FAQs about Counselling and Psychotherapy

I am worried the counsellor will judge me

A nonjudgemental attitude underpins my approach to counselling. It is not for me to say what is right or wrong or expect you to share my personal values. I have a deep respect for other people and their unique perspectives of the world. I should also let you know that as a counsellor I do not make any diagnoses.

I am concerned the counsellor won’t keep my information private

The counselling provided is confidential. I take confidentiality very seriously as I believe it is fundamental to the counselling process. There are some very rare circumstances in which confidentially may need to be broken according to law. These will be explained before the session. If you have any concerns about confidentiality I encourage you to call me, anonymously if you wish, to discuss them.

I am concerned the counsellor won’t be respectful of my religious beliefs, spirituality, culture or sexuality

I am respectful of people’s faiths. I am more than happy to work with people from different cultures. I am also pleased to work with people of all sexualities.

Will the counsellor be ethical and respect my boundaries?

I practice counselling ethically and with professionalism. I am bound by the code of ethics and conduct of the Counsellors’ and Psychotherapists’ Association of Victoria. This code specifically prohibits close personal relationships with clients outside of counselling.

I am too anxious and I am not sure I can do it

I always work at the client’s pace. If you are anxious we can work very gently and slowly. As part of my training I have undertaken personal counselling and I know how nerve wracking it can be to be a client for the first time. If you are worried, please let me know and I will do whatever I can to help make it easier for you.

How often do I need to come and how long will it take?

Traditionally counselling takes place once a week for 50 min. I generally leave the length of the counselling relationship up to the client. A person may wish to see me for only one session, whilst others may continue to see me for much longer.

Can I get a rebate?

To receive a Medicare rebate, you must be seeing a registered psychologist or a mental health social worker, and must be on a mental health plan prepared by a general practitioner or psychiatrist (with a 10 session limit). Although some psychologists have undertaken training in counselling or psychotherapy many have not. Most psychologists tend to work using an approach called CBT, which is only designed to treat specific symptoms. CBT is not an approach suited to developing an in-depth understanding of yourself and others.

You are also entitled to a 20% rebate for counselling sessions when you submit your tax return if your annual out of pocket medical expenses (as an individual or family) are greater than $1500.

0458 090 687
paulthecounsellor@gmail.com
253 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000