Frequently asked questions

+ How will I know if counselling is a making a difference?

I use outcome measure tools to measure whether you are reaching your goals. If our sessions aren’t helping you, I encourage you to talk to me honestly about your experience. This information helps me adjust how I work to best meet your needs. Typically, my clients notice an increased sense of inner wellbeing, more self-compassion and more mindful interactions in relationships.

+ What kind of results can I expect from counselling?

My clients have expressed to me that they have experienced the following in counselling:

• Better able to take care of their vulnerabilities.

• Can calm self-critical thoughts and access self-compassion.

• Increased self-awareness of their emotions and how to mindfully respond to these.

• Been able to locate and heal parts of the self that feels stuck in the past and are holding trauma.

• An increased capacity to notice patterns in relationships.

• Increased confidence in regulating their distress.

• Showing up in their relationships in the best version of themselves.

+ What if counselling isn’t helping?

Generally, I will initiate a conversation about this, however, I encourage you to share with me what isn’t working for you. I will respond to your needs and adjust my approach to support your get your needs met. If I believe I might not able to meet your needs I will discuss referrals with you and support you to connect with other supports.

+ Why do you work with LGBTQIA+ adults?

I have focused my energies on supporting LGBTQIA+ adults because I see the struggle many of us have in loving ourselves. I am interested in how better understanding our shame can give us greater freedom from it. I have found that this helps us move away from destructive shame-based behaviours and start relating to ourselves and others in more loving ways. As a queer person I have experienced first-hand the impact shame can have on our lives. I have also seen the growth and transformation in myself and clients when we go toward the dark places within us and find our love for ourselves again. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ folk navigate daily ongoing oppressions and celebrate the beauty that is an LGBTQIA+ life.

+ What can I expect to happen during our time together?

In general, we will spend the first session getting to know each other and getting clear goals for counselling. The second session I will ask you about your history to contextualise the difficulties you are having.

In sessions, you can expect a caring and warm approach from me that will help you open up and share what’s been troubling you. I will at times ask you what’s happening in your body to bring you awareness into the present and to notice feeling states you might not be aware of. We will explore your current relationships how these have been impacted by past relationships.

We may also do some Internal Family Systems work. This therapy method helps us get to know the various parts of your psyche and identify which parts are holding trauma from the past and which parts of you are protecting those vulnerabilities.

Following IFS I have found clients can access greater self-compassion, turn the volume down on their inner critic and process past trauma which together results in increased inner wellbeing.

In 2022 i trained in EMDR (Eye movemnet Desensitisation Reprocessing) a powerful techique for processing out emotional distress attached to memories in the past. I may suggest we do some EMDR sessions depending on your goals.

I will also provide you with strategies that will help you manage your emotional triggers so you can start to feel safer in your body and more control of your feelings.

+ How long does counselling typically last?

This is a difficult one to answer, it really does depend. There is a range of factors the contribute to you meeting your goals. Some of these include external life factors and how well the therapy relationship is going. I measure outcomes at every session to review progress and identify problem areas. We will also have frequent conversations about our work together and how it’s going for you.

+ What happens during the first counselling session?

The intake session is an opprunity for us to get to know each other and figure out if I’m the right fit for you. Research shows that the relationship between a client and therapist is the foundation of progress in therapy. I will typically get more information about what is troubling you, get clarity of your goals for counselling and share with you more about how I like to work.

+ Do you give homework?

Yes, however usually only piece of homework per session and not always. I have found that clients tend to make more progress when they do the homework and reflect on the work we are going between sessions.

+ Do you offer phone or online sessions?

I do. Through a secure video-based platform called Coviu. I can also call you on a secure line if you wish to have your session on the phone. I will help you find a space that is private and comfortable to talk. Phone and online sessions are also are a great option if you can’t make an in-person session.

+ What is your availability?

This varies through the year. This is usually updated on my contact page. In general, the more flexible you can be regarding session times the sooner i will be able to see you.

+ Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

My earliest session is at 9.30am and my latest 4.30pm during week days.

+ Where do sessions take place if they are in-person?

In-person sessions take place at 8-10 Mansfield St, Thornbury.

+ How much do sessions cost?

A 60 minute sessions is $230. This is payable on the day of your session. You are currently eligible for a total of 10 sessions via a mental health plan and need to return to your GP to get a review of your plan after the 6th session. The Medicare rebate for a session with a mental health social worker is $77.10.

I will provide you with an invoice on the day of your session which you can use to seek a rebate from medicare. You can use the medicare app Express Plus to submit claims. Rebates are usually paid within 1-7 days following submission.

It is a client's responsibility to monitor how many sessions you have remaining on your MHCP and to make sure you review your mental health care plan with your GP to access further sessions that are eligible for the rebate. I try and assist with this by adding session packs to invoices to indicate how many sessions you have remaining on your plan.

Without a current MHCP with sessions remaining the full fee is due.

I don't offer bulk billing or sliding scale based fees.

+ What if I need to cancel our appointment or I get sick?

Your consistent attendance greatly contributes to a successful outcome in counselling.

In order to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify me at least 48 hrs before your appointment. Sessions cancelled within 48 hours incur a cancellation fee of $230.

I have some capacity to reschedule a session once within 7 days and will not charge you if i can fill your session time with someone on my cancellation list. A session time can only be rescheduled once.

I will also suggest we have a phone or video session where appropriate to avoid you paying for a session you don’t use.

Medicare rebates are only available for attended sessions

+ Are sessions covered by my insurance?

I don’t accept insurance at this time. However, your are welcome to take my receipts to your insurance provider to seek reimbursement.

+ Get in touch to discuss next steps

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my practice.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can explore whether i am the right counsellor for you. You can book this on the contact page.

I look forward to chatting with you.