Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Empathic Counselling provide?
Empathic Counselling provides trauma-informed and evidence-based counselling for individuals and couples (aged 18+). Individual Therapy is available in-person and online (video call). Please note that Couples Therapy is only available in-person.
What services does Empathic Counselling not provide?
Empathic Counselling does not diagnose or formally assess clients. Empathic Counselling does not work with clients that are currently experiencing moderate to severe mental illness or addiction. Please see your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist service. Empathic Counselling does not work with couples in which there is current abuse in the relationship. In addition, if one or both partners are currently experiencing moderate to severe mental illness or addiction, it is recommended that treatment for those issues take precedence before commencing couples therapy. Please see your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist service.
Where is Empathic Counselling located?
For location details and opening hours please visit this link.
How long do the appointments go for?
Individual Therapy appointments are 60 minutes. All Couples Therapy appointments are 90 minutes. These longer appointments allow time for each partner to feel heard, to engage in skill-building, and to make more rapid progress towards achieving their relationship goals.
How much does it cost?
Please see the fees page for details.
Why do I need to pre-pay for my appointment?
- It confirms your commitment to yourself in making the courageous first step in accessing counselling support.
- It avoids wasting appointment time settling payments and reduces my administration time following up on late payments.This allows me more time to focus on the important stuff, i.e. therapy with you!
- On many occasions I have gone to my office and clients that had booked an appointment failed to show up without any communication. Not only does this waste my time, but it wastes the appointment space that could have been filled by someone else that really needed it.
- I am committed to supporting your mental health and emotional wellbeing and pre-payment just guarantees that we are both equally committed to the therapeutic process!
How do I pre-pay for my appointment?
Pre-payment is required when booking your appointment through the bookings page. Payment is via PayPal or credit card (processed by PayPal). Please note that appointments are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your appointment and give at least 24 hours notice via email, your payment will be carried over to your rescheduled appointment time. If you give less than 24 hours notice, your payment will not be carried over and you will forfeit the fee. Any exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of Empathic Counselling.
Is what I say during my counselling appointment confidential?
All personal information gathered during counselling appointments will remain confidential and secure apart from the following exceptions:
- if it is subpoenaed by a court;
- a child is at risk of harm; or
- you present a risk to yourself or someone else.
What exactly is Counselling?
Counselling is talk therapy which involves the collaboration between the counsellor and the client in order to promote the client’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. Counselling enhances self-understanding and helps resolve identified concerns. Counsellors use empathy and deep listening to allow clients to feel safe, understood and accepted without judgement. Counsellors are trained in a range of therapeutic modalities designed to facilitate change and empower clients.
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Psychologists adopt a medical framework to their approach and have specialist training in research, diagnosis and assessment. Psychologists tend to support clients with more severe mental health conditions. Counsellors adopt a more person-centred approach, which means that the focus is more on empathic listening and the holistic support of each client’s needs, rather than on diagnosis and assessment.
What qualifications do counsellors have?
Unfortunately counselling is not fully regulated in Australia as yet. Therefore, some people without the appropriate qualifications can call themselves a counsellor. It is important that when you engage the services of a counsellor that you check that they have the appropriate qualifications. Rest assured that I have a Master’s qualification in counselling, which means that I have been trained in empirically supported interventions and specialised counselling training. In addition, I am currently registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), which is the largest peak body for counselling in Australia. This also means that I follow the ACA Code of Ethical Conduct and attend regular supervision and professional development. In addition, I have completed further training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, and have completed Level 1 and Level 2 clinical training.
Why do people attend counselling?
Counselling is for anyone who is going through a difficult time or is experiencing emotional or relational challenges that they need help with. Life is full of challenges and transitions, therefore people attend counselling for a variety of reasons. Most of us at some stage of our lives will face one of these challenges. These difficult times can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Counselling can help to gain new insight and perspective into our lives and enhance our capacity to manage our feelings. Counsellors support clients to resolve their identified concerns and improve their mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationships.
Do I need a mental health care plan from my doctor?
Unfortunately there is currently no Medicare rebate available for counselling and psychotherapy services in Australia. Therefore, a mental health care plan from your doctor is not required, as it is not possible to receive a rebate. However, in terms of affordability, Empathic Counselling’s fee is often less than the gap amount payable to see a psychologist even with a care plan. Please note that there is no Medicare rebate for Couples therapy services in Australia, even when seeing a psychologist.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
The amount of counselling sessions you choose to attend varies depending on your specific circumstances, such as the duration and severity of issues that you have been experiencing, your specific counselling goals and of course, your finances! In addition, each person goes at their own pace, and the amount of time it takes to feel better and make positive changes is different for everyone. In general terms, I would recommend at least 4 or 5 counselling sessions attended weekly or fortnightly to begin with, in order to start making progress towards your therapeutic goals. Making changes takes time, commitment and perseverance. It is similar to when making changes to improve physical fitness: we can’t go to the gym once or twice and expect to increase our fitness levels dramatically. It is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to counselling.
One thing to also keep in mind is that one of the greatest predictors of positive therapeutic outcomes, is the quality of the relationship and rapport you develop with your counsellor. Building trust and developing that relationship can take time. Ultimately though, it is important to remember that it is completely your decision as to when you stop counselling. Remember to discuss your goals and progress regularly and voice any concerns you may have. After all, as a client, you are the most important part of the counselling process!
Where is the FAQ for Couples Therapy?
For information regarding Couples Therapy, please visit the Counselling for Couples page.
If you have any further questions, please email Sasha or use the Contact form.