What is the difference between a Counsellor and Psychologist?
A Counsellor utilises a person-centred approach to listen and understand their client's needs, issues and goals. They then work alongside their client, to bring clarity and perspective to problems faced and encourages and supports client led solutions.
A Psychologist on the other hand works from a therapeutic stance, where assessment and diagnosis is the primary aim. They mainly work with clients who have more severe mental health conditions or life controlling problems that require ongoing assessment and medication.
Both Counsellors and Psychologists however do use the same evidenced based approaches in their sessions such as CBT.
Who are the clients you see?
I provide counselling to individual adults and couples, and teenagers.
Are you accountable to a counselling body?
As an accredited member of the Australian Counselling Assoc. (Level 2), I am bound by their Code of Ethics, Policies and Procedures. I partake in regular professional development to ensure I am continually improving on my counselling practise, as well as being accountable to a registered supervisor who I meet with regularly for support and self-improvement.
Which is better; Online or In Person?
Having counselled clients in both settings, I can honestly say there is no real difference. Both have their pros and cons. Online offers convenience as you do not have to leave your home. This is especially helpful if you can't get a babysitter, if you live with chronic illness or disability, or live in remote areas. Online saves time and petrol as you never have to factor in travel and as I offer online sessions up to 8pm, you have the added bonus of more flexible hours.
However, this may not be suitable if your internet connection is poor, or you cannot conduct the session in a private area of your house. I am experienced in phone counselling as well, so this is always another option.
In person has the added benefit of total privacy without the fear of someone in your house overhearing your conversation. Interacting with you in person also enables me to observe body language and other subtle nuances that might be missed online.
Either way, it is entirely up to you as to which you prefer.
What can I expect in a counselling session?
The very first session usually takes a little longer as it is essentially a time to gather information. I always allow 75 mins. In this first session I will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding about your life, family history, any medical issues, lifestyle and of course the problem you are seeing me about. Prior to your first appointment I will send you an intake form to fill out. This quickens the process of gathering information, so that our first session can allow more time to elaborate on your answers.
Please remember you are under no obligation to divulge everything. You only need to speak about the things you are comfortable to discuss. I will always respect your personal privacy.
The following sessions will be for 60 mins. Once I have gained an understanding of the circumstances surrounding and influencing your issue, we can then work together to break down the issue into workable solutions and establish goals in moving forward.
How often and for how long would I need to see you?
The reasons people seek counselling is wide and varied. Therefore, how frequently and how long will depend on the issue you are seeing me for. Initially I prefer weekly sessions, then moving to fortnightly and then monthly as you become more confident in working through your issues. The main aim of counselling is enabling self-autonomy, so I will always encourage you to gain confidence in your own abilities to overcome the issues you are facing.
Typically most counselling lasts for around 6 sessions. However, if you have a specific issue that needs a solution, then you might only need to see me a couple of times. On the other hand, if your issues are complex, we might continue for longer. At all times though, how often you wish to see me is your choice, so I will always aim to work within your preferences as much as is practical for both of us.
What steps do you take to ensure my personal information is kept private?
All personal information detailed in my clinical notes and intake forms are held in a secure, password protected electronic file system where confidentiality is maintained at all times. A more detailed explanation of my confidentiality obligations, will be sent to you prior to your first appointment. All appointment notifications and online payments are handled via the professional software program Halaxy.
A Counsellor utilises a person-centred approach to listen and understand their client's needs, issues and goals. They then work alongside their client, to bring clarity and perspective to problems faced and encourages and supports client led solutions.
A Psychologist on the other hand works from a therapeutic stance, where assessment and diagnosis is the primary aim. They mainly work with clients who have more severe mental health conditions or life controlling problems that require ongoing assessment and medication.
Both Counsellors and Psychologists however do use the same evidenced based approaches in their sessions such as CBT.
Who are the clients you see?
I provide counselling to individual adults and couples, and teenagers.
Are you accountable to a counselling body?
As an accredited member of the Australian Counselling Assoc. (Level 2), I am bound by their Code of Ethics, Policies and Procedures. I partake in regular professional development to ensure I am continually improving on my counselling practise, as well as being accountable to a registered supervisor who I meet with regularly for support and self-improvement.
Which is better; Online or In Person?
Having counselled clients in both settings, I can honestly say there is no real difference. Both have their pros and cons. Online offers convenience as you do not have to leave your home. This is especially helpful if you can't get a babysitter, if you live with chronic illness or disability, or live in remote areas. Online saves time and petrol as you never have to factor in travel and as I offer online sessions up to 8pm, you have the added bonus of more flexible hours.
However, this may not be suitable if your internet connection is poor, or you cannot conduct the session in a private area of your house. I am experienced in phone counselling as well, so this is always another option.
In person has the added benefit of total privacy without the fear of someone in your house overhearing your conversation. Interacting with you in person also enables me to observe body language and other subtle nuances that might be missed online.
Either way, it is entirely up to you as to which you prefer.
What can I expect in a counselling session?
The very first session usually takes a little longer as it is essentially a time to gather information. I always allow 75 mins. In this first session I will ask a variety of questions to gain understanding about your life, family history, any medical issues, lifestyle and of course the problem you are seeing me about. Prior to your first appointment I will send you an intake form to fill out. This quickens the process of gathering information, so that our first session can allow more time to elaborate on your answers.
Please remember you are under no obligation to divulge everything. You only need to speak about the things you are comfortable to discuss. I will always respect your personal privacy.
The following sessions will be for 60 mins. Once I have gained an understanding of the circumstances surrounding and influencing your issue, we can then work together to break down the issue into workable solutions and establish goals in moving forward.
How often and for how long would I need to see you?
The reasons people seek counselling is wide and varied. Therefore, how frequently and how long will depend on the issue you are seeing me for. Initially I prefer weekly sessions, then moving to fortnightly and then monthly as you become more confident in working through your issues. The main aim of counselling is enabling self-autonomy, so I will always encourage you to gain confidence in your own abilities to overcome the issues you are facing.
Typically most counselling lasts for around 6 sessions. However, if you have a specific issue that needs a solution, then you might only need to see me a couple of times. On the other hand, if your issues are complex, we might continue for longer. At all times though, how often you wish to see me is your choice, so I will always aim to work within your preferences as much as is practical for both of us.
What steps do you take to ensure my personal information is kept private?
All personal information detailed in my clinical notes and intake forms are held in a secure, password protected electronic file system where confidentiality is maintained at all times. A more detailed explanation of my confidentiality obligations, will be sent to you prior to your first appointment. All appointment notifications and online payments are handled via the professional software program Halaxy.
