Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is a therapeutic process where a qualified therapist provides support in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. The goal is to help individuals understand their emotions, work through challenges, and develop coping strategies using a variety of tools and techniques. It is a collaborative process where both the client and the therapist work together to solve problems, improve self-awareness, and resolve difficulties.

1. Complete  Intake Form and Confidentiality Agreement. (Complete at Parent Interview)
2. Make payment 48 hours in advance to secure your booking (check cancellation policies).
3. Write down any questions you may have.
4. Prepare your child for therapy:
   • Talk to your child when they are calm and relaxed, and explain therapy honestly.
   • Use age-appropriate language and reassure them that therapy is a safe space.
   • Normalise therapy by comparing it to seeing a doctor when you're feeling sick.
   • Let your child know you’ll be involved in the process too.
   • Create a routine around therapy sessions to help your child feel comfortable and prepared.

The first appointment is often a "meet and greet" followed by parent interview to ensure there is a good fit between your child and the therapist. This helps to determine whether the counsellor can meet your child's needs. The focus is on building rapport and establishing trust.

The number of sessions required is completely up to you as the parent/guardian. The counsellor may recommend a number of sessions however it will often depend on the individual scenarios. Typically sessions may vary anywhere from 1 to 6 sessions over a number of weeks.

While friends offer supportive listening, they may not provide the same level of confidentiality or expertise as a trained counsellor. Friends might also give advice, but counsellors typically focus on guiding the client to explore their own feelings and solutions in a professional and unbiased manner.

It is not encouraged unless high anxiety is present but only with the child’s consent. After that, it’s usually encouraged that children attend alone to create a safe space where they can be open.

Yes, bringing personal items like photos, music, or art can be a great way for children to feel more comfortable and start a conversation. It helps build rapport and can ease nerves.

Accredited counsellors are registered with professional bodies like the Psychotherapy Australian Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). These organisations enforce strict codes of ethics, and therapists must regularly complete professional development and supervision to ensure they stay updated on best practices.

Unfortunately, this is not a suitable option as it is unethical, breaks confidentiality between you, your child and the therapist. However, we can assist with a suitable referral to another service provider.

To get started all you have to do is give us a call, send us an email or send us a text. You can also email a copy of the referral form, if you wish to provide more information before we speak. Most organisations will use this form to connect people to our services, like a G.P.. 

Medicare does not cover counselling at this stage so you do not require a Mental Health Care Plan from your G.P.. This also benefits you, if you wish to keep your sessions confidential and not on your public health record.

We support participants who are either:

Self Managed: Participant pays full fee

Plan Managed : Invoiced to the NDIS Plan Manager

If you need to cancel an appointment, you must give at least 24 hours’ notice to receive a full refund. Be sure to check the Terms & Conditions.

 . Lifeline: 13  11 14 (24hrs) 

· Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

· Mens Line on 1300 789 978

· Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

· Beyond Blue on 1300 244 636

· Headspace on 1800 650 890

· Care Leavers Australasia Network on 1800 008 774

· 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

· Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277

• Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia: www.mifa.org.au/ or 1800 985 944 

• SANE Australia www.sane.org/ or 1800 18 SANE (7263) 

• Carers Australia: http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/ or 1800 242 636 

• Multicultural Mental Health Australia: www.mmha.org.au or (02) 6285 3100