FAQ’s
Please Note - Cara Counselling does not offer single sessions for the purpose of obtaining letters for employers, universities or other third parties. Such letters are provided to ongoing clients only.
What about privacy and confidentiality? - Our privacy statement
Everything you share and that we discuss in the course of our sessions will be treated as highly confidential. While there are a few circumstances in which I may be required to break confidentiality (listed below), if something of concern comes up we would generally have a discussion about the issue, options and outcomes, before deciding how best to proceed.
If I have good grounds for believing that serious harm may occur to you or anyone else
If your counselling records have been requested by a court of law
If another party or agency has requested your information, and you have agreed and provided me with your written consent to this.
Do you take notes during counselling?
Do these notes go on my health record?
I take notes during or after each session to support my understanding, and track the progress we are making together. These notes are stored securely, and clients may ask to view them if they wish. I retain client notes for seven (7) years from the date of the last session.
No; there is no link between Cara Counselling and your health record. No notes or record of your appointments with Cara Counselling will appear on your health record.
What is your counselling approach?
Cara Counselling provides confidential, non-judgemental support through developing a collaborative relationship with clients, helping to identify and define issues, and providing counselling and coaching support to help clients gain insights, explore options, set goals, make decisions and take action. The counselling process is focussed on the client, and each client is individual, so each session is tailored around what has brought the client to counselling, and what they hope to get from it. The Cara Counselling goal of simply helping sums up my approach; the focus is on the client, I am simply here to help.
Do you provide counselling for children?
No, we don’t provide counselling for children. We do provide parenting counselling, supporting parents with knowledge and skills to deal with difficult situations or particular concerns, general help with balancing all aspects of family life, and support in managing their own wellbeing.
How much does counselling cost?
Questions about the cost of counselling are fairly common, and I believe that it is important to know how much counselling costs upfront, and be confident that you’re getting quality, affordable counselling. Cara Counselling’s fees are $110 for 45 minutes, or $135 for a 60 minute appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a counsellor? What about rebates?
You don’t need a referral for Cara Counselling; just call or book online for an appointment. Rebates from medicare are not available for your appointment with Cara Counselling. Doctors Health Fund taken.
How does online booking work?
Click on book now, and look for a date and time that suits you. Once you’ve found the appointment that works for you, click to book and you will be asked for basic contact details, including an email address for your booking confirmation and reminders. The booking system does not take payment; that happens at the end of your counselling session. If you can’t find a time that suits you, or you want to discuss your options, you can call or email for support.
Is online the only way to book?
No, if you’d prefer to call and book over the phone that’s great. II’ll be delighted to talk to you and find the time that works for you. It also gives me the opportunity to find out a bit about you, and give you an idea of what to expect from Cara Counselling.
How and when do I pay for my session?
Payment is taken at the end of your session. You can pay by cash or Eftpos (preferred), with no credit card surcharge fees. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and debit cards accepted. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay etc) also accepted.
What happens once I’ve booked my first appointment?
Once you’ve booked you’ll get an email with brief directions to the Cara Counselling office, and checking if you have any questions about what to expect from counselling.
What happens at my first counselling appointment?
The first appointment starts with the counselling agreement, which sets out important information including Cara Counselling’s approach, record keeping, confidentiality, payments and cancellation policy. We then move onto looking at your immediate needs and concerns, and your goals, or hopes for counselling, and I support you to generate and consider options that will help you achieve those goals.
How many appointments will I have?
There is no set number of sessions; I discuss and agree a plan with each client at the initial appointment, and we review that plan together as we progress. Please discuss with me at any time if you feel you need to change your plan, or if you’re not comfortable with any aspect of your counselling; you are welcome to cease the counselling relationship at any time.
What if I’m unwell, or need to cancel an appointment?
If you have any Covid like symptoms, please contact me to switch to an online appointment, or reschedule. If you need to cancel and/or reschedule for any other reason, please give as much notice as possible, and at least 24 hours notice.
Where can I find more information to understand issues such as anxiety and depression?
There are many resources available, including apps like Plum Village, Mindfulness, 3 Good Things, and Smiling Mind, which support mindfulness and self care, and websites like Beyond Blue and SANE, which provide a range of information and support.