FAQs

Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a professional counsellor listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with your mental health issues. It is a valuable resource for individuals facing various mental health challenges.

I would recommend a psychologist if you are looking for a diagnosis, have complex mental health needs, or if you need a team approach to your mental health.

Counselling does not follow the medical model. If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, work through specific life challenges, and prefer a more relaxed and goal-directed approach rooted in evidence-based methods, then counseling might be the right choice for you.

Counselling offers several benefits including:

• Explore thoughts and feelings: Discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgement.

• Develop coping strategies: Learn and practice effective coping strategies for different situations.

• Practice self-reflection: Enhance your self-awareness through self-reflection.

• Work on habits: Address habits you would like to change.

• Improve relationships: Understand and communicate better in relationships.

Finding the right counsellor is a collaborative effort. Ensure that the counsellor holds an appropriate degree and is a member of a professional body. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential for effective counselling. You should feel a personal connection to your counsellor and feel comfortable and understood during your initial session. A skilled counsellor should show empathy and genuine concern for you by providing a secure and nonjudgmental space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. They should be able to communicate effectively and explain therapeutic concepts in terms that you understand. A good counsellor should be open about their approach, fees, and confidentiality processes. They should uphold professional boundaries while remaining warm and caring.

I can assist with a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Grief and loss

• Trauma

• Stress management

• Anger management

• Self-esteem issues

• Personal growth

• Life transition

• Workplace challenges / burnout

• Relationship issues

… and many more.

I work with individuals ranging in age from adolescent through to older adults.

No, you don’t need a referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to work with me, nor do you require a diagnosis from a GP. The benefit of this is that you can book an appointment directly with me, there are no limits on the number of sessions you can have, and no information will be added to your My Health records that could impact your life insurance or future employment.

Yes. I am a registered provider with BUPA and the following ARHG affiliates: Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, see-u by HBF (telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA, and Westfund.

The purpose of the initial consultation is to briefly discuss what has led you here, what changes you would like to make, and determine if I am the right fit for you as a counsellor. I will tell you about my approach and how I might assist you. You will have the opportunity to ask me questions about any concerns you may have. At the end of the conversation, you will have the option to book a session with me or to go away and think about it.

Yes, if you choose to book an In-Person or Walk & Talk counselling session, we’ll meet at the selected location. Telehealth sessions, on the other hand, are conducted via video or phone, allowing you to attend from anywhere private and comfortable. For phone counselling, I will call you at the number you provide when booking. For video counselling, I will send you a secure link before your session.

In your first counselling session, I will explain the counselling process including confidentiality and my approach. You will have a chance to talk about your feelings, emotions, and the challenges you are experiencing. I will listen without judgement or criticism. Together, we will set some goals and work out a way to move forward.

Absolutely! Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of counselling. The client-counsellor relationship is built on trust and, as a licensed counsellor, I am bound by a code of ethics to maintain confidentiality. Have a look at the Privacy Policy for specific details.

Generally, counselling sessions are 50 minutes. Longer sessions for in-person or telehealth counselling may be suggested if either you or I think they may be of benefit.

This will be discussed during your initial consultation and will be agreed upon between you and I depending on your individual circumstances. Some people attend between 4-8 sessions and others choose support for longer. You can choose to commence weekly, and as your comfort level increases, it can decrease to fortnightly, monthly, or longer. If you are interested in moving forward more quickly, you choose to increase your counselling attendance to twice a week.

Absolutely! Evidence-based research has shown that telehealth counseling is just as effective as in-person counselling for a variety of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety. In addition, it offers several advantages over face-to-face counselling including accessibility, flexibility, and convenience.

No. You do not need to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to receive counselling.

Yes. Full-time tertiary students will receive a 15% discount off standard fees! You will need to prove that you are a current full-time student. Most tertiary institutions will provide a letter confirming you are a current student, the degree you are studying, and whether you are studying on a full-time or part-time basis. You will also be required to show me a photo ID such as a student card.

I understand that things happen and it may not always be possible to attend a scheduled appointment. However, I do ask that you let me know if you are unable to attend you appointment.

• Cancellations less than 24 hours before the time of your appointment incur a 50% cancellation fee.

• Failure to attend an appointment without providing prior notice incurs a 100% cancellation fee.

• If a medical certificate can be provided within 48 hours after the missed appointment, which demonstrates your inability to attend due to ill health, we may, in our sole discretion, agree to waive all or part of your cancellation fee.

That's okay. You are not obligated to attend a set number of sessions. If you feel that counselling is not working, you can choose to end your counselling appointments. All I ask is that you let me know that you no longer wish to attend counselling.

Simple, just click on any of the BOOK NOW buttons and a booking page will open in a new window. Select the type of counselling service you want, select a date and time, fill in your details, an book. You will receive a confirmation email once the booking has been processed.

The easiest way for you to contact me is through the contact form in the menu bar. You can also email me on catriona@oakcounselling.com.au, call me on +61484569623, or follow me on social media for mental health tips and resources.