Question 1

What can I expect on my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

On your first appointment, you will meet with an experienced therapist who will mainly focus on assessment; time will be spent exploring what brings you to counselling, your counsellor and you will work together to identify your goals. This will include decisions on frequency of appointments and the possible number of sessions required to reach these goals.

Question 2

Do I have to be religious to use these services?

Accepted Answer

No, our clients come from a wide variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. The Counsellors at Connections Counselling are Christian Counsellors and can incorporate faith into your counselling sessions, if you desire.
 
The benefits of counselling:
 
A counsellor will provide support, encouragement and guidance. You will have the opportunity to tell your story in a confidential space without criticism or judgment. The benefits of counselling can lead to greater self-awareness, insight and strength to face the challenges of life, to find hope and meaning.
 
The therapy/counselling process helps people get “unstuck”. Through the development of insight and increased self awareness, people are able to gain a better understanding of their own behavior and the issues, feelings and events that motivate them.

Question 3

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

It is heart and goal to provide an affordable and assessable, professional counselling and psychology service based on a sliding scale in proportion to combined household income.

Our Fees Range from:

• Counsellors’ fees $125.00+
 • Psychologists’ fees range from $192.00 - $222.00
 • Couples and Family Counselling range from $160.00 - 180.00

Please note: When you see a psychologist, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have a current Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.  Medicare rebate amount is $92.90.

For your comparison, the recommend fees by the professional governing bodies of counsellors and psychologist are indicated below:

·       Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends standard fee is $311.00.

·       Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) recommended fee is from $100 - $160 per hour.

Fees are automatically deducted from your nominated credit/debit card one day prior to your appointment.

Available to see National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients.

Please contact us if you want your precise fee amount via 08 6244 3241.

Question 4

Are you accepting NDIS clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are available to see National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients.

Question 5

How long is a counselling session?

Accepted Answer

Each counselling and psychotherapy session lasts for 50 minutes.

Question 6

Are sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

The information that you will supply will be kept confidential and may only be released to a third party with your written authority, except when:
 
- It is subpoenaed by a court
- If a client is at risk of harming themselves or someone else

Even in these circumstances, every effort will be made to gain your written consent.

Question 7

How do I pay for my counselling session?

Accepted Answer

Fees are automatically deducted from your nominated credit/debit card 30 minutes into your session. Your credit/debit is securely encrypted in our system.

No cash transactions are available.

Question 8

What if I want to cancel an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to cancel your appointment at anytime.  A full fee will be charged for late cancellation and missed appointments if 48 hours notice is not given.

Question 9

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to self-refer to our counselling service. Many of our clients seek our services via word of mouth recommendations, referrals, and internet-based searches.
 
GP Mental Health Care Plans are available through your GP. Please contact us for further information via 08 6244 3241.

Connections Counselling FAQS

Connections Counselling
FAQS