Frequently Asked Questions

  • Counselling $100 - 1hr session

    Reflective Supervision $90 - 1hr session

    Concession rates are available for students or seniors. Please enquire.

  • Please reach out through the contact form with any questions, text my mobile, or email. If you’re ready to book simply click on “book a session” and choose the time and date convenient for you.

  • Unlike many counsellors I have chosen not to use AI in my practice. I do not store your intake form, client notes, or any other personal information on digital platforms- and I do not record sessions or use AI to transcribe sessions.

    I recognise what a huge and brave step it is to find a counsellor when life feels hard- especially if you are so used to putting the needs of others in your world first. I respect your recognition that your wellbeing truly matters…afterall, that’s why you’re here.

    I am very warm, down-to-earth and approachable. I value you as a fellow human being who currently has struggles (just like we all do at times). I would be honoured to support you.

    • Click on Book a Session and select a date and time convenient for you. Your appoointment is now reserved.

    • If choosing the in-person option, please note that it is our policy to call you for an initial phone chat before your reserved appointment will be confirmed.

    • Upon reserving your chosen time, you will receive an automated email with a Google Meet link (ignore this link if you are attending in person).

    • You will receive an email from Purposeful Wellbeing within one business day with our Intake Form to be completed, along with a tax invoice for payment via EFT or credit card (a surcharge applies).

    • Once payment is received and the intake form has been returned, your first appointment is now officially confirmed.

  • We can discuss a mutually agreeable time for any additional appointments at the conclusion of your first session, and I can reserve those dates and times on your behalf.

    Alternatively, you may prefer the convenience of using Book a Session to make the next booking yourself.

    Please note that RETURNING clients are not required to pay upfront unless making the booking themselves online.

    Local clients may have the option to attend their sessions in person (at the discretion of Purposeful Wellbeing). The private clinic offers ample off-street parking. Or you may prefer the flexibility and convenience of attending your sessions online.

  • Appointments may be rescheduled up to 24hrs prior.

    Cancellation of your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, or a no-show, will result in being charged the full fee, as it is impossible for us to fill the space at such short notice.

    However, if you are a regular client, we will take into consideration any extenuating circumstances which you communicate.

    Please note that we do send a reminder text 48 hours prior to the appointment.

  • Yes, absolutely! There are only 3 instances where confidentiality may be broken and they are:

    • Risk of Harm:

    To the client: If a counsellor believes a client is at serious and foreseeable risk of harming themselves (e.g., suicidal thoughts or actions), they may need to break confidentiality to ensure the client's safety. 

    To others: Similarly, if a client discloses plans to harm another person, the counsellor has a duty to warn the potential victim and/or notify authorities. 

    • Mandated Reporting:

      Counsellors are legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities. 

    • Court Orders and Subpoenas

      If a court orders the release of client information or issues a subpoena for counselling records, the counsellor must comply. 

  • Counselling with a registered counsellor (ACA or PACFA member) isn’t currently covered under Medicare, but there are benefits to this.

    • No need for a mental health care plan

    • Nothing is recorded on your permanent health record

    • Therapeutic modalities can be tailored to what works best for you

    • No limit to the number of sessions you can choose to have

    • Counsellor fees are inline (or often lower) than typical gap fees if seeing a psychologst

    Some private health funds (e.g. Bupa, Teachers’ Health Fund, Medibank & HCF) may offer partial rebates for seeing a counsellor— check with your provider if you have this available under your ‘Extras’ Policy.

    Should I see a Counsellor, a Psychologist, or a Psychiatrist?

    Counsellors support people with personal growth, emotional and mental wellbeing, and all sorts of personal issues.

    The title “counsellor” is not yet government-regulated, making it especially important for you, the client, to choose an ethical counsellor who is registered with ACA or PACFA.

    Psychologists often work closely with GPs or psychiatrists. They can diagnose mental health conditions and are therefore better suited to a client seeking a diagnosis. A clinical psychologist has additional training to provide psychometric testing and write formal reports. While they don’t prescribe medication, psychologists tend to support people with very complex personal needs, severe mental health issues, and can provide Medicare-funded therapy.

    Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental illness and can prescribe medication.

  • Purposeful Wellbeing is committed to providing quality services and respecting your rights. This statement outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect to how we manage your Personal Information. Purposeful Wellbeing complies with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Code of Conduct for Certain Health Care Workers (Community Services Complaints Regulations 2019).

    Personal Information is information which identifies an individual directly or indirectly. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: name, phone number, email address, residential address, age, and emergency contact. The sharing of Personal Information by a client to Purposeful Wellbeing, whether in writing or verbally, is to assist us in assessing and supporting the client during the counselling process. We will only request and retain Personal Information that is necessary to the service we are providing.

    We collect your personal information via our website, intake form, information you share with us verbally, correspondence by email, letter or SMS, and from third-party referrals (with your consent). In order for Purposeful Wellbeing to provide a relevant and informed service, and due to our duty of care, our clients cannot be anonymous. We will also require the contact details of your chosen emergency contact.

    The security of your personal information is important to us, but no method of transmission over the internet, or method of physical or electronic storage, is 100% secure and thus we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

    We choose to store intake forms separately from de-identified client files, which are kept securely in an offline (non-digital) location. We utilise confidential written records as opposed to digital records, as we believe they offer the best protection to your privacy.

    The use and storage of private information will be respected in line with the Australian Privacy Principles stated in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and kept securely for seven years. We will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent, except when the disclosure is to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of you or another person; when required by law for mandatory reporting; or if we receive a court subpoena.

    You may access the personal information we hold about you. We will not charge any fee for your access request, but we may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your information.

    If you have any questions related to privacy matters, please contact us by email.

  • No, if you require crisis support, please contact one of the services listed below: