Question 1

I have never been to counselling before – what is involved?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a collaborative process whereby we sit and chat to each other in a safe and confidential environment. I understand that it can feel daunting to tell someone your inner thoughts.
Part of the process is exploring your feelings, beliefs or behaviours or discuss current or past challenges and memories. You can feel comforted by the fact that I always work with where you are at and will not pressure you in any way to say anything you do not feel ready to say.
I will help you with areas of your life that you are looking to change, which may include setting goals and help you work towards achieving lasting change.
For counsellling children and young people, see the question below on what age children need to be to receive counselling.

Question 2

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Many people ask me this question which I find difficult to answer as everyone is different, has differing challenges they would like to work through. During the first few sessions we work out together how many sessions are recommended based on your needs and it also depends on how ready you are to make changes in your life and what these changes are.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP you are entitled to 10 sessions (+10 more sessions under COVID until December 2021) per annum, so you have the ability to have therapeutic care and support for 20 sessions if you choose to use the MHTP and receive the Medicare Rebate.
If you choose not to use a MHTP you are not limited to any number of sessions.

Question 3

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I work out of a Psychology Practice on 201 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East.  
Face to Face as well as Telehealth sessions are available
Home visits are also available (travel time is charged).

Question 4

Is parking available at your rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is ample parking in the car park as well as 3 hour street parking.

Question 5

How old does my child need to be to receive counselling?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum age requirement for counselling children and young people, so if you feel counselling is required, then it is available. 
Two parent consent is required by law for all child counselling up until the age of 16. 
Being a parent is rewarding and challenging. There is no rule book and different strategies work for different children & families. As every family is unique, we identify strategies that are relevant for your family taking into account the ages and stages of development of your child/children. 
As your child is growing their needs change as well, this is physically, emotionally, socially and developmentally. Children turn to adults/care givers for emotional and physical safety which at times can be hard to provide and to know what to do. Helping children develop their emotional and social literacy/language leads to resilience and a positive sense of self. This can be accomplished through therapy with your child as well as changing our reactions as parents to the child’s behaviour. 
Please note that with all child counselling the initial visit is for parent(s) before I meet with your child. Further sessions may be combined child/parent sessions or your child alone with me (if appropriate and after assessment is completed). This process is very organic and is reviewed in consultation with you, the parents/caregivers. 
Depending on your child’s age and stage of development, different therapies are used. For younger children I use play therapy, drawing as well as talking. I provide a safe space for your child to feel at ease and use encouraging words and gestures to develop positive outcomes.

Question 6

Do you have after hours sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after hour sessions are available with prior arrangement. Please get in touch to discuss.

Question 7

Is counselling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, counselling is confidential. All clients are required to sign a consent form before we start our sessions (a parent is required to sign on behalf of a child). 
As an accredited mental health social worker, I am bound by the Commonwealth Privacy Act, 1988 and the Privacy and Personal Information Act, 1998. This legislation states that an individual's personal and family history cannot be divulged to other organisations without their consent, and that these records must be kept in a secure place.
Please note that there are laws that require workers to break confidentiality. These circumstances are:
To inform the police if someone tells me they have committed a serious crime or if they intend to commit a serious crime.
If someone tells me that they intend to assault another person, I have a duty of care to tell that person, even if I don't know them.
My case notes can also be subpoenaed by a Judge. Please be assured if this occurs, that I will always add in my notes to the Judge of the potential impact of the case notes being disclosed to others.

Question 8

Are you a registered mental health social worker?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers as an Accredited  Mental Health Social Worker.

For more information on my qualifications, please see the next question.

Question 9

What qualifications do you have and why should I see you?

Accepted Answer

I have extensive qualifications and broad professional experience in varied cultural environments. I am:
an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker by the Australian Association of Social Workers as a Mental Health Social Worker
a certified Medicare registered Allied Health Professional
able to deliver professional services under the following programs:
Focussed Psychological Strategies
Better Access to Mental Health Care 
Bushfire Recovery Access Program
Evidence Based Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment (up to 40 services in a 12 month period)
trained in EMDR Level 1
trained and experienced in using Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), relaxation strategies, controlled breathing and psycho-education
collaborative, warm, lateral thinking and have a flexible and eclectic approach

I have both Professional & Public liability Insurance through the AASW and a current Working With Children Check.
Please see the About Me page for more information.

Question 10

Which theories do you use?

Accepted Answer

I draw on several theoretical approaches. Please see the Therapeutic Approach page for more information.

Question 11

Do you work with same sex couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do.

Question 12

How do I pay for my sessions?

Accepted Answer

You pay after each session by credit or debit card. I have a HICAPS machine for ease of payment and your Medicare rebate goes straight back onto your debit card.

Question 13

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No, but you will not be eligible for any Medicare rebates.
If you would like to claim the Medicare rebate, then you need a Mental Health Care Plan (referral from your GP or Psychiatrist).
If you are Self Managed or have a Managed Plan through NDIS you can access Therapeutic Counselling.

Question 14

Are there Medicare rebates available?

Accepted Answer

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate. Under this plan, you are eligible for up to 10 sessions per year with a Medicare rebate. 
You can also claim a Medicare rebate if you are referred by a Psychiatrist or for your child if they are referred by their Paediatrician.

Frequently asked questions