Fees & Availability

What will happen in the first sessions?

You do not need to worry about coming prepared with what to say in the first session. Just come with an open mind and your therapist will guide you through the process.

We will explore what led you to seek counselling and what you hope to change in your life. I will ask you about your current concerns and past experiences, to enable us to get to know you and determine what counselling approach might be most helpful for you. I may also ask you to complete one or more questionnaires to help me better understand your issues. You have control over what information you choose to share, and the pace at which you share. My priority is creating an environment in which you feel safe and empowered.

By the end of the second session we usually will have agreed on some counselling goals and outlined a plan for achieving these. I will also often give you one or more strategies to start practising at home. I believe that it is very important for you to have something tangible to take away so that you can start making practical changes in your life right from the first session.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend an appointment (either online or in person), please advise us no less than 36 hours in advance.

Cancellations within 36 hours or no show = 50% of the scheduled fee will be charged.

Helpful Reminders:

To help you avoid cancellation fees:

• We will send you a courtesy SMS reminder about your appointment 2 days prior to your appointment.

What if I need to talk to you or ask a question in between our booked sessions?

I understand the need to have spontaneous communication with someone you trust and have developed a therapeutic trusting relationship. However, for counselling to be effective, meaningful and safe, boundaries are put in place to serve you and me.

Clients sometimes like to send me an email with some of their thoughts and reflections in between sessions. I know that it can be helpful as part of therapy. I may not reply to the email before our next session.

Please know that I will endeavour to read the email before our next session, and we can then explore further together.

For other people, sitting with their thoughts and writing them down in a notebook can be a useful way to reflect. We can then discuss these reflections and questions in our next therapy session.

What if I need an urgent appointment?

Warming Light Counselling operates on an appointment basis and is not a crisis or emergency mental health service. However, I ensure that I have flexibility for existing clients to support where they are at and can usually offer times within the week if a client needs it, and I can help support and de-escalate.

Helpful crisis contact points can be found here. They are equipped to provide immediate in-the-moment support.

What is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker?

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are registered providers with Medicare Australia. They have been assessed by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) on behalf of the Commonwealth Government as having specialist training and expertise in mental health. Like other allied health professionals, such as Psychologists, they use a range of counselling interventions and psychologically-focused strategies (FPS) to assist people who are experiencing mental health issues.

Particular FPS I utilise include:

• Interpersonal therapy

• Psycho-education

• EMDR

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy approaches)

• Relaxation strategies

• Skills Training

Can you write reports and support letters?

Warming Light Counselling does not conduct sessions for the purpose of medico-legal reports (i.e., court reports, special consideration letters, medical exemptions, etc.), to meet any mandated court or legal obligations, or for third-party funding (e.g., NDIS, WorkCover, etc.). Warming Light Counselling strictly provides services for psychotherapeutic engagement.

Is everything confidential?

Absolutely! Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects to psychological therapy because it allows you to feel safe with the knowledge that all that is said in the session stays in the room. I treat your personal privacy very seriously and do not share any of it with anybody.

However, confidentiality has its limitations when there are concerns relating to your personal safety or concerns that either you or others are at risk of harm. My duty of care to you and others are part of my ethical responsibilities as a therapist. More information about this is explained during your first consultation with me.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

You do not require a GP or psychiatrist referral in order to access counselling. You are welcome to self-refer if you would rather not be referred by a GP or psychiatrist, or are not eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Kindly note that you will not be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate if you choose this option.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and How Do I Get One?

First of all, you will need to book an appointment with your GP and ensure you have asked to book a longer appointment for your visit. Talk to your GP about your current challenges. They may ask you further questions. Request a Mental health treatment Plan and referral. Please send this paperwork by email prior to your first appointment as this will allow you to access a medicare rebate.