FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
My current rates are:
Individual 50 minute sessions: $165
Extended individual sessions (90mins): $245
Couples 90 minute sessions $300
Couples 60 minute sessions (once therapy has progressed): $200
HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
I sometimes have a waitlist, so get in touch via email or text (I usually can't answer phone calls) to enquire about the wait time or add your name to the list, or for a brief chat about any questions or concerns about counselling. Alternatively, if I know another therapist or clinic who I think might be a better fit for what you are seeking, I might offer to refer you.
WHAT TIMES ARE SESSIONS AVAILABLE?
I provide 50 minute sessions Tuesday-Friday, except on public holidays. My online booking calendar is the easiest way to check out my current availability.
I have late afternoon/early evening sessions 2 days per week, and 8am sessions available on Fridays.
ARE THERE ANY ISSUES YOU DO NOT TREAT?
I am unable to take new clients who are experiencing active issues with self-harm/suicidality or with a confirmed or suspected personality disorder diagnosis (such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder etc). For BPD I recommend searching for Clinical Psychologists with training in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). Counsellors also do not make official diagnoses of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety or other issues such as ADHD, but we can provide support with strategies for managing and making progress.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN AND TEENS?
I work with adults aged 18 years and over. To find a counsellor for a younger person, check out the services offered by Youthline, Fresh Minds, or Totally Psyched.
IS THERE ANY FUNDING FOR COUNSELLING?
WINZ provides some rebates for counselling through the Disability Allowance. Please see here for eligibility requirements and the process to apply.
Some health insurers will cover counselling, please check your policy and provider for details.
Many employers are part of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to pay for counselling for staff, I am registered with the EAP provider Clearhead. Please check with your employer or HR department.
Please note I am not registered with ACC at this time.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME TO COUNSELLING?
Counselling isn't generally a one-off event as it involves the counsellor getting to know you and how you think and feel. Ideally, a counsellor provides support and strategies that are tailored to you as an individual. It takes time to get to the core of issues and what might be the best approach for making progress, and it will also take practice of new skills and time to reflect between sessions.
Some people may just want to come for a few sessions to briefly consider a current situation or 'top up' their existing skills and coping strategies. For more challenging issues or patterns that have been going on for a while, some clients may wish to come regularly for several months or more.
It is often helpful to schedule the first few sessions weekly so you and I get to know each other and get a bit of momentum going. This also helps ensure that you can secure convenient appointment times. After that, you may wish to move to fortnightly or less frequently depending on your needs.