Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling?

Counselling is the opportunity to talk with a trained professional who is removed from your personal situation. The counsellor uses evidence-based tools to support you. Counselling can help you gain a new perspective without feeling judged. It is a safe place for you to share what you feel comfortable and gain a deeper understanding about yourself. Counselling may also help you to make sense of the past and learn how to live freely in the present.

How do I know if I need counselling?

I don't think it's a matter of needing counselling, but more so making a choice to see a counsellor. If you choose to see a counsellor, it does not mean you have a mental illness. Some people seek counselling simply to tweak some things in their life that don't quite make sense. It is helpful to talk to someone who has an impartial ear to listen and give a new perspective on whatever you’re going through.

Do you do couples counselling?

No, I do not do regular couples or marriage counselling; I only do pre-marriage counselling. I use the Prepare/Enrich program to support couples preparing for marriage.

Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan from my GP to see you for counselling?

Unfortunately, no. Medicare rebates apply to professionals who are registered Psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and some other specific practitioners. However, my qualifications as a Counsellor are not covered under the Medicare rebate system.

Do you have a waitlist?

No. Feel free to reach out and make an appointment and often I can see you within a week or two.

How do I choose the right counsellor for me?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a Counsellor:

• Check the counsellor’s qualifications and preferably if they are a member of a Counselling Association (i.e. PACFA, ACA).
• A qualified counsellor will have a minimum of a Diploma, however it is recommended that you see someone who has a minimum of a Bachelor, a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
• Get to know the counsellor. If they have a website, look at every page and get an idea about their values, and specialist area/s if they have one. Check what their fees are and where you will meet them for sessions.
• Ask friends and family for a referral. If people you know have seen a counsellor and they were happy, then that can help in choosing a counsellor.
• You need to feel safe and listened to without judgement. The counsellor’s job is to offer a safe and non-judgemental place for you to share what's on your heart and mind. Trust your intuition, if you aren't sure or feel like something isn't right, that's OK. You don't have to go back to that counsellor if you don't feel safe. You can try another counsellor.
• You could give the counsellor a call to find out more details. This will give you a chance to hear their voice and gauge their personality.

Counselling is a very courageous choice to make. It will challenge you! It may also be one of the best things you do for yourself and your loved ones.

How is supervision different to counselling?

Supervision is specifically focused on a work situation or role, whereas counselling is focused on personal relationships and situations. Although there are times in supervision where the supervisee’s personal circumstances and beliefs are addressed, the question remains “how does all of this impact on your work situation or role?”

What does supervision involve?

• A collaborative contract between supervisor and supervisee.
• Safe place to reflect on actions, thoughts, beliefs and ideas experienced in a work role.
• Opportunities to share confidentially about scenarios and receive support to process more deeply.
• Discussions about self-care and professional development for the supervisee.
• Ensuring legal and ethical practice is conducted.

Why pre-marriage counselling?

• Sets you up for success: Gives you an opportunity to create a solid foundation for your relationship.
• Identifies strength and growth areas: Helps you to celebrate what your strengths are as a couple and identify where your growth areas are. We all have areas for growth, this is not a negative thing, it is reality and we can put the effort in so we can be prepared for marriage.
• Improves communication: Pre-marriage counselling helps you to communicate. Although most couples have discussed a lot of topics prior to marriage, it’s helpful to put time aside to invest in the relationship and each other and often there is at least one area that the couple hasn’t discussed.
• All couples can benefit: Whether you’ve been together for 15 years, living together for 10 or only met 12 months ago, pre-marriage counselling provides an intentional space to invest in your relationship and in each other. It makes a statement to yourselves that this relationship matters and that there are always areas for growth and to go deeper.

When should we start pre-marriage counselling?

It is encouraged to start the Prepare/Enrich process as soon as you’re engaged so that you’re not doing it at the last minute before your wedding. Often couples leave it until closer to the wedding, but it can be hard to give pre-marriage counselling your best focus when wedding preparations increase as you get closer to your wedding day.

What is Self-Care?

“Self-Care just means putting yourself on the list. It means valuing yourself enough to know you need to spend time resting, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that make you happy (or cared for), without feeling guilty.” - Lucille Zimmerman.

What can I do today to start taking care of myself?

Start by doing one thing each week that you really love doing. Maybe it's going for a walk in a picturesque place, having a coffee at your favourite coffee shop by yourself with no distractions, playing a game of golf, building something or simply making a cup of tea and sitting in the sun for 5 minutes. Then go from once a week to a couple times a week to once a day.