Healthy relationships are an integral part of living a fulfilled life.
Our Counselling Process
If you’re new to counselling, you may have questions about the process, how much our counselling sessions cost, and what rebates may be available. We’ve covered the most commonly asked questions here. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Consultation Fees
Individual Sessions:
Individual sessions: $220 (inc. GST)
Couple Sessions:
Couples sessions: $250 (inc. GST)
Private health rebate where applicable.
Funds (Bupa; AHM; Medibank; Police Health Fund; HCF)
Are private health rebates available?
Rebates for counselling are currently available through Medibank Private, AHM, Bupa, Police Health Fund and Doctors Health Fund for Pamela Chetty. You will also find my provider numbers listed on your invoice. Please contact your fund regarding your eligibility under your current policy.
Are Medicare rebates available?
Please speak to the therapist as some changes are currently underway.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral. Just call/text/email for an appointment.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Usually, I can meet with you within a week or two. My after-hours appointments fill up fast, so it may take 2 - 3 weeks to obtain an after-hours appointment.
How long is each counselling session?
Counselling sessions run for 50 minutes.
Do you offer telephone or online/Zoom counselling?
Yes, phone and online counselling are available.
How does phone or online counselling work?
Most people find that phone/Zoom counselling is just as helpful for them as face-to-face counselling.
Make an appointment, just as you would for any counselling session, and I will connect with you via phone or Zoom at your appointment time.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
Individual Therapy
This is a hard question to answer, and there is no minimum or maximum number of individual therapy sessions you can attend. It really depends on what your concerns are, and what goals you have for therapy. Each person’s therapy journey is different, so really, therapy is tailored to each client’s individual needs and preferences.
At the outset of therapy, I will always check with you the goals you have. Some people come in for just a session or two to assist them with a specific issue that is concerning them at that time. Others come with the hope to develop strategies to reduce or manage symptoms, and this can take about 6-10 sessions. Some people have long-standing patterns or issues that have bothered them for a while and want to receive ongoing support over some months. For example, childhood or relationship trauma sometimes takes a while to work through.
Relationship Therapy
I use a highly effective type of relationship therapy called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as the basis for my marriage and relationship counselling. Most people find that they begin to see real changes in their relationship in 10 - 16 sessions. I will always review how you are going throughout counselling.
Generally speaking, couples come in about 7 years after they have started to have problems in their relationship, so it can take a while for both partners to feel emotionally safe and able to engage in the counselling process.
What if I need to see a counsellor outside of opening hours?
Empower Counselling and Coaching Services is not a crisis service.
For 24-hour support, please contact:
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Police, ambulance 000
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Lifeline telephone counselling 13 11 14
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Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
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Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
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Parent line (Qld) 1300 30 1300
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MensLine 1300 78 99 78
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Domestic Violence Hotline (Qld) 1800 811 811
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Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467
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13 Health (24-hour health advice, Qld) 13 43 25 84
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1300 MH Call (24-hour mental health advice, Qld) 1300 642 255