Online Counselling - FAQ

Wait times can vary from a week to a month, depending on the demand for the day and time you want. If you're available for earlier daytime appointments and are flexible with times, it's likely I can see you within a much shorter time frame. If you need specific days and/or times due to other commitments or to fit in with your partner then wait times can vary and it is best to book in advance for regular sessions. To see my availability please get in touch with me on 0490 061 761 or you can view my calendar online:- https://www.anchoringyourlife.com/book-appointment

Session fees vary depending on what service you require. To find out more about my fees you can get in touch with me on 0490 061 761 or you can view my fees online here:- https://www.anchoringyourlife.com/book-appointment

I am a Provider for a number of private healthcare funds. Members of private healthcare funds may be entitled to a rebate if you are eligible and will need to check this with your healthcare provider. The healthcare funds are as listed: Medibank Private ahm Police Health Fund Emergency Services Health Westfund Health GMHBA CUA Health (hbf) St Lukes Health Phoenix Health Fund Doctors Health Fund GU Health

It is understandable that there may be circumstances beyond your control that may lead to an appointment being missed or cancelled with short notice, however, in order to continue to operate a supportive service, it is necessary to charge a fee for all missed appointments and short notice cancellations/rescheduled appointments. If you are unable to attend an appointment, it is essential that you get in contact as soon as possible to advise you will not be attending. Efforts will be made to reschedule your appointment in a timely manner; however, the cancellation fee for the missed/cancelled/rescheduled appointment will still apply where 48 business hours or less is given.

I factor the Medicare rebate into my session fee for individual sessions and couples counselling is not eligible for Medicare rebates. While bulk-billing practices are hard to come by, you will find my full private rates are mostly the same as, if not lower than, the gap fee paid after receiving the Medicare rebate under a mental healthcare plan. In addition there is no need for a GP referral meaning your records are completely private. In order to receive a mental healthcare plan this requires your GP to place a diagnosis on your medical records of anxiety, depression or similar. This diagnosis is also noted on your Medicare records, leaving many clients in vulnerable positions when applying and claiming for insurance as noted in this article - https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/blog/insurance/the-unfair-mental-health-exclusions-in-life-insurance/ There are many employers who also require medical information for successful employment such as with government organisations. While this may not effect all, it is important for others when making a decision to use a mental healthcare plan or not. It is also worth noting that, for couples, referrals from GP's do not always take into account the need for couples therapy training and most of my clients choose to work with me because of my training and experience in relationship issues.

Payment is due three business days prior to your appointment. Payments can be made online via direct transfer or by debit/credit card on receipt of the invoice.

If you are an NDIS participant with the 'Improved Daily Living' category in your plan and are Self or Plan Managed, you may use your funds for Therapeutic Support and access my services with no Gap Payment. These services start from $140 per hour, below the recommended NDIS rate of $156.16 per hour, helping to ensure your funds go further. I am a holder of the following:​ Blue Card (working with children) Yellow Card (disability worker screening clearance) First Aid certified CPR certified.

Any records of our counselling sessions are kept on a password-protected external usb and destroyed after a period of seven years. As I work privately none of your information is shared with any medical centre, Medicare or anyone else. The only time I am required to disclose information is by law, with a court subpoena, and you will be notified that this is being requested.

Firstly, I suggest you read my about page so that you can get a good sense of who I am:- https://www.anchoringyourlife.com/about Secondly, I offer a free 15-minute telephone call as a starting point so we can speak together about how I may be able to help you. You can get a good sense of me on this call and if we ‘click’. Finally, if it feels like a good fit for both of us, we’ll book your first counselling session. If I don’t think I'm the best counsellor for you when we speak on the phone, I'll refer you to someone who may be better suited to helping you with your issue.