Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
They both use psychological methods to alleviate mental health issues and are both forms of cognitive therapy.
​A counsellor is a trained professional, who provides guidance and support to individuals or groups experiencing personal or psychological difficulties. Counsellors adopt a more person-centred approach, helping people positively tackle problems by helping to clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies
A psychologist, on the other hand, is a mental health professional who has completed a doctoral degree in psychology, has special training in diagnosis and assessment, and often supports people with more severe mental health problems.
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What can I expect in a counselling session?
You can expect to feel safe, supported and listened to.
We work together to uncover what makes you unique and explore your goals and aspirations.
The focus will be from a holistic perspective, as body and mind are connected.
There is an option to use the therapeutic tool of hypnotherapy as this aligns the conscious and subconscious minds to create faster and more lasting results.
We will discuss all therapeutic options available to you and the choice is always yours.
Initial consultations are 90 minutes
Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes
What if I do not feel like I can work with the therapist?
It’s okay to switch therapists if you don’t feel we are a good fit.
Trust your instincts and find someone who resonates with you.
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How does hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help individuals achieve a state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility. During hypnotherapy sessions, a trained therapist guides the individual into a trance-like state, where they can access their subconscious mind and work through a variety of issues, such as anxiety, phobias, and addiction. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement
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Can anyone be hypnotised?
The short answer is Yes, however, as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis if you don’t want to be hypnotised, then you won’t be.
A common thing I hear is; “No one could hypnotise me, and I’m too strong-minded”.
A person goes into hypnosis because they choose to.
So strong-minded individuals are really good candidates for hypnosis provided they are committed to wanting it to work for them.
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What do I need to do after a hypnotherapy session?
Drinking plenty of fluids and going for a short walk can help to ground you after your session.
Allow at least 24 hours for the subconscious mind to process and integrate the changes you have made during your session.
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Are my therapy sessions private and confidential?
All communication and records about your care will be treated as confidential.
No disclosure of information will be made without your expressed or implied permission, except where the counselling/hypnotherapy service has a legal obligation to do so.
There are some instances where a counsellor/therapist is legally required to break confidentiality. These are if a counsellor/therapist has reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse, dependent adult /elder abuse, intentions of committing a serious crime or if you or another person is at risk of harming yourself or others.
As an accredited counsellor through the Australian Counselling Association, I am bound by the ACA Code of Ethics.
As a registered hypnotherapist through the Australian Hypnotherapy Association, I am bound by the AHA Code of Ethics​
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How many sessions will I need?
On average it will take between 3-6 sessions however it can vary depending on what you are presenting with.
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Do I need a mental health care plan from my GP?
No, a mental health care plan or a GP referral is not needed to see a Counsellor, so you do not have to visit a GP to book in with a Counsellor.
Mental health care plans allow you to claim a limited number of Psychology sessions through Medicare however there is still a gap fee.
The cost of the gap fee for a Psychology session and the full fee for a Counselling session are often the same.
Counselling sessions can be claimed through some private health providers if you have extras cover.
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I have Private Health Cover with extras, do you process a rebate?
To claim for these, you need to claim directly through the private health fund.
Once the session has been fully paid, you will receive an invoice with a provider number which you can use for your claim.