FAQ on Counselling

Should I see a counsellor or a psychologist?

Counsellor
Counsellors can assist with a wide variety of issues such as Addictions, Loss & Grief, Stress, Self-esteem, Relationship issues, Parenting, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, Anxiety or a combination of the above issues.  Most counsellors are Generalist which means they can work effectively with any of the above issues.  Some counsellors choose to specialise in one particular area which means they may do additional training in that area and dedicate their practice to it. For example, Relationship counselling, Family Therapy or working with children.  Counsellors can also specialise in longer term work which is called Psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy is also a specialisation whereby the counsellor needs to be trained in this area.  Psychotherapists work with individuals who are experiencing issues that have been present or ongoing for a substantial length of time, i.e. symptoms resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Psychotherapy can continue for years whereby Counselling tends to be a shorter term therapy.  A counsellor or Psychotherapist can make appropriate referrals to other Mental Health Practitioners if needed. Counsellors can not prescribe medication. A reputable counsellor is typically registered with a professional body that is recognised by PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counsellors Federation of Australia).  PACFA ensure its members are adequately trained, have recognised supervision and continue Professional Development & Training.
Some counsellors are recognised by Workcover Australia and Medibank Private.


Psychologist
Psychologists also assist individuals with the issues that Counsellors deal with however they also can branch off into the area of specific Mental Health .  This means that a Psychologist may also specialise in particular mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Phobia, Neurosis, ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, Personality problems, Mood Disorders, OCD, Severe Depressive episodes, Geriatric Mental Health, Child & Adolescent mental health.  Some Psychologists may further train as an Organisational Psychologist specialising in motivational and performance enhancement.  A Psychologist may choose further training to be qualified as a Clinical Psychologist, this means that through a series of Testing and Assessment a diagnosis may be made. Other areas that Psychologists may specialise in are Counselling, Neuropsychology, Educational, Forensic, Health, Community and Sports Psychology.
Psychologists can not prescribe medication. Psychology is a regulated profession which means that in order to practice within Australia they must be members of AHPRA (The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) which is an umbrella organisation for the Psychology Registration Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society.  These organisations ensure that its members are adequately trained, have recognised supervision and continue Professional Development  & Training.  
Registered Psychologists can operate under the Mental Health Plan arrangements that entitle individuals to 10 free sessions per calendar year.

What if I can’t afford to pay?

All our services are kept as low cost as possible and are scaled according to income - we endeavour to provide flexibility and assistance for individual circumstances, in order to keep our service accessible.

Are services confidential?

All services are confidential within the boundaries of the NSW law.

Will I have to wait for an appointment?

Appointments are necessary, however we will endeavour to schedule your meeting as soon as possible.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call on 02 9545 0299 to make an appointment or request further information.

How much does it cost?

Standard counselling fees are $80 per hour session.

For low income families fees are calculated on a sliding scale dependant on income.

Psychologist fees are $120 per hour session. To claim a rebate from medicare you must obtain a mental health plan referral from your GP before you come in.

Clinical Psychology fees with Dr Steve Dawson are $170 per 50 min consultation. With a referral or mental health care plan, $115.05 of this fee can be claimed back through medicare. For more information please contact our office.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We ask you to please give us a minimum of 12 hours notice if you need to cancel a counselling appointment. If however, you are unable to make your appointment to see the psychologist we require 24 hours notice. Cancellations outside of these time frames will incur a fee.

How will counselling help?

Coming to counselling can be difficult; however everyone has times in their lives when talking to a trained counsellor can be helpful.You are offered a supportive and caring relationship in which you can explore any issue at your own pace.

• You are accepted for who you are.
• It can help you see difficulties more objectively.
• It can help you express your feeling and come to terms with new or past experiences.
• It can be part of a growing process whereby unwanted feelings can be changed.
• It can build self-value.
• It can help you take control of your life and become more assertive.
• It can improve communication.
• It can help you to become more realistic in setting goals.

How can counselling help with an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders involve complex, multi-facetted issues, which often come to affect every aspect of a person’s life. Counselling may be helpful in addressing the underlying thoughts and beliefs that maintain disrupted eating patterns, as well as the eating behaviours themselves.

• You are able to explore personal life events and relationships involved in the onset or continuation of the eating disorder, and over time work towards resolution.
• Low self-confidence and self-value are often a part of an eating disorder and these can be improved through the counselling process.
• Distorted patterns of thought and negative self-beliefs can be identified, and new, helpful thought processes can be learnt.
• You will be supported in establishing and maintaining new, healthier eating and living patterns.
• Your counsellor may challenge you in difficult ways at times, but s/he will also encourage you in every step you take along the way.

What is Christian counselling?

Christian people often seek Christian counsellors because they feel they will be better understood. Christian counsellors believe that matters of faith are important to discuss in the context of life’s problems, and when seeking a way out of those problem. God desires for us to bring everything in our lives to Him, who is completely in control.
God appoints counsellors over his people to offer guidance. He encourages us to work together with other believers rather than alone.

Proverbs 15:22, Isaiah 1:26, Ecclesiastes 4:8-12, Matthew 18:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:25

God, particularly the Holy Spirit, acts as a Counsellor himself.

1 Kings 22:5, 2 Chronicles 18:4, Job 12:13, Psalm 16:7, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 73:24, Psalm 107:11, Proverbs 8:14, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:2, Isaiah 28:29, John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7