Frequently Asked Questions 

I work with children, adolescents, and adults.

• children under 14 require consent of at least one parent, 
• adolescents 14 + may be assessed to determine if they are able to understand the pros and cons of counselling, and if so, may consent to counselling independent of parent or guardian consent. However, where possible, the consent of a parent or guardian is sought. 

You don’t need a GP referral and can access counselling simply by getting in touch via the Contact Us link below. 

Unfortunately, counsellors are not eligible for Medicare rebates, so we don’t take Mental Health Care Plans from your GP.

Lots of people find it really helpful to chat with someone who’s not part of their usual group of friends or family. A counsellor can be that impartial ear, offering understanding and advice without any judgment. They'll help you figure out what’s going on, see things from a new perspective, and give you tips that actually work. Counselling isn’t just about fixing stuff; it’s a safe space to be yourself, where you can dig into your thoughts and feelings without worrying about what anyone else thinks. It's a chance to really get to know yourself and make choices that feel right for you.

I approach counseling from a person-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based perspective. This means that I prioritise understanding where you are right now and where you aspire to be. Our sessions might involve various methods such as conversation, writing, drawing, painting, working with clay, using therapeutic cards, practicing mindfulness, and completing worksheets.

The first session is a chance for us to connect and build rapport. You'll have the opportunity to share your story and experiences with me, and I'll be here to listen attentively and understand your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. This session also offers you a glimpse into my therapy space and what the therapeutic process entails. Together, we'll assess if we're a good fit to collaborate. We recognize that the relationship between therapist and client is vital for therapy's success, so it's crucial that you feel comfortable with my approach and that it aligns with your individual needs. Throughout our time together, feel free to ask any questions about what to expect and how I can best support you. Additionally, you're welcome to watch my video on psychotherapy for further insight.

The number of sessions needed varies greatly from person to person. For some, just one session may suffice, especially if they're looking to make a decision with a relatively minor impact on their future. Others may require six or more sessions, particularly if they're dealing with multiple issues that need thorough unpacking before finding the best path forward. Ultimately, the duration of counselling depends on the specific challenges you're facing and what you feel is necessary to resolve them effectively. In each case we will work together to set a goal or goals and regularly review these to determine our time together. 

Please see the Fees at the top of the page. Note - at this time there are no rebates available for Medicare or Health Insurance. Fees are structured to make counselling affordable. 

Yes. The information you share with me is confidential. I also work to maintain confidentiality at all times in the collection, recording, storage, dissemination and disposal of my notes and any information I collect.

The only exception to confidentiality is my legal requirement to disclose information about you in certain circumstances, including if:

• You disclose that a child, minor or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm

• You plan to harm yourself or others, or I have a reason to believe that you pose an immediate risk to harming yourself or others

• I am legally subpoenaed to provide the release of my notes and your records.

These situations are rare, however in the case any of these things arise in our work together I will always make every reasonable effort to speak with you before taking any required action.

I am unable to work with those who:

• are required to attend by a court or legal requirement,
• have active suicidal and or homicidal intent,
• require a crisis or 24/7 support service, 
• require full or partial inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment, 
• have complex mental health needs that requires the treatment by a doctor or psychiatrist.

I am unavailable after opening hours and Anamchara Holistic Solutions is not an emergency service. If you require immediate support, contact emergency services immediately:

• Police, Fire or Ambulance - 000

• Lifeline - 13 11 14

• Blue Knot Helpline - 1300 657 380

• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

• Domestic Violence Hotline (QLD) 1800 811 811