Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at my first counselling session?
The first session is really about getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to counselling. We will talk about what has been happening, some of the experiences that may have shaped you, what you would like help with and what you hope might be different.
I will also explain confidentiality and how counselling works, and you are welcome to ask questions.
Where do counselling sessions take place?
Most of my counselling work is in person in Joondalup, where I see individual adults and couples. Online counselling is also available when attending in person is difficult or impractical. Walk and Talk counselling may be available in Burns Beach for some individual adult clients.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact me directly and make an appointment without a referral from a GP or another health professional.
Do you accept Mental Health Care Plans or Medicare?
No. Counselling with me is privately funded and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan rebates do not apply.
Private health fund rebates may be available. I am a recognised provider with Medibank, BUPA, HBF, and a number of participating private health funds through ARHG. Rebate eligibility and amounts depend on your individual policy and level of cover, so please check directly with your health fund.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling is treated as confidential, and client records are stored securely in accordance with professional, ethical and legal requirements. There are some circumstances where confidentiality may need to be limited, for example if there is a serious concern about someone's safety or where disclosure is required by law. I explain the limits of confidentiality at the beginning of counselling and you are always welcome to ask questions about this.
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Counsellors and psychologists both support mental health and wellbeing, although their training, registration frameworks and scopes of practice are different. As an ACA Registered Counsellor, I provide counselling for adults and couples within my professional scope, using evidence-based counselling approaches. Sometimes a person's needs are better suited to a psychologist, psychiatrist or another specialist service. If I believe that is the case, I will discuss this with you and recommend that you seek the most appropriate support.
What kinds of concerns do you commonly work with?
People come to counselling for many different reasons. Areas I commonly work with include anxiety and overthinking, relationship difficulties, depression and low mood, stress and overwhelm, self-esteem, grief and loss, parenting and family concerns, life transitions and midlife concerns, women's issues and questions of faith or meaning. If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is something I work with, you are welcome to ask before booking.
What is an integrative counsellor?
Being an integrative counsellor means I do not expect every person to fit into one particular counselling model. Different approaches can be useful for different people and different situations, so I draw from a range of counselling approaches depending on what is most helpful for you.
What counselling approaches do you use?
My work may draw from approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and person-centred approaches.
For couples, I draw particularly from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy. The particular approach matters less to me than understanding the person in front of me and using what is likely to be useful for them.
Do you provide Christian counselling?
Yes. Christian counselling is available for clients who would like their faith to be part of the counselling process. This may include exploring concerns through a Christian worldview, talking about faith and spiritual questions, or including biblical principles where they are meaningful to you. Faith is included only if you want it to be and at your request.
What if I am not Christian?
You are equally welcome. You do not need to have any particular faith or spiritual belief to receive counselling with me. I work from your values, beliefs and perspective and respect you and your ideas.
Do you offer couples counselling?
Yes. I provide couples counselling in Joondalup and generally prefer to see couples in person where possible. Couples often come for help with communication, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, trust, intimacy or difficult patterns that they cannot seem to resolve on their own.
How long are sessions and what are the fees?
Sessions are 60 minutes.
Individual counselling: $160
Couples counselling: $190
Professional supervision: $120
How do I know if you are the right counsellor for me?
A good counselling relationship should feel respectful, collaborative and comfortable enough for you to speak openly. The first session gives us an opportunity to get to know one another, talk about what has brought you to counselling and see whether my approach feels helpful for you.
If either of us feels that another professional would be better suited to your needs, we can talk about that openly.