Frequently Asked Questions
About Counselling
Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to start counselling? Is counselling covered by Medicare?
No GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan is necessary. You can reach out directly to book a session whenever you feel ready to begin your healing journey. At this time, Medicare does not provide rebates for Counselling. However, our fees are comparable to out-of-pocket expenses (gap you pay) when you see a Psychologist, using a Mental Health Plan.
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Both counsellors and psychologists support people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, providing compassionate, confidential and supportive care. The main differences are in training and scope of practice. Psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions, provide formal assessments, and offer Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Counsellors focus on providing therapeutic support for life’s challenges, including anxiety, low mood, grief, illness, relationship difficulties, stress and personal growth. Counsellors are typically members of professional bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and work within ethical frameworks to ensure safe and professional care. If you are unsure which service is right for you, I am always happy to talk this through with you and help you make an informed choice. A counsellor can provide a referral to a psychologist if required.
How long is a typical individual session?
For your first session, particularly in grief counselling, a 90 minute timeframe is recommended to provide ample time for you to share your story and for the counsellor to assess your needs .This allows enough time to explore your thoughts and emotions in a calm, professional, and unhurried environment. Future sessions are then offered in 60 minutes duration. First sessions can also be done in 60 minutes if requested.
What can I expect in our first counselling session?
In your first session the counsellor will explain confidentiality, counselling and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. We will discuss what brings you to counselling and ensure you feel safe, heard, and supported from the very start. The counsellor will ask you questions to understand your past history and current situation. In your first session, you are encouraged to share your story, as the counsellor seeks to understand your needs and goals for counselling. It is common for counsellors to give you some short tasks to do at home between sessions. These encourage self reflection and help you along your journey.
Do you offer concessions or discounts?
Not at this time. Waves of Hope Grief Counselling is not a free or discounted service.
What is Walk and Talk therapy?
Just like the name suggests, we walk and talk. Being in nature, sunlight and physical activity is know to improve mood and promote overall health and wellbeing. Your counselling session will be conducted in pre-selected locations around Ballarat. To engage in walk and talk therapy, you should not have any injury or illness which may be aggravated by physical activity such as walking. The availability of walk and talk therapy is subject to weather conditions and your counsellors availability and physical health at the time of the session. If walk and talk therapy cannot go ahead, the session may become sit and talk in nature, move online or go to a local café.
Do you offer online or telehealth sessions? How do they work?
Yes, online or telehealth counselling sessions are available by prior arrangement. A reliable high speed internet connection is required on a device with a built in camera, microphone and speakers. Head sets can also be used. For our telehealth sessions we use Microsoft Teams. You do not need to download the app or any software. Simply click "Join the meeting now" link in the email invite, to join as a guest. Before joining your telehealth meeting at home or at work, please choose a quiet, private, and well-lit space for the consultation to ensure confidentiality. Adolescents should have their parents / guardians nearby during the consultation.
Don’t see your question listed? Please reach out to us directly for any further information or to book a personal consultation. All new clients are eligible to book a free 15 minute no obligation enquiry phone call.
Margaret Benoit,
Counsellor Ballarat
margaret@wavesofhope.com.au
Ph: 0437 333 242 (Text Only)