Frequently Asked Questions

I treat most of the conditions that can impact someone’s general emotional and psychological wellbeing. From my experience, major transition points in life can trigger a crisis – and it is often at these points that people may come for help.

It can help to remember that a crisis is an opportunity for change. If you’re experiencing any of the following and it’s getting in the way of living your life well, it’s probably time to do something about it.

Stress, anxiety and depression

• anxiety, depression, post-natal depression
• eating issues
• grief and loss

Trauma, abuse, distressing events

• trauma as a result of domestic violence, abuse or early childhood sexual abuse
• post traumatic stress

Relationships and family, including

• relationship issues
• singles issues
• communication skills
• preparing for motherhood
• parenting skills
• skills for new parents

Workplace issues, including

• bullying
• dealing with difficult people
• overload and burnout
• anger, anxiety, depression

Other life changes, including  

• retirement or retrenchment

For issues that are specific and less complex, 6 –10 sessions will normally be enough to reduce your symptoms or reach your goals.

Complex and deep-seated problems typically take longer – it may have taken years to reach the stage where you are seeking professional counselling or therapy. Therapy is like going on a journey: you are free to stop at any time you feel ready. That may be when you experience relief from your immediate symptoms, or you may choose to keep going as you begin to feel better, and can see more clearly who you want to be and how you want to feel.

We will develop a specific treatment plan for you, after we’ve had an initial discussion and assessment of what your issues are. Different conditions and your individual circumstances are major factors, and it isn’t possible to give a general indication of how long it will take without that preliminary discussion.

The first session is about us meeting and getting to know one another.

You will be able to tell me what has brought you to counselling and perhaps tell me what you would like to get out of it.

Sometimes people are not clear about what it is they want from counselling or therapy, they just know that how they are feeling is getting in the way of getting on with their life.

I can help you get some clarity and direction, and together we can decide on a plan.

When you are in counselling you can expect to feel safe and free to explore sensitive and emotionally difficult issues and problems, in an environment  where there is no judgement.

However, depending on how and to whom you talk about your sessions and problems – your friends, family and associates – labelling can, unfortunately, occur. Usually the labelling is done out of ignorance and misunderstanding.

I will guide you through those issues before you talk to others and how to handle labelling if it does happen. In fact, I recommend you don’t share any content from your sessions until such time as you feel ready and safe to do so.

Many of my clients recognise that money spent on therapy is a life-long investment.

For individuals and couples, my fees are guided by The Australian Psychological Society recommended schedule.

I am registered with Medicare. This means that with a doctor’s referral you may be entitled to a government rebate of $84.80 per session, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

In some circumstances your Private Health Fund may provide some cover for some sessions.

For trauma therapy, a different fee structure applies. Please contact me for information.

Appointment times are very important to my clients and I ask that you provide at least two business days (48 hours) notice of cancellation, otherwise the full fee will be charged.

I understand that sometimes, due to unforeseeable circumstances, such notice cannot be provided. In this situation I will reschedule your appointment, within the week of the appointment where possible.