Thanks to the recent pandemic, I think we’ve all grown savvy with online technology! Due to this, I am offering new modalities for counselling which includes phone and online (via Zoom). It takes a little while to get used to it (for the new client), but has many benefits especially if you live far away, have childcare responsibilities or the likes. When you book for online counselling, you will receive an email with Zoom log in etc. Make sure to have earphones handy, a quiet space, and a positive attitude!

Unlock Your Resilience has been designed as a companion workbook for individual counselling while The REAL guide to like as a Couple has been designed as its relationship therapy counterparts.

While I wont refuse to see patients unless they are working on their workbook, I would like to ask that you consider getting the book relevant to your type of therapy for multiple reasons:

• Firstly, it will save you time and money. There are 10 modules per book, equivalent to 10 sessions. If you undertake these at home, you and I can focus on the important stuff while together.
• It assists with practicing. We all know that not everyone does their “homework” at home, and without practice, the skills taught wont stick as much as they will if you commit to practicing them through the exercises and “truths and dares” from these books.
• You can buy them from me at author price of $30 per book. Just let me know before your session and I will order it/them for you.
• They’re fun! They’re good practice, and they’re everything that a therapist will teach you minus the reflective/challenging work we will still do together.

A good question. A simple way to look at it might be around the qualifications needed, the clinical experience behind each discipline and what you hope to get out of therapy.

Counsellors generally are not required to have tertiary qualifications and may have quals starting from a cert IV. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor and they generally deal with day to day issues without a diagnosis of any psychopathology. They are not eligible for Medicare rebates and should be members of a counselling body such as ACA, PACFA etc.

A psychologist has less training than a clinical psychologist and both are trained to explore people’s minds, to investigate “faulty” thinking and treat clinical issues. They must be registered with AHPRA and are eligible for Medicare registration and rebates.

A clinical and/or mental health social worker has more training than a social worker. A mental health social worker is required to have a 4 year qual, plus 2 year post graduate training/clinical experience. They are trained to explore systems, environments, values etc. before making any assumptions or treatment recommendations. They must be registered with AASW and are eligible for Medicare registration and rebates.

I would always advise to check your therapist’s discipline, training, qualifications, registration and whether they are eligible for Medicare. While Medicare does not guarantee a good clinician, it definitely guarantees that a stringent process occured to recognise them.

Personally, I say “GO Social Work!” Why? Because I’d like to think that a competent therapist would understand how trauma, upbringing, financial stress and the likes would impact on someone’s mental health before attempting to teach them positive psychology 😉

Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy (talk = no contact!) that is designed to help individuals and couples address medical, psychological, personal, or interpersonal factors impacting sexual satisfaction. The goal of sex therapy is to help people move past physical and emotional challenges to have a satisfying relationship and pleasurable sex life. In fact, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report experiencing some type of sexual dysfunction during their lifetimes. The issues that I work with are:

– Erectile dysfunction

– Low libido and lack of interest

– Premature ejaculation

– Low confidence

– Excessive libido

– Distressing sexual thoughts

– Managing sexual fetishes/behaviours etc.

– Adjusting to lifestyles and sexual identity

A fulfilling sex life is healthy and natural. Physical and emotional intimacy are essential parts of our well-being. When sexual issues occur, having that fulfilling sex life can be difficult. Please note that I do not see men for sexual issues without a GP referral.

What a good question! Only you can answer this. Clearly, I am bias however. I believe counselling is something that everyone deserves and should be accessible to all. In particular, if you are experiencing stress, relationship issues, health concerns or general family dynamics hiccups, I do believe counselling is something that would be beneficial. It doesn’t have to be formal or you lying on a couch while I take notes quietly. I promise, I am pretty funny; relaxed and honest. You’re in good hands.

If you’re still unsure, why not send me a quick email to discuss?