Frequently asked questions
What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe, non-judgemental, impartial and confidential space for you to explore and better understand your experiences - both past and present. You can talk about whatever is on your mind.
Counsellors do not provide advice, instead we listen, validate and support you to work through what you would like to focus on. This could include exploring thoughts and feelings, identifying unhelpful patterns, recognising strengths, and overcoming challenges in a supportive environment.
Does something need to be ‘wrong’ to attend counselling?
No something does not need to be ‘wrong’ for you to attend counselling! Many people attend counselling when they are facing challenges and are looking for extra support or clarity, but, plenty of people also attend counselling when there is nothing ‘wrong’.
As well as helping people through rough patches, counselling supports people to learn more about themselves, build-on their strengths, make sense of their history, relationships and self, and helps people live a more connected life in pursuit of what matters to them.
Is what we discuss kept confidential?
Yes - counselling is confidential. Held Counselling is bound by the PACFA code of ethics, meaning we are obliged to keep your identity, records, and anything discussed in sessions private.
There are a few exceptions to this, mainly to do with keeping you and others safe. Instances where confidentiality may be broken include: if you are or someone else (including a child) is at risk of harm, or if a court order required your records to be shared. With your permission, Held Counselling can work with your GP or other health practitioners to take a collaborative approach to care.
What should I do before and after each session?
It’s normal to feel nervous before your session - especially when first starting counselling. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to be a client - this is your time and your space. Before heading into a session, it may be helpful to think about what you would like to focus on and get out of the session.
Afterwards, you are likely to feel a variety of emotions. These could include sadness, exhaustion, relief, excitement, anger, confusion, clarity … the list goes on. You are likely to feel reflective and possibly a little distracted as you process what the session brought up. With this in mind, it is helpful to schedule some ‘breathing room’ after your appointment - so you do not have to rush back to work or life commitments directly after the session. Make yourself a warm drink, put on your favourite chill playlist, and take a quiet moment somewhere comfy.
How long does a session go for?
A counselling session runs for 50 minutes.
How many sessions do I need?
This is different for everyone and will depend on what’s bringing you to counselling and what you’re hoping to get out of it. For some people, a handful of sessions will be enough, while others will prefer an ongoing course of sessions (such as over a number of years). You can pause, stop or return to counselling at any time, so don’t feel that you need to decide ahead of commencing counselling.
How often should I attend counselling?
At Held Counselling, clients attend fortnightly - this allows the counsellor and client to develop a close relationship, provides the client with regular and meaningful support, and provides time to process and try out techniques in between sessions.
What if we don’t ‘click’?
“It's the relationship that heals, the relationship that heals, the relationship that heals” - Irvin Yalom
The client-counsellor relationship, known as the therapeutic alliance, is one of the most influential factors in successful therapy outcomes - the ‘clicking’ is important! You are strongly encouraged to discuss any concerns you have around the therapeutic alliance or therapy process with your counsellor - together, we can work through them, or if you would prefer, your counsellor can support you to find a counsellor with a ‘click’.
What if I can’t make my session?
We understand that sometimes things come up - if you are unable to make a session, please let us know as soon as possible.
In fairness to other clients and your counsellor, you are required to give 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a counselling session. Less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours’ notice will result in 50% of the fee being charged. Less than 24 hours’ notice will result in the full fee being charged.
If you are unable to make it in person, you are welcome to swap to an online session.
What do I need for an online session?
To participate in an online session you will need a stable internet connection, and a laptop, desktop, smartphone or tablet, with a microphone and speaker (and ideally a camera!). It is ideal to find a quiet and calm space, where you feel safe and comfortable. Feel free to grab yourself a warm drink, or a bite to eat during your session.
At Held Counselling, we use Coviu for online sessions. Coviu uses end-to-end encryption and there is no need to install software or create an account. Your counsellor will email you a link to click to join your session. See tips on how to maximise your session quality with Coviu.
How much does a counselling session cost?
A 50 minute session costs $130.
Can I access a Medicare Rebate?
Counsellors are not able to offer Medicare rebates. With this in mind, session fees are kept affordable, allowing people to attend counselling regularly and not be restricted to a certain amount of rebated appointments each year.
By not being part of Medicare , you do not require a mental health diagnosis to attend counselling, there is no record of your attendance on your medical record, and we are able to step outside the ‘medical model’ and use a variety of therapy modalities to support you.
Can I access a private health rebate?
At present Held Counselling is unable to offer private health rebates.