In a nutshell a Psychologist is trained in certain modalities, usually and most commonly CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) they are also schooled with an emphasis on theory and statistics. They are able to diagnose and administer psychometric tests. A Psychologist has 6 years of study - the first 4 years are education based on the specifics and foundations of different modalities, psychology theories and statistics and research. The later years are focused on supervised clinical practice. One of the biggest differences between Psychologists and Counsellors lie in regulations and the regulatory boards. Psychologists must be registered under AHPRA, the peak body for Psychology in Australia, and as such can bill under Medicare. ​ In Australia Counselling is not highly regulated and in theory anyone can call themselves a Counsellor. This means that there are very large differences in training - some 'Counsellors' may have undertaken a weekend course online while others (like myself) have undertaken 6 years of training. Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) are the leading accreditation associations in Australia and have high membership standards. Counsellors work less with theoretical models and use more Counselling skills such as empathy, listening, and questioning. This creates an environment where you are the experts in your mental health journey, your story holds the key to change. Counsellors are less likely to work under a diagnostic paradigm; which means away from the medical model into a more holistic model. That is why I chose to study and work as a Counsellor.

Unfortunately at this moment Counsellors are not accredited under the Medicare Scheme. The ACA are working hard on retifying but it may be a long journey before that dream is reached. How the Mental Health Plan system works: In order for a client (you) to receive a rebate from from medicare to see a Psychologist (which currently is around $85) you will need to speak to you doctor who will ask you some questions, rated on a scale, around your mental health status. For example: (in the last fortnight) I was worried about situations in which I might panic and make a fool of myself. There are 21 questions: This link will take you to the questionairre used: DASS-21 This assessment will then determine your eligibility for a MHP. Once you recieve that you will then be given referrals or will seek your own Psychologist. The MHP is currently valid for 20 sessions. At present the average charge for Psychology is $210 to $260 an hour. Please NOTE: You can get cheaper this is just an average. So with the medicare rebate you will expect to pay out of pocket expenses around $125 - $145. The positives in seeing a Counsellor when talking about the MHP You do not have to seek assessment through a doctor - this means you dont have to disclose your mental health issues with your doctor. Counsellors are usually cheaper even if you used a MHP Counsellors are more accessible and the long waiting lists generally do not apply Cousellors are focussed on listening, empathy, congruence and not on using modalities such as CBT (although we can do so if that is what you want and need).

What are counselling and psychotherapy? ​ The dictionary defines counselling as “A talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues". I best describe both counselling and psychotherapy as a process that allows you (as the consumer) to share feelings, experiences or behaviours that you would like to change to a counsellor, to whom a relationship of trust, safety and confidentiality has developed. The counsellor acts to help you to see things from a different viewpoint with a central goal of helping you make the changes that you would like. Effective counselling allows you to feel heard and supported, without judgement, bias or discrimination. ​ My role is NOT to: · Give unsolicited advice · Take control and sort out your problems · Get emotionally involved · Judge by my values, worldviews or cultural norms. ​ What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy? ​ Counselling is generally a shorter-term therapy, approximately 6-10 session. The focus of which is on specific issues, situations or challenges that are occurring in the present time; for example grief and loss, the onset of depression etc. Counselling centres on action and behaviours. Psychotherapy is remarkably like counselling however it is considered a longer-term therapy. Used to work on pervasive issues where the effects and scars of ongoing issues e.g. childhood abuse, long-term depression and diagnosed mental health disorders. Psychotherapy centres on feelings and experience. In Psychotherapy I like to work with an emphasis on collaboration and openness with other Allied Health professionals (if relevant to you) like doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists in order to consolidate your health and well-being goals. I am a believer that together we can make a difference, but separately we can work in opposite directions which can be detrimental to your health and well-being.

My current charges are: $120 for Concession (including those under 18 years of age) $140 for Non-Concession If you have health insurance by Bupa, Police Health, St Lukes, Phoenix, Doctors or Grand United you can claim a rebate if you have the right extras cover. Please contact your health provider for more information. Current NDIS Charges - as stipulated under the NDIS guide for Counselling Services Counselling Sessions run for 50-55 minutes

There are certain private health providers in which you can claim my services. Please note you will have to contact them to find out how much you are entitled to claim, as all covers are different: Bupa Provider Number: J001343 Ask for the required documentation from me in our session for the following funds: Police Health Fund St Lukes Health Fund Emergency Services Health Fund Phoenix Health Fund Waiting on service provider numbers for Doctors Health Fund and Grand United Health Fund

This is really hard. Watching someone struggle while feeling helpless to help is one of the hardest things to do. Being a parent and watching a child struggle is next level. First of all, I want to acknowledge that you are not alone, this is a question I get all the time. Many young people have had negative experiences with Counselling or Psychology. They have been in a room with someone asking them a lot of questions while writing down answers in a notebook. They feel intimidated by this type of approach. I get it and totally understand why they don't feel comfortable, I mean most of us wouldn't be comfortable. For other young people they don't know what to say, they come into Counselling thinking they 'have' to talk and feel pressured when they don't really know what to say. So how do we change this thinking for them? My suggestion is to show them my website, so they can get to know me a bit beforehand. Reinforce with them that I am not someone who is clinical in nature. I won't ask them a lot of clinical questions, I won't push them when they are not ready; they don't have to share if they don't feel comfortable. If they would like to have a chat with me beforehand we can do that also, or if they want you to be in the first session let's do that. I am open to what makes a young person feel comfortable. I believe the first step along this journey is our relationship - Let's get to know each other first and create a safe space in which they feel comfortable to talk to me about anything that is troubling them.