·      What happens when I phone a counsellor?
·     What should I expect upon arrival?
·     What if I have to cancel?
·     What should I expect during the sessions?
·     How often should I come?

What happens when I  phone a counsellor?

Usually when you phone, the receptionist (or in some cases, the counsellor themselves) will briefly ascertain your needs,
 e.g. "making an appointment ", "changing an appointment", etc. and pass your request and phone number on to the  counsellor who will return your call.

They  will briefly discuss your concerns with you and together make a decision about the most appropriate action to take such as whether to make an appointment.  (Sometimes a  referral on to someone else such as a specialist in that field is the best decision).

What should I expect upon arrival?

A warm welcome usually awaits. You will be shown into a consultation room where you can discuss your problems with the counsellor in private.
Sometimes it is a good idea to find out where the rooms are located ahead of time
as familiarity reduces stress and saves you running late if you have investigaed
the parking, etc.
 

What if I have to cancel?

If you do not cancel within 24 hours of the allotted appointment time, a cancellation fee may be charged by the counsellor.  Please check their policy. 

How often should I come?

Sessions are generally an hour long and held weekly but can vary in duration depending on the problem and the consultant.  The Medicare rebate is valid for six sessions and a further six can be obtained under Medicare if the consultant and client agree it is necessary.   Generally, it is better to come on a regular basis as it is usually found that weekly sessions achieve the best results. Gaps may mean that you may need to go longer in the end, as the length of therapy is directly related to the commitment you give to it.

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