The wise man seeks not pleasure, but freedom from care and pain.

Rebates for counselling services in Australia depend on factors such as the type of counselling and the provider’s qualifications. Key options include:

• Medicare: Under the Better Access initiative, individuals with a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or mental health professional may access rebates for certain counselling sessions. This usually applies to psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and mental health practitioners.
• Private Health Insurance: Many private health plans include extras cover for counselling. The specifics depend on the provider and your level of cover.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Some employers offer free counselling services as part of workplace health initiatives.
• Community Health Services: Subsidised or free counselling may be available for individuals experiencing financial hardship through local health centres.

Check your eligibility for Medicare or private insurance rebates and consult with your counsellor about applicable options.

To respect the time of both clients and counsellors, we require at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to someone else in need.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a fee, though exceptions may be made for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. This policy helps maintain a professional and efficient practice while prioritising the well-being of all clients.

Confidentiality is foundational in counselling. All personal information, including session notes and digital records, is protected under strict ethical and legal guidelines. In Victoria, this is governed by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014, which ensures personal information is securely collected, stored, and accessed only by authorised personnel.

Limits to confidentiality exist in cases where there is a risk of harm, legal obligations to report, or if a court order mandates disclosure. Clients are informed about these conditions at the outset to foster transparency and trust.

No referral is required to access counselling services. Once you make an enquiry, we will conduct a 10-15 minute review to assess your needs and determine suitability.

Counselling provides a safe space to discuss personal challenges, relationship issues, mental health concerns, life transitions, and goal-setting. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and may include:

• Coping strategies
• Emotional regulation techniques
• Building resilience
• Navigating diverse cultural or personal experiences

Our counsellors create a supportive environment for exploring your thoughts and feelings, fostering empowerment and personal growth.

The initial session is an opportunity to build rapport and establish a foundation for future work. Key elements include:

• Introductions: The counsellor will explain their approach, confidentiality policies, and session structure.
• Exploration: You will be invited to share your reasons for seeking counselling, including concerns, feelings, and goals.
• Background: Relevant history may be discussed to provide context.
• Planning: Goals for future sessions and immediate strategies to address pressing concerns will be outlined.

 By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of the next steps and feel supported in moving forward. 

Counsellors in Australia are qualified professionals trained to support individuals facing emotional, psychological, and social challenges. Their training often includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in counselling or a related field. Core competencies include:

• Assessment: Identifying client needs, strengths, and goals.
• Therapeutic Support: Using evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and person-centred approaches.
• Personal Growth: Promoting self-awareness and development.
• Mental Health Support: Addressing concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.
• Referrals: Connecting clients to additional resources or specialists when needed.

Counsellors provide a compassionate and empowering space for clients to enhance their well-being and resilience.