Frequently Asked Questions
Should you have any questions, I’ve compiled some of the questions people commonly ask me to assist.
If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
How do I pay for my appointment?
All appointments are paid for via our online booking portal. Once you select the type of appointment you require i.e. online or in-person you will be taken through to the payment section so you can secure your booking.
What happens in a counselling session?
You control the process; everything is done with your agreement and permission. My role is to assist you to decide what works best for you and your circumstances. To listen with understanding, empathy in a non-judgemental way to help you to draw on your strengths whilst supporting you to figure out what works best for you.
Are my sessions confidential?
Definitely, your privacy and confidentiality are of vital importance to me. When first booking an appointment you will receive an Intake and Consent form that you can fill in and submit back to me. This form will detail your rights as well as policies and legal requirements with regards to confidentiality to ensure you feel reassured and confident that your information is secure.
I’m a new client, I’ve just made an appointment, what’s next?
Once an appointment has been made, new clients will receive a separate email containing an Intake and Consent form which will need to be filled out and returned to me before our initial appointment goes ahead. You will also get an email notification and reminder of our upcoming appointment prior to your appointment.
Why seek counselling?
Counselling provides people with a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for them to clarify their thoughts and feelings, so they have the space to decide what to do next. It also provides the opportunity to talk to a neutral party about your life.
There are many reasons why people seek the support of a counsellor, it’s a great way for you to support your own mental health and overall wellbeing!
Do I need a referral to see a counsellor?
The good news is no, you can book sessions with a counsellor without needing to involve anyone else or tell anyone you are seeing a counsellor.
Do I need a referral? And how many sessions will I need?
There is no need for a referral. You can book sessions with counsellors without the need to involve anyone else, or telling anyone else you are seeing a Counsellor.
Counselling is a very personal and individualised process that’s tailored to you and your needs. There is no right or wrong. Generally, I find clients benefit from making a few appointments close together, i.e. either weekly or fortnightly to address their immediate concerns, then we spread them out to monthly. However, you decide the process, and everything can be reviewed at any time.
Can I get Medicare or Private Health Insurance rebates?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover counselling and currently Unified Counselling is not working in partnership with any Private Health Funds. That said, there are many benefits of working with a counsellor privately:
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You don’t need a referral from your GP to access counselling, which means you control the process and get to choose the counsellor you are comfortable with, rather than one you are referred to.
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There are no limits to the number of sessions you wish to access via your counsellor unlike a Care Plan or Private Health fund’s extras cover.
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There are no third parties such as Medicare, Private Health Funds or Employee Assistance Programs involved in your treatment giving you greater choice and flexibility about how and when you decide to seek counselling.