FAQ

At the start of your initial session, we will review your consent form and I’ll answer any questions you have about it. I’ll then invite you to share what has brought you to counselling.

As you speak, I’ll listen carefully. I may take some notes to ensure I capture the key details of your situation accurately, and I’ll ask clarifying questions as necessary. Generally, I aim to let you speak without interruption so you can share fully.

Once I have a deeper understanding of your concerns, I will confirm that I’ve understood what you hope to get out of our time together. If I’ve missed an important aspect, I encourage you to correct me—it’s vital that we are both working toward the same goals.

Depending on what we’ve discussed, I may offer insights, share practical tools you can use immediately, or recommend resources like books, podcasts, or support groups. If we find there is more to explore than time permits, we can discuss booking further sessions. I will always provide my professional recommendation, but the decision to continue is entirely yours.

A few minutes before we finish, we will recap our conversation and talk about what you’d like to do next, whether that’s a follow-up session soon, a check-in down the track, or something else that suits your needs.

Important note on guidance: My role is not to tell you what you ‘should’ do or make decisions for you. Instead, I walk alongside you to help you clarify your own feelings, values, and choices at your own pace.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counselling relationship. Your sessions will remain strictly private, with a few specific exceptions required by law and professional ethics:

• Court subpoena: If a court subpoenas my session notes, I am legally required to provide them. Should this occur, I would discuss the request with you and seek guidance from my clinical supervisor or a legal advisor before proceeding.
• Safety & mandatory reporting: If I form the belief that you or someone else is at imminent risk of serious harm, I am obligated to take action to ensure safety. This may include contacting the emergency services or relevant protective agencies.
• Professional supervision: Like all registered mental health practitioners, I participate in regular clinical supervision to ensure I am providing you with the best possible care. During supervision sessions, I may discuss our work, but I do so without using your name or identifying details, to protect your privacy.

My session notes are written and stored securely in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. You may request access to your records at any time under the Australian Privacy Principles, and we can discuss the process for reviewing your notes.

Grief and life transitions rarely follow a linear timeline. Some people find that a single session provides the clarity or release they need for a specific moment. Others prefer ongoing support over several weeks or months as they navigate deep loss or complex change. We will regularly check in about what feels right for you, and the choice to continue is always entirely yours.

Yes, I offer both in-person sessions and secure online telehealth appointments. We can discuss which setting feels most comfortable and accessible for you.

No, unfortunately, Medicare rebates (such as those offered under a Mental Health Care Plan) do not currently apply to private counselling services. This is a topic of ongoing advocacy within the profession, but for now, my services are privately funded.

• Bupa: Yes, if your policy includes extras cover for counselling. I will issue an invoice with my Bupa provider number for you to claim your rebate.
• Other health funds: No, rebates are not available through other private health funds at the moment.

No, you do not need a referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to see me. You can simply book an appointment directly.

If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan:

These plans are designed to provide Medicare rebates for sessions with a Psychologist or an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. If accessing a government rebate is your priority, I recommend seeking a practitioner in one of those fields. See the FAQ Which professional is right for me? for more information about these roles.

Note: While counsellors cannot currently offer Medicare rebates, my full fee ($120) may be lower than the ‘gap’ or out-of-pocket cost you would pay to see a Psychologist after the Medicare rebate is applied to their fee. If you decide you’d like to work with me despite the lack of a rebate, I’m happy to help you. We just won’t be able to make use of your Mental Health Care Plan. You could consider keeping your plan in case you later decide to work with a professional who can offer the rebate.

As a range of professionals provide mental healthcare services in Australia, choosing the right support can be confusing. While all the roles listed below share a foundation in behavioural science and evidence-based talk therapy, there are some important differences in our training and how we work. Also, individual practitioners will have their own strengths, areas of interest, and ways of working. The right fit depends on what you need from therapy and the personal connection you feel with your practitioner.

Note: You may choose to work with more than one of these professionals at a time.

Registered Counsellor (me)

A Registered Counsellor helps you navigate difficult emotions, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or are simply navigating a painful work or personal situation, I provide a non-judgemental space where we can focus on your healing, growth, and wellbeing.

In Australia, ‘counsellor’ is not a protected term, meaning anyone can use it regardless of training. To ensure your practitioner is adequately qualified, always look for registration with the ACA or PACFA. I hold a Master of Counselling and have Level 2 registration with the ACA. This registration requires me to undergo regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure your care meets the highest ethical standards.

Important note on diagnosis: While counsellors are trained to recognise common mental health conditions, we do not provide formal medical diagnosis. If you feel a diagnosis would be an important step for you, ask your GP to refer you to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist.

Mental Health Social Worker

An Accredited Mental Health Social Worker has completed a degree in Social Work followed by at least two years of specialist supervised experience in a mental health setting. They are authorised to treat specific conditions identified in a GP’s Mental Health Care Plan. In addition to counselling, they are uniquely trained to help you navigate practical life factors, such as housing, financial systems, or government advocacy, to support your wellbeing.

Psychologist (Registered, Provisional, or Clinical)

Psychologists occupy a range of roles including in research and academia. Those who have chosen to specialise in clinical work offer a range of therapies including talk therapy, and are qualified to provide formal assessment or a diagnosis for mental health conditions.

• Registered & Clinical Psychologists can offer Medicare rebates if you have a referral from your GP or a Mental Health Care Plan.
• Provisional Psychologists are in their final stage of training. They do not offer Medicare rebates but often have lower fees while working under senior supervision.

Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health. Because of their medical background, they focus on the biological causes of mental health issues. Like Psychologists, they are qualified to provide formal assessment or mental health diagnosis. They are the only professionals on this list who can prescribe and manage medication. You must have a GP referral to see a Psychiatrist.

If you are working with a Psychiatrist, you will likely also be working with another type of mental health professional. This helps make the services more accessible and affordable.

Finding the right ‘fit’ is the most important part of choosing a counsellor, which is why I offer a free, no-obligation, 15-minute phone call before you book your first session. This gives us a chance to see if we feel like a good match before you commit to a full appointment. Please see my Fees and bookings page if you’d like to request a call.

Once we begin working together, feelings of discomfort can still arise. Counselling is a unique process where a lot happens beneath the surface. Sometimes, feeling unhappy or stuck in a session is actually a sign that we are approaching a significant breakthrough. It’s my job to notice those dynamics and ‘bring them into the room’ so we can explore them together. Often, the relationship that forms between you and your counsellor mirrors other relationships in your life, and can highlight areas for growth.

I am always open to discussing how you’re feeling about our progress. If you feel you would prefer to work with someone else, I will respect that as a perfectly reasonable choice. I want you to have the support that feels right for you, and I am happy to help you find another practitioner who might be a better match.