What is Counselling?

Reber and Reber (2001) define counselling as, a term used to cover several processes of interviewing, testing, guiding and advising designed to help an individual solve problems, plan for the future. Additional to this definition it is important to note that counsellors navigate clients, not direct them, toward goals set by you, the client. Counselling is as much about the counsellor listening and empathising as it is about helping you find a pathway forward.

What is the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?

The primary difference is the level of training and scope and depth of issues that may be addressed. Psychologists typically undertake and Undergraduate degree in Psychology, completing a 4 year full-time course, approved by the APS - governing bodies of psychologists in Australia and the United States. Following the completion of this course it is typical that an internship consisting of 2 years full time under the guidance of a supervisory Psychologist is achieved. Some Psychologists enter a Master’s Program, or PhD program, and may enter Clinical Psychology as a profession. However, the process of counselling in these areas is still maintained. Psychologists typically are sought as a means of addressing long term, deep seeded psychological issues and a good counsellor should be able to identify and refer clients on to a psychologist if need be.

What should I expect from a Counselling session?

The first session is as much about you forming a bond of trust with a counsellor, as it is about you discussing matters of concern. Following the first session if things do not feel right try a different counsellor until you are comfortable with whom you are talking with. The bond of trust, mutual respect and your ability openly discuss matters of concern without fears are paramount within the counselling process. There are occasions when female clients may like a female counsellor, and visa-versa, it is important to get the correct balance to work together on matters of concern.

Within the subsequent sessions the counsellor will provide you with a higher state of consciousness and enhance your personal understanding in attaining your goals. Counsellors are not advisors, ultimately the decisions you make are yours and you have ownership over the entire process. A good counsellor will always 'check in' with you at various intervals to ensure you are comfortable.

How long does the Counselling process take?

At Positive Connections Counselling Service you determine the length of time you visit our counsellors. Our counsellors will consistently monitor your self appraisal of the process, the situation and level of attainment toward your goals. If you simple feel you want to stop the choice is yours.

How do I pay for the service?

We accept EFTPOS and Credit Cards.

What about confidentiality?

See the section under Confidentiality in the navigation bar at the top of this page.

Can anyone come to Counselling?

Typically those individuals that directly impact the client that requires counselling are encouraged to attend the sessions; however this is a choice you make. If you feel it is warranted talk to the counsellor and discuss the various practical options available. In the case of children and adolescents, parent(s) are encouraged to attend as many aspects of development are directly related to home, work, school etc... In some instances school teachers attend to ensure the continuity of the process in the classroom.

Is there homework after each session?

The choice is yours, to homework, or not to homework! Research indicates that counselling can have a profound impact on people’s lives with the practice and embodiment of techniques, positive self-talk, affirmative actions within client’s lives and practical, easily implemented changes in thinking. There is no right or wrong when you come to counselling, only possibilities!

What about Medicare?

Unfortunately we do not see clients who have been referred by their General Practitioner under The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. While seeing a health care professional through this initiative may be slightly more cost effective, there are several benefits of contacting us directly.

To see a health care professional through the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, you need to see your General Practitioner first, who will then make a referral if and only if you have a diagnosed condition. If your general practitioner is able to make a referral for you, the wait lists are often lengthy and you would be limited to a maximum of 18 sessions with that health care professional. Furthermore, as of November 2011, the number of sessions clients are able to a attend through the Better Access to Mental Health Care plan will be reduced from 18 sessions to 6 sessions, with a possible additional 4 sessions in exceptional circumstances. Given that a diagnosis must be made in order to attain a referral, and that most diagnosable conditions are enduring, a lot of clients who suffer from ongoing issues are not adequately supported.

At Positive Connections, we pride ourselves on being much more flexible in order to meet your needs. You are able to attend on your own or with others, are able to attend as frequently and for as long as you and your counsellor feel appropriate, and you simply pay per session. We also understand that sometimes the idea of waiting for several weeks to see someone can be stressful and for this reason, we aim to be as flexible as possible to ensure much shorter waiting periods.