insights. Our conversations will be collaborative and respectful, with the ultimate aim of supporting your growth and well-being. However, please review our disclaimer before booking to decide if this service is right for you.
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Typically, sessions last for 60 minutes. The frequency of sessions can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances, but many clients find weekly sessions to be beneficial, particularly in the beginning.
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Progress can look different for everyone, but common indicators include increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies, better relationship dynamics, and a general sense of improved well-being. We'll regularly discuss your progress and any changes you've noticed.
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As a relationship and family counsellor, I can support you with a variety of issues. These include communication problems, conflict resolution, grief and loss, life transitions, stress management, and issues related to self-esteem and personal growth.
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For your first session, it can be helpful to think about what you hope to achieve in counselling. You might also consider any questions you have about the process. Remember, this is a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly.
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The timeline for seeing improvements is different for everyone, as it depends on your unique circumstances and goals. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others may take longer. We'll work together to establish realistic expectations for your counselling journey.
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Cultural sensitivity is a core value in my practice. I strive to be respectful and understanding of the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of my clients. This includes being aware of cultural nuances, acknowledging and respecting cultural differences, and considering these factors in the counselling process.
General Counselling Questions
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Individual counselling focuses on the personal growth and emotional well-being of one person. We explore individual thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences to build your understanding of self and improve your personal growth.
Couples counselling, on the other hand, focuses on the relationship between two people. It's a space for both partners to express their thoughts and feelings, learn better communication strategies, resolve conflicts, and enhance their relationship.
Family counselling involves multiple family members and aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts within the family system. It can help families navigate challenging situations and transitions and foster healthier relationships among family members.
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Absolutely, individual counselling can also be beneficial to a relationship/marriage. It's not uncommon for individual struggles or mental health issues to ripple into their partnership, causing tension or conflict. By engaging in individual counselling, a partner can work through their personal challenges, leading to a healthier self and, in turn, a healthier relationship. According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, individual counselling was found to be an effective strategy for improving marital satisfaction (Whisman & Snyder, 2007).
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Couples counselling is really valuable to have during any stage of your relationship. However, it may be especially beneficial when couples are beginning to navigate through issues such as communication problems, conflict resolution, trust issues, sexual discrepancies, financial disagreements, incidents of infidelity or mental health issues. Associations like the AAMFT advocate for couples to seek out couples counselling when dealing with any of the above challenges.
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Counselling doesn't offer a definitive guarantee to save a relationship. However, it does provide a chance opportunity and avenue for couples to improve their communication, work through conflict, and restore trust. As per a study in the Journal of Marriage and Family, couples counselling was observed to be an effective strategy for enhancing a couple's relationship satisfaction (Gottman & Silver, 1999).
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Yes, marriage counselling can be very effective, but its success depends on the willingness of both partners to participate and make changes. Research supports the effectiveness of counselling for marital issues. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family showed that couples counselling could significantly enhance a couple's marital satisfaction (Gottman & Silver, 1999). Please review our Disclaimer before booking to decide if this service is right for you.
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Childhood trauma can indeed impact relationships in adulthood. Those who have endured childhood trauma may struggle with trust, have low self-esteem, or find it challenging to express their feelings. These issues can complicate the ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships later on in life. A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies also found that childhood trauma can significantly affect adult relationships (Trickett et al., 2011). Professional counselling can help a person to work through and heal from these traumas.
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In couples counselling, a counsellor meets with the couple over several sessions to discuss their relationship issues and challenges. The counsellor will then work to assist the couple in identifying the root cause of their problems and helps them formulate strategies to resolve these issues. Techniques used may include communication skills training, conflict resolution skills training, problem-solving skills training, empathy building, and trust building.
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Leaving a toxic relationship can be incredibly challenging, but it's important to remember that there are resources available to help you. Before leaving, formulate a plan for your financial and emotional stability. This might involve reaching out to supportive friends and family or seeking advice from a professional such as a counsellor or therapist. Remember, it's crucial to prioritise your safety and well-being.
Couples Counselling Questions
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Absolutely. Blended families come with their unique challenges and dynamics, and I work with these types of families. I can provide guidance to help navigate the complexities of blending families, including co-parenting, step-parenting, and relationship-building between family members
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In family counselling, a counsellor facilitates discussions with family members (those in attendance) across multiple sessions. These discussions are intended to unearth the issues causing tension within the family. The counsellor then collaborates with the family to develop strategies for addressing these problems. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Family Therapy found that family counselling significantly improved the dynamics of a family's functioning (Szapocznik & Kurtines, 1989).
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Both options are valid and depend largely on your specific situation and goals. Individual counselling can provide a safe space for personal growth and self-understanding. However, if the goal is to improve relationship or family dynamics, it's often beneficial for all involved parties to participate. That said, the decision is ultimately up to you, and we can discuss the best approach during our initial consultation.
Family Counselling Questions
Want to know even more?
Don't hesitate to reach out. We believe that understanding is the first step towards healing and growth, so we welcome all your queries, big or small. Contact us today, and let's start your journey towards relationship renewal together. We're looking forward to connecting with you!