What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Definition of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Why do people attend counselling?

People attend counselling to better manage problems in living more effectively, to build on their strengths and develop opportunities in everyday life. Some of the reasons people may seek counselling are, low mood, stressed or worried a lot of the time, to talk about relationships, to talk about sexuality or gender identity, relational difficulties with family or friends, being bullied or harassed at school or in the workplace and to manage problem situations more effectively.

What to expect from counselling?

Expect a non-judgemental and confidential space to share your concerns and unconditional positive regard for the client. Counselling is an active process which requires the client to be involved in applying skills and strategies learnt. The client will benefit if they are open to increase self-awareness and reframing negative patterns of behaviour and reframing negative thoughts.

How do I get started or make a referral?

You can self-refer by contacting me or, if you are under 16, your parent, guardian or school can refer you.

How often should I attend?

Typically, 6-10 weeks is the recommended time frame. However, counselling can also be brief intervention which is solution focused depending on your problem.

Do young people between the ages of 13 years–17 years need parental consent?

Under Victorian law young people under the age of 18 years old can seek their own health care if they are considered a mature minor. However, parent consent is recommended if you are under 16.

Is counselling confidential?

All clinical files are treated as confidential and storage of the files will be password encrypted. Legal compliance requires that confidentiality is broken when a client is at risk of hurting themselves, hurting someone else or someone is hurting them. Only minimum information will be disclosed to overt risk and attempts will be made to discuss this first with the client. For further information on confidentiality and code of ethics click on the below link.
Confidentiality and code of ethics

What are the limits to the service?

All of the following limits apply throughout the therapeutic relationship and maintain even after therapy has been terminated:

• Contact between the client and the therapist will be limited to the therapy office. Phone calls, text messages or emails will pertain to appointment scheduling and providing resouces; in order to ensure professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality. Exceptions to this rule may occur should there be any crisis involving the client’s safety or life;

• The counsellor may not accept nor send any invitations to participate in personal online social networks (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) with the client;

• In order to keep the client’s identity confidential, the counsellor may not acknowledge the client when encountered in a public place unless the client chooses to acknowledge the counsellor. The counsellor may decline invitations to gatherings and may not accept any gifts or tokens of appreciation from the client.

• The client is free to discontinue therapy at any time, although it is advisable to discuss the reasons for discontinuation with the counsellor prior to acting on the decision. The counsellor may initiate termination of therapy when the client has achieved therapy goals or been referred to another provider.