Common Queries
1. When should I get counselling?
Choosing whether or not to see a counsellor can be intimidating. Many put it off, hoping things will just improve. If you’re unable to enjoy life fully, then a trained professional like myself can help identify issues in your life, and work through them with you. Even if you think your problems are small, it’s worth giving me a call. To find out more about individual counselling at Lotus Bloom Counselling, click here.
2. When should we seek couples therapy?
Couples come to therapy for many reasons, and at different stages in their relationship. You may want to go see a couples therapist if you and/or your partner are confused about whether to leave or stay in the relationship, if you don't communicate the way you used to with your partner, or you and your partner fight a lot without a resolution, if you feel distant from each other, or you feel your emotional needs are not being met in the relationship. If you are not sure how couple therapy can help you and your partner to deal with your unique issues, feel free to give me a call for a free 15-minute consultation.
To learn more about couples therapy at Lotus Bloom Counselling, click here.
3. What are your fees?
Individuals: $140 per session (60 minutes).
Couples & Families: 60-minute session: $180, 90-minute session: $220
* After-hours and Saturday appointments will incur a surcharge of $20.
4. Which payment methods do you accept?
Credit Card, Eftpos and PayPal payments are accepted. For new clients, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. If you need to reschedule, you can do so up to 48 hours before the scheduled appointment, and the deposit will be transferred to the new appointment. If less than 48 hours' notice is given to cancel/reschedule your first appointment, you will forfeit the payment. Please review our fee and cancellation policy here.
5. Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. Cancellations need to be made a minimum of 48 hours prior to your appointment. Otherwise, the full fee may be charged. Due to COVID-19, if you are unwell at the time of your appointment with flu-like symptoms a zoom session can be arranged. Please see our fee and cancellation policy here.
6. Do you accept Medicare/Mental Health Care Plan?
No. Services with a counsellor or psychotherapist are currently not covered by the Medicare benefits scheme. However, the benefits of seeing a counsellor like myself without a mental health care plan mean that you will not need to have a mental health diagnosis and the services that I provide are more holistic and we work on trying to get to the root cause of your emotional or psychological distress, rather than just symptom reduction. You can consider this an investment in your mental health.
7. What will happen when I contact you?
We’ll have a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your issues. Before scheduling our first in-person appointment, I’ll ask some basic questions to get to know you. You can also decide whether I’m a good fit for you as a counsellor.
8. What will happen during our first appointment?
During our first consultation, I’ll listen to your story and concerns. This will allow me to assess your situation and establish goals for our sessions. We can also discuss the approach that would suit you and your needs. Couple and family counselling may require up to 3 or 4 sessions for assessment alone. This enables me to understand fully each of you as individuals in the relationship, and your relationship with each other within a broader context. We will work together to set your goals in couple/family therapy and contract how we will proceed to address them.
