Frequently Asked Questions about Counselling

 

Q. What happens in the counselling session?
A. Our counselling sessions usually run for an hour. During this time, I may ask some questions, and encourage you to talk about “what’s on your mind” and “what might be troubling you” I choose not to give advice but rather support you to explore new ways to think about things and to find new frameworks by which to consider things. It is a chance for you to talk through issues or experiences and for me as your counsellor to listen to you in a non-judgmental way.

Q. Do I need a referral?
A. No, you do not need a referral. You may contact me directly on 0447555043 to organise a booking. During our phone conversation we will establish if we can work together. I will ask you a few question such as your name, age and best way to contact you. At this point I will offer you a FREE 30min Face-to-Face session.

Q. What will happen in our free 30min face-to-face session?
A. This time is very important for both us. It will allow me to know if I am the right therapist to meet your concerns and a time for you to establish if I am the right person to support you through your needs. Studies have shown that the relationship between therapist and client will allow for a trusting relationship to develop and therefore result in positive outcomes.

Q. How often do I need to come to counselling?
A. This is an individual decision and is worked out between us both.

Q. How many counselling sessions should I have?
A. There is no ‘set number’ of counselling sessions. Each person attending counselling attends for different reasons, so the number of sessions is determined by the topics you wish to discuss and depends on your individual needs.

Q. How will I know if counselling has been successful?
A. Counselling is successful when you feel empowered to take good and constructive action on your own behalf, you may feel relief from feelings of being overwhelmed or you may feel more alive and look forward to experiencing pleasant moments in life.

You will be better able to manage your personal circumstances and a greater sense of personal ‘agency’ to influence the events in your own life. You will gain more clarity in making decisions and to see things more clearly.

Q. What sort of topics or experiences are suitable for a counselling session?
A. All subjects and experiences are suitable for a counselling session. Counselling addresses concerns across many lifestyle and life stage events and circumstances.

Common reasons why people seek out counselling include:

– Relationship difficulties, e.g. extra-marital affairs, constant arguments, loss of intimacy.
– Grief, loss and illness.
– Life adjustments and transitions issues.
– Personal growth.
– Sexuality and sexual identity.
– Anxiety, stress or depression.
– Individuals considering marriage.
– New parents facing change.
– Bringing up teenagers.
– Loneliness.
– Adjustment to step-family arrangements.
– Violence and abuse in the relationship.
– Workplace problems.
– Retrenchment or retirement.

Q. Will counselling be confidential?
A. Yes, anything discussed within our counselling session will remain private and confidential.
As a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) I cannot reveal what is said in our counselling sessions
These confidentiality provisions, however, are limited where there is a need to:
– Protect of a child or children.
– Prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to life, health or property.
– Prevent the commission or likely commission of a crime.
– Prevent violence or a threat of violence to a person or property.

Q. Do I have to prepare beforehand for a counselling session?
A. There is no constructed preparation necessary. Throughout our counselling sessions, I may invite or encourage you to think about (reflect) on the things that are being discussed in the counselling sessions.

Q. What are the different counselling approaches used?

A. I utilise a range of different counselling and therapeutic approaches or counselling ‘modalities’ to offer assistance to you; including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, gestalt therapy, solution focused psychotherapy, acceptance commitment therapy and art therapy. My approach is person-centred at all times throughout our time together, meaning we work together according to how it needs to be for you at every given moment.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy: explores unconscious thoughts and emotions and aims to build a greater self-awareness and understanding of past influences on current behaviour.

Cognitive behavioural therapy: focuses on identifying, understanding and managing both thoughts (cognitions) and actions (behaviour) and developing strategies to change unhealthy thinking habits and behaviours.

Gestalt therapy: encourages growth and self-responsibility through increasing self-awareness within both the mind and body.

Solution focused psychotherapy: is a short term solution or goal-focused therapeutic approach which focuses on developing solutions. It focuses on your strengths and capabilities rather than any perceived deficits, weaknesses or limitations.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: is the acceptance of what is out of your personal control, and committing to actioning what can improve and enrich your life. The aim is to maximise your human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life.

We use mindfulness strategies to support you in developing psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings effectively having less impact and influence over you.

You will gain clarity of what is truly important and meaningful to you through the exploration of your values. Gaining this knowledge will allow you greater awareness, guidance, inspiration and motivate to change your life for the better.

Art Therapy: can support you in resolving conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behaviours, reduce stress, develop self-esteem and achieve insight. Art therapy and art can encourage you to:

• express feelings you may feel difficult to verbalise
• identify and clarify issues and concerns
• support exploration of your imagination and creativity
• create positive and healthy coping skills and focus
• increase your communication skills
• allows sharing in a safe nurturing environment
• Identify blocks to emotional expression
• Identify blocks that prevent personal growth.