FAQs

What is counselling?

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to explore and promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns.

Counsellors are different from good friends because they are trained to listen, provide therapeutic interventions and ensure that what you say isn’t brought up at the next party. That said, if you can find a good friend who does most of that, keep them close.

Counselling is different from psychology because counsellors do not diagnose mental health disorders. That said, they utilise the same evidence-based treatments and approaches.

How do I book in a session?

1. Contact us to find a time which suits you

2. Fill out the online intake form or ask for a printed version

What approach do you use?

As the basis for my work, I use empathy and deep listening to ensure you feel safe, understood, respected, and accepted without judgement. In relationship counselling, I intentionally utilise the Gottman method and Emotionally Focussed Therapy. In individual counselling, I incorporate a variety of effective therapeutic tools upon the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

What qualifies you to be a counsellor?

I am a PACFA registered counsellor, for which I am required to have completed my Masters in Counselling and participate in ongoing professional development and supervision. I also have a Graduate Diploma in Divinity (ministry and theology) and a Cert. IV in alcohol and other drugs.

How many sessions will I need to attend?

Counselling may be short term, long term, or over a lifetime, according to each person’s needs. For example, if you have a specific issue to resolve, this may only need 1-6 sessions.

In regards to couples counselling, the first three sessions (1 together and 1 each individually) will be used to conduct the assessments which are necessary for our work together. As such, it is probable that you will require a minimum of six sessions together.

Can I have counselling online?

In-person counselling is recommended however if you require online counselling due to covid restrictions, extended travel requirements or minor sickness this can be arranged.

Is my information kept private?

I will ensure that all your information and your story are kept confidential. This means that I won't share any of the content of our sessions together unless I feel that you or anyone else is in serious danger. I also see a supervisor once a month where I discuss my work as a Counsellor but your identity will not be disclosed. When I am seeing couples, I ensure both people know that I do not keep secrets from the other person when it is therapeutically relevant e.g. affairs.