Frequently Asked Questions
Why come for Counselling?
People come for Counselling as individuals, couples or families for many different reasons. Counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment can greatly enhance your ability to achieve the solution or change you require.
My support will help you to either address an immediate problem to which there may be a fairly quick solution or to grow awareness of lifelong patterns of emotion and behaviour which may no longer serve you well.
Through greater self-awareness, healing and more meaningful ways of being in the world, my clients increase their ability to make good life choices. Counselling can be of use to you in many circumstances, including:
My support will help you to either address an immediate problem to which there may be a fairly quick solution or to grow awareness of lifelong patterns of emotion and behaviour which may no longer serve you well.
Through greater self-awareness, healing and more meaningful ways of being in the world, my clients increase their ability to make good life choices. Counselling can be of use to you in many circumstances, including:
- Struggling to cope with life
- Difficulty grieving a loss
- Relationship difficulties with partner, children, family, co-workers, friends
- Traumatic reaction to a stressful event
- Struggling to make Career or Life Direction choices
- Depression or Anxiety
- Concern about alcohol or drug use
- Dealing with a crisis
How long does a session last?
Consultations are usually up to an hour in length. Frequency of Consultations will depend upon the depth of the problem presented and your individual choice as to pace of work. Your work may be short or longer term, again totally dependent on your needs and choice.
Do you offer Health Fund Rebates?
I have a provider number for Medibank Private. Medibank Private is the first Health Fund in Australia to offer rebates for Psychotherapy & Counselling under certain of its Policies. The Australian Counselling Association is lobbying hard for further recognition to enable greater access to our services.
What's the difference between Counselling, Psychotherapy & Psychology?
This is often an area of confusion for potential new clients so let me provide some clarity. I think of Counselling as being generally focused on relatively short-term specific problems or life changes. Psychotherapy however originates from a Greek word meaning 'healing of the soul.' It will address the same issues as Counselling yet can involve potentially longer-term work focused on supporting you to identify and grow a deeper sense of self over time and make more meaning of your life. Psychology is defined as 'the science of behaviour and mental processes' and lends itself well to assessment and treatment of more serious mental health conditions (although some Psychologists also choose to undertake training in Counselling).
In working with myself you will choose the depth to which you wish to go with your work and my style will always be flexed to best meet your personal needs.
Are my Counselling Sessions confidential?
Absolutely without doubt. As a Professional Psychotherapist I take your privacy and the confidentiality of your information extremely seriously. Where session notes are taken they are used purely as a point of reference from session to session and are stored securely between sessions. At any point you may view any notes which have been taken - it's your information and there are no secrets between us.
As a Professional the only reason I would ever need to divulge any of your information would be in the unlikely event that I felt you were in danger of doing harm to yourself or another.
What if I can't make my appointment or need to cancel?
Since scheduling of a Session involves the reservation of a time specifically for you, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required for rescheduling or cancelling an appointment. The full fee will be charged for sessions missed without such notification. Of course, I will be delighted to reschedule your appointment when you provide more than 24 hours notice. Please note it is the clients who commit to attending their scheduled sessions who without doubt make best progress with their work.
How do I know if you're the best Counsellor for me?
It is essential that you find a Counsellor you feel comfortable and confident to work with. If you are considering Counselling I highly recommend you give me a call (0422 974 042) or email me alison@inspirationalchange.com to arrange a no-obligation, complimentary 10 minute Consultation.
How does a Telephone or Skype Consultation work?
Telephone or Skype Consultations are available for individuals who are unable to attend face-to-face Sessions with me. Consultations are available to both Australian and International residents and can be booked by calling (0422 974 042) or emailing me alison@inspirationalchange.com
Please note that Phone Consultations may not be appropriate for all individuals and I will advise if I feel this way of working may not give you best value.
What are your Counsellor Qualifications & Training?
I studied a rigorous two year Program to achieve my Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy. This study in itself included undertaking my own therapy, participating in Group Therapy and Facilitation and delivering 50 hours of client Consultations. i continually undertake Professional Development and Training and have a Diploma in Sandplay Therapy and a Diploma in Hypnotherapy. I am currently undertaking Training as a Family Constellations Facilitator.
