What kind of counselling do you do?

I draw upon a number of therapeutic approaches including solution focused brief therapy, narrative therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy incorporating play and arts therapy approaches depending on the needs of the client.  While I draw upon a number of therapeutic approaches, for adults, my 'go-to' approach is ACT or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while for children I tend to use more sandplay, arts and play-based approaches.

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What will happen in my first session?

Some people begin counselling thinking that they have to tell me their whole life story, but counselling is not really like that.  I'll spend some time finding out what as brought you to counselling at this time and then we'll move onto how to make your life work more effectively.  ACT is a very active form of therapy – it's not just talking about problems.  After finding out about what has brought you to counselling we will work together to clarify what matters to you, how you want to treat yourself, and others, and what gives your life meaning and purpose.  Don't panic if you're not sure about these things right now!  Sometimes we're not sure about these things, or we're in the middle of some big stuff and we lose sight of what matters most to us.  I will support you to find out or rediscover what gives your life meaning.

ACT is about taking action to solve problems and make life better.  It is about learning skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively, so they have less impact and influence over you.  I want you to leave each session with some new skills to try out or a plan of action – something you can take home and do between sessions that will make a positive difference. 

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Do I need a referral from my GP?

You do not need a referral from your GP to make an appointment.  You can either call the number below, or send an enquiry via my contact page. 

However, if you are concerned about a severe mental health condition and require a diagnosis I highly recommend that you make an appointment with your GP. Your GP will develop a mental health care plan and, if deemed necessary, refer you to a local psychologist or mental health social worker.

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Can I get a medicare rebate?

There is no rebate currently available to see a counsellor under the medicare scheme.