Frequently Asked Questions

At the beginning of our first appointment I will give you some information before we start. This includes:

• the types of service I offer,
• privacy and confidentiality,
• appointment details,
• methods of payment,
• addressing questions and concerns,
• and consent to proceed.

In a first session I respect that you are considering whether I may be the right person to assist you with this work, and similarly I am considering how best I may also assist you.

It is possible that I may ask you a number of questions similar to the following. Before you even see me you might find them of interest and worth considering:

• What is it that brings you for counselling?
• What do you hope will be different as a result of coming to see me?
• What do you think will help change to happen?
• What do you think is stopping change from happening?

If you have seen a counsellor or therapist before I may ask you:

• Did you find it helpful?
• Was it a good fit between you and your therapist?
• What was good about it?
• What would need to be different this time?
• What did you learn about yourself that can help you now?

However I don’t offer a one size fits all approach. Rather, I tailor what I do, based upon what you tell me, so that the sessions are designed to meet your needs and help in your circumstances by using relevant therapeutic approaches.

In this sense it is a collaborative effort. In sharing the conversation we piece together an understanding of what worries you so that we can explore how best to avoid or manage crisis and live more fully.

Change can take time, especially when we are talking about what is most important to you.

At the end of the first session we will:

• review what it has been like talking,
• what has been helpful,
• what the focus of further sessions could be if you decide to come back.

My aim is to give you a clear idea of how the sessions could proceed in order to address your concerns, though you are free to use the sessions as you wish and cover what is important at the time.

From time to time we will periodically review what we have been talking about to check that it is on track and being of use.

Many people book further sessions. If this is also the case for you, I will normally offer you a regular time for the appointment so it is easy to remember and plan for.  At the next appointment we tend to discuss:

• how things have been between appointments
• what was helpful from the last session
• and any new developments arising.

Together we look for insights and meaning that can help you to live better with your circumstances. This way the sessions build on each other step by step with the aim of helping you to manage better.

No. You do not need to see a Doctor first in order to make an appointment with a Counsellor or Psychotherapist.

To contact me simply pick up the phone and call me on 0412 518 024.  I am happy to talk with you about your circumstances and see if an appointment is right for you at this time in your life.

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long.  Usually I will offer people a regular time so that it is easy to remember and plan for attending.

This varies from person to person and depends upon the situation and context for each client.  The sessions are based upon conversations between us. I aim for us to talk about what is most important to you and this can mean reviewing past situations, what you hope for in the future, or what might be happening now or between sessions.

This helps to develop a story or picture about what causes problems, how they can be understood, and what could be done to address them.  Along the way life can change too, new things happen, and situations develop. I do aim for us to review what has been useful in our conversations and how it has been helpful so you can see yourself changing, growing in awareness, understanding and managing better.

I accept cash, cheque or direct deposit. Unfortunately I am not able to offer credit or EFTPOS facility.

The services of counsellors and psychotherapists are not claimable on Medicare, though some private health funds do offer limited rebates.  Please contact your insurer to see if you are eligible to make a claim. I have provider numbers as a counsellor for BUPA, Medibank, AHM, ARHG (previously known as Police Health and Emergency Services).

If claiming on Medicare is important to you I am happy to discuss your situation and possible options.

Relationship counselling is not currently an item that is claimable under Medicare and is not covered for a rebate.

Byron Bay:
Suite 3, 9 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay

Bangalow:
Bangalow Professional Centre, Suite 4, Lot 1 Ballina Road, Bangalow NSW 2479

Click here to view Maps

I will give you instructions on how to find these locations when you make an appointment.

Is there parking close by? 
Yes, street parking is available close by.

 

I am also available for online sessions if you’re not in the Northern NSW area.

Yes. I am happy to discuss your needs and circumstances and work through Skype, Zoom or phone with counselling and therapy clients as well as with supervisees.

Please see more information here.

I am trained in individual, relationship counselling,  and group work and supervision. I am available in Byron Bay, Bangalow and online via Zoom, Skype and FaceTime or mobile for telehealth calls.

Over the years I have worked with a great diversity of issues though practice as a generalist counsellor and psychotherapist with individuals and couples. I have special interests in how most of life changes and transitions contain both loss and opportunity for growth, existential issues, relationship issues, personal trauma including health matters. In many respects I am interested in supporting people to be themselves in the face of life’s difficulties.

Additionally, I particularly interested in the process of therapist development and supervision. There are many lessons that are transferable to neighbouring health professions.