Frequently Asked Questions

About Counselling, Life Coaching & Other Related Topics

Please find below answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to Counselling, Hypnotherapy & Life Coaching as well as services provided and other related topics.

Hopefully I have covered everything, however if not then please feel free to contact me direct on 0413 019 814, via Email or my Enquiry Form, and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime I invite you to view my testimonials page to read comments from some of my clients.

Feel free to contact me if you need a little help to focus.

Contact Me My Services

What is counselling?

Counselling is a process in which the individual, family, couple meet with a trained professional counsellor to talk about issues and problems they are facing in their lives. Counselling can help people to gain clarity surrounding issues.

It can provide people with new opportunity to share their views, to be heard and gain new perspectives on their situation and experiences. Together with the counsellor people identify and work towards achieving their desired outcomes and goals for counselling.

Can I use a Mental Health Plan – Medicare Rebate?

No. Only psychiatrists, psychologists and social worker services are subsidised by the Australian Government, therefore a counsellor is not permitted to handle mental health plans. However, the fee you will pay to a counsellor, is comparable to the gap you pay after the Medicare rebate.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Counsellor

Contrary to popular belief, a Counsellor’s role isn’t to just sit and nod while their client talks about their issues. It does involve listening to what their client has to say but they are there to help their clients talk through their personal concerns, empower them to gain a deeper and clearer understanding of their issues, explore different options for getting help and develop coping strategies.

A big part of counselling is helping the client to develop insight and learn the right kind of skills to resolve their own issues. Whereas a Psychologist can diagnose and treat patients who are living or suffering with mental illness. They develop a treatment plan that will put them back on the path to a healthy lifestyle where they can effectively manage their mental health. They treat clients who are living with mild, moderate and severe mental health issues.

How frequently will I need to see a counsellor?

How frequently you see a counsellor will vary with the individual and on the issue/circumstance you have come to counselling. Generally, during your first session you and your therapist will work together to determine how often you should be checking in for therapy, but it usually depends on what kind of treatment your therapist is using.

Does Focus Point Counselling work with Health Providers?

Yes, FPC is involved with AHM, Bupa, Medibank Private and Police Health. Please identify your provider with the counsellor at your first session or when booking.

What Health Funds do you support?

The following Health Funds are supported:

Bupa
Medibank Private
AHM
Police Health Fund

Please check with your private provider to ensure that you can make a claim for counselling (individual/couple).

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?

No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to see me. Just make a booking either online/email or via the telephone. Just remember that I am not able to take Mental Health Plans so all expenses will be out of pocket.

How is counselling offered?

Counselling sessions can be either in a face to face situation in person or via ZOOM as well as telephone

Is there a Cancellation fee and what do you charge for a session?

A cancellation fee of $100 will be applicable if you cancel your appointment within less than 24 hours.

An individual session is $120 and a couples session is $200. There are concession rates available for Adolescences / Children / Pensioners / Health care card holders.

When are you available to see me and how long does the session take?

My hours of operation are as follows:

Monday: 11 – 6pm
Wednesday: 5 – 7pm
Thursday: 11 – 6pm
Friday: 11 – 5pm
Saturday; 11.30 – 2.30pm

Out of hours appointments can be made by negotiation. Each session is approximately 60 minutes.

How do I pay for my session?

Payment can be made by credit card or direct debit. Please note a small fee is incurred when payment is made by credit card. You can make payment via cash or direct debit to avoid these fees.

Refer to the Payment Methods & Fees for more information.