Frequently asked questions about psychotherapy and counselling:
Are my sessions confidential?
Yes. I am bound by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapist Association of NSW, which is a member organisation of the Australian Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia.
How are my details kept private?
Records are kept in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Amended 2000). Your file is stored in a locked filing cabinet in a locked room and destroyed after seven years.
How long is a session?
Individual sessions are for 50 minutes.
What is the cost of a therapy session?
$110 (including GST).
How can I pay for my sessions?
You can make payment with cash, personal cheque or by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to my bank account. I will provide you with our bank details.
Do you offer reduced rates or a sliding scale?
As a private practitioner I am not covered by Medicare or private health funds. Concessions rates are available upon request subject to individual circumstances. I also offer a 20% discount when you book and prepay for 8 sessions in advance.
When are you available for therapy sessions?
At present I am available on a Thursday between the hours of 9am to 8pm.
What if I can’t make my appointment or if I need to cancel my therapy session?
Please give 24 hours notice of a cancellation or if you need to reschedule or you may be charged the full fee. It is understandable that emergencies do happen and this will be taken into consideration. What is important is your level of commitment to making change happen by attending your session. Canceling or not turning up for your appointment may indicate your level of commitment.
How often should I attend?
Ideally, weekly sessions bring about more consistent change but after a period of time this can be reassessed according to the individual’s needs and fortnightly sessions may be adequate. A longer period than this between sessions could feel as if you are beginning over each time you attend.
Do your sessions cover the Medicare rebate?
Unfortunately not at this stage, although the government is reviewing Counsellors and Psychotherapists in regards to being accepted on to the Medicare rebate system. Negotiations continue.
I’ve started coming see you and want to bring my partner along?
Having your partner join the sessions would not be fair on either of you as the relationship that already exists between you and the therapist would already be established. Bringing a third party in at this stage could lead to bias which would not be productive. We would recommend that you both go together to an independent therapist.