Frequently Asked Questions
Sessions
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE FIRST SESSION?
Regardless of whether someone has accessed therapy before, or if it is their first time, it can understandably raise anxiety levels around not knowing what to expect. My main priority in the first session is to establish an environment of safety, to build our therapeutic relationship and to truly understand what you are hoping to get out of therapy. In the beginning, I will also cover some of the practicalities such as gathering your contact details (if you have not completed them beforehand) and going through the counselling agreement.
IS MY PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY GUARANTEED?
All counselling sessions are confidential. Knowing that confidentiality is an internalised ‘norm’ in the social and health science professions (for example, counselling, social work, psychology), you can enter the therapeutic process in safety. The only time confidentiality is breached is when there are serious concerns of harm to the self and/or others. If a need to break confidentiality is required, always where possible, this will be openly discussed between us.
The only other limitation in this area relates to me engaging in my own professional supervision with an accredited mental health professional. Supervision sessions allow me to gain support and guidance in my work and to check that I am working ethically and competently. When I discuss the work I am doing with you, I will only refer to you by your first name (or alternative if you prefer) and any other distinguishing details will be altered to keep your identity anonymous.
All information collected in this practice is treated as ‘sensitive information’. To protect your privacy, this practice operates in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) and Semper Amore’s privacy policy.Â
I WORK FULLTIME / MY CHILD ATTENDS SCHOOL - DO YOU OFFER AFTER HOURS APPOINTMENTS?
Clinic hours: Monday – Friday 09:00am – 5:00pm. Late appointments are available through tele-health, however an additional late fee of $20 applies.
WHAT IF I FEEL BETTER BETWEEN THE TIME OF MAKING MY APPOINTMENT AND THE ACTUAL APPOINTMENT – DO I CANCEL?
Clients often report a positive change in between the time of making their appointment and the actual appointment. I encourage you to look out for these changes, however for longer-term wellness, I recommend you keep your appointment. I am keen to explore pre-session change during our sessions, as this can be beneficial for sustained improvement in emotional and psychological wellbeing.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED THERAPY AND HOW OFTEN?
How long depends on the person and the nature of the problems they are going through. There is no set number or frequency of sessions, however following the first session, if we feel we are a good fit, I recommend booking in for a minimum of three sessions. This helps with diary management for all of us. You might get symptom relief after the first session, but I truly believe several sessions increases the chances of longer-term wellness. However, you are encouraged to take an active role in therapy, and this includes the decision on whether to continue with therapy is always in your hands.
Short term treatments often range from 4 – 12 sessions. Longer term treatments can also help with more complex or longer standing issues. Most clients engage in sessions on a weekly and fortnightly basis, then move to monthly sessions as therapy progresses. Some clients then choose to see me sporadically – generally they know when they need a check-in and come with a very specific intention. We will discuss your intentions during the first session and I will regularly check-in with you to ensure you are receiving what you are seeking.Â
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY SESSION?
If you are unable to attend the scheduled appointment, please notify me as early as possible by phoning or messaging 0411 586 042. Cancellation or postponing of appointments requires a minimum of 48 hours’ notice wherever possible, unless under exceptional circumstances. Where pre-payment has been made, and more than 48 hours’ notice of cancellation has been provided, a full refund will be returned to your nominated account, or applied to your next session if you choose to reschedule.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM RUNNING LATE TO A SESSION, OR I MISS IT?
If you are running late to your appointment, we can still have a session if you are no later than 15 minutes. After this time the appointment is cancelled as there will not be adequate time to facilitate an effective session.
If you fail to attend, you will forfeit your deposit of 50% of the full fee in the first instance, and 100% for subsequent sessions. It is important to give at least 48 hours’ notice of cancelling your appointment, to offer another client the opportunity to be supported.Â
WHAT IF I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE SERVICES? WHAT ARE THE COMPLAINTS & FEEDBACK POLICIES?
As I have noted, the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a big contributor to positive outcomes for you as a client, therefore I am committed to ensuring the service I provide is meeting your needs and expectations. This is done within sessions and you also have the option to provide details of your experience in writing. As a helping professional, reflective and deliberate practice really is essential to continually improve my practice. Â
I am a strong advocate of the concept of ‘rupture and repair’ – the idea that all relationships, including the therapeutic relationship can experience ‘rupture’ when we are not fully attuned with each other. As your therapist, it is my responsibility to respond to this in a way to enable us to get back on track. This can be a valuable opportunity to learn how to express your needs and expectations within relationships.Â
 I am also fully accredited and work within the code of ethics of the Australian Counselling Association (I am a level 4 member). This is to ensure that you receive a good service and I am accountable to a higher national organisation and must work within their guidelines. The association has their own complaints procedure – copies are available on request. I am also bound by the National Code of Conduct for healthcare workers in Qld. Â
Fees
DO YOU OFFER ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH PLAN/MEDICARE REBATES?
To get a mental health plan from a General Practitioner, you need to have a mental health diagnosis which goes on your permanent mental health record. I strongly believe that you should not have to be diagnosed and labelled early on in your experience just to have access to affordable counselling. However, I understand affordability is a very relevant consideration. I am a member of several health funds so you may be eligible for a rebate through your extras cover
HOW MUCH ARE COUNSELLING SESSIONS?
Cost: $150 (individual)/$165 (couples) for 50-minute session. Extended sessions, such as 1.5 hours are available through negotiation and attract a fee of 1 hour + 30mins. Sessions for NDIS participants are charged as per the NDIS price schedule. You can pay via EFTPOS (Square), direct deposit or cash. Health fund rebates may apply.