In the Know: Jo's FAQ's
What is the difference between counselling and psychology?
As a result of counselling’s less diagnosis approach compared to psychology or psychiatry, we are able to provide a larger range of therapeutic modalities in our service. Building trust, rapport, and a genuine connection between the counsellor and the client is a key component of a successful counselling relationship. The process of forming a counselling partnership also involves selecting a counsellor with whom you feel at ease. If you don’t feel at ease or ‘heard’ by the therapist your doctor recommended, it may prevent you from seeking mental health support in the future.
Do counsellors use mental health therapies?
A counsellor is a trained, objective professional with whom you can build a healing and trusting relationship. They are trained to offer different types of assistance; most frequently talk-based styles of therapy. A trained counsellor usually has spent 3 or more years studying counselling at University learning the same mental health therapies as psychologists eg. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI); to name a few. The counsellor will determine the best pathway for you based on your own story and counselling outcomes.
Counselling and Medicare...
Services for counselling or psychotherapy are not currently covered by Medicare. Although you would need to check with your private health insurance about their terms and restrictions, certain private health funds could offer a rebate. Only those having a diagnosis of a mental health issue under a GP-prepared mental health plan are eligible for Medicare rebates for a referral to a psychologist.
How counselling can encourage personal growth
Counseling might also help you if you’re going through a shift and need some extra support. This could be a major life transitions or stressors. Such as a change in your family dynamic, a change of career, personal injury or retiring. Perhaps you want someone who is impartial and non judgmental to listen to you and help you along the journey if you feel you can’t talk to your friends or family.
In the small matters trust the mind, in the large ones the heart – Sigmund Freud
Counselling Ethics
Working with a counsellor who is a member of a professional organisation is a good option since they are obligated to uphold the standards of ethical and professional practise. I abide by the Australian Counselling Association’s Code of Ethics and Practice and am a registered practitioner because of this. This calls for me to respect each client’s uniqueness and conduct my business in a secure/confidential manner. I am required to continue my professional learning and development as required by my professional memberships.
What does a counselling session look like?
A counsellor will ask you questions about your background and the circumstances that led you to seek their help during the first session. Depending on the person, this could be a feeling that has no apparent explanation or it could be a traumatic event that may have occurred in the past or more recently. The counsellor will enquire about your daily activities, interpersonal relationships, and background in an effort to comprehend the nature of your problem and the purposes for which you are seeking counselling.
When do I need counselling?
Our daily life can frequently be disrupted by emotions. You might go to counselling knowing exactly what you want to talk about, or you can just be feeling emotions of sadness and not know why. Talking about things can help you discover the true source of your pain or suffering. If you hadn’t sought counselling, you may continue to be oblivious, ignoring your emotions, enabling you to remain in a non flourishing state.
Payment and Cancellations
Given the limited number of available appointments, payment for your appointment is required 12 hours beforehand. You will receive notification reminding you of your appointment and an invoice for payment via direct debit. Please give 48 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment. If notice is not given within the allotted time, I reserve the right to keep the booking fee, at my discretion.
Have any more questions?
click the contact us button to send a message directly to Jo and she will contact you directly. This is a secure service and your details will be kept strictly confidential.