Frequently Asked Questions
What session formats are available?
All clients are currently seen online via video. You will receive a TEAMS video link prior to each session
How do I pay for my sessions?
When booking your first session, we will ask for payment details that will be used to pay for your first and subsequent sessions.
A 50% deposit of the total fee will be taken for your first session and all online bookings. The remainder will be charged after your session. If you have any questions around billing, please contact us directly.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, we ask that you provide 24 hours' notice via phone call, text or email. Contact Relational Space on 0408 285 110 or anne@relationalspace.com.au. If less than 24 hours' notice is provided, 50% of the total fee will be charged for late cancellation. Should cancellation not be made within 24 hours the full session (100%) fee will be charged.
Do you accept rebates?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not currently included in the Medicare rebate scheme. Medicare rebates are only available for individuals who have completed a mental health assessment and obtained a prescribed Mental Health Plan from a GP.
Who do you work with?
For individual counselling I work with people 16 years and over. For couples counselling I work dyadically across a range of relationship dynamics and transitions, including couples who are considering separation or wish to separate well. I also work dyadically with parents and children to support healthy attachment relationships.
What are your fees and session length?
Individual Counselling: $170 per 50-minute session
Couples Counselling $190 per 50-minute session
Couples Counselling: $285 per 75-minute session
Counselling for Parents: $170 per 50-minute session
Counselling with 2 or more family members: $190 per 50-minute session
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms counselling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably, and sessions can incorporate approaches of both. Generally speaking, counselling is more guidance-oriented for people with situational problems, needing help with coping or decision-making. Psychotherapy supports people experiencing more persistent, complex issues related to relationship trauma, childhood trauma, anxiety, identity and self-esteem, and involves exploring past experiences and unconscious processes.
How can counselling and psychotherapy support me?
Many people find it valuable to talk with someone outside of their circle of family and friends. A therapist offers unbiased, compassionate support and uses gentle, evidence-based approaches to guide the process. Therapy can help facilitate meaningful change, by supporting you to build self-awareness, gain clarity and choice around your challenges, and uncover alternative perspectives you may not have considered. Therapy offers something increasingly rare in our lives — a dedicated space where you are truly heard, free from expectations, and able to deeply explore your experiences, thoughts, feelings, values and beliefs. This mindful self-exploration is an incredibly powerful place from which deeper and compassionate understanding, real and lasting change is possible
What happens in our first counselling session?
It’s normal to have a range of feelings when coming to therapy. Whether it’s your first-ever session or you have been to therapy before, feelings of nervousness, excitement or apprehension are all normal and expected. When you arrive, we’ll have a relaxed conversation about what has brought you to therapy, and what you might like to work on.
The first session is an opportunity to get to know one another. You’ll be able to share your story and experiences with me, and you may wish to ask questions relating to what to expect, and how I can best support you. My role is to hold the space for you and really get an understanding of your thoughts, feelings and perspectives. In this session, you can also get a feel for my therapy space and what therapy will be like.
Together, we’ll decide if we would be a good fit to work together. We know that the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, so it’s essential you feel that my approach resonates with you and is suited to your individual needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The amount of therapy sessions you may need will vary depending on your goals. Healing is not a linear process and long-term sustainable change, and transformation often does not involve a ‘quick fix’. While some people come to therapy for a few sessions to address current goals or life challenges, others come looking to do deeper work related to trauma, which may span over a few months to a year. Many people return to therapy from time to time as needed or to take the next step in their personal growth journey.
Counselling and psychotherapy are most effective when sessions are regular and consistent. Generally, sessions occur weekly or fortnightly to begin with. Together, we’ll assess your needs and what is going to work best for you. We’ll continue to check in and discuss our work together as we go.
Choice is an important part of therapy. This means you can end the therapeutic relationship with me at any time, take a break, or alter the frequency of our sessions.
Where do I go for emergency support?
Relational Space is not an emergency support service. If you require immediate support please contact emergency services
Police, Fire or Ambulance (for serious injury and if you or someone is at immediate risk of harm) - 000
Lifeline (emotional distress and suicide prevention) - 13 11 14
Blue Knot Helpline (for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse) - 1300 657 380
Beyond Blue (depression, anxiety and suicide prevention) - 1300 22 46 36
13 YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having a tough time and wanting a yarn) - 13 92 76
1800 RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic and family violence) - 1800 737 732