COUNSELLING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BRISBANE

Find answers to common questions about counselling with Pathways of Change, including appointments, fees, confidentiality, online counselling, hypnotherapy, referrals and what to expect from your first session.

Getting started is simple. You can book an appointment online, send an enquiry through the contact page, or arrange a 15-Minute FREE introductory conversation to discuss your needs and determine whether my services are the right fit for you.

Pathways of Change specialises in: 
 Men’s mental health,
 Couples and relationships,
 Burnout and resilience,
 Work-Life balance,
 Life transitions and
 Behaviour change such as Addiction and Comfort eating.

A reduction in fees may be available for low-income earners and concession card holders. If, for financial reasons you need to negotiate the amount you pay, please feel free to discuss this with me.

At Pathways of Change, it is believed that professional counselling and hypno-psychotherapy should be accessible and affordable. While counselling services are not eligible for Medicare rebates, fees are intentionally structured to be comparable to the typical out-of-pocket expenses many individuals incur when accessing psychology services through Medicare or private health insurance. The aim is to provide high-quality, evidence-informed therapeutic support at a cost that remains accessible to individuals, couples, and families seeking meaningful and lasting change.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, Pathways of Change kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a 50% cancellation fee, as the appointment time has been reserved specifically for you. Pathways of Change understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances can arise, and these situations will always be considered with care and understanding.

No. You can contact Pathways of Change directly to book a counselling or hypnotherapy appointment. A referral from your GP, Psychiatrist, or another health professional is welcome but not required.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling. We will discuss your current concerns, relevant history, goals for therapy, and what you hope to achieve. There is no pressure to share anything if are not ready.

Individual counselling and hypnotherapy sessions are typically 50–60 minutes in duration. Couples sessions may be longer depending on your needs and the type of appointment booked.

The number of sessions varies from person to person and depends on your goals, circumstances, and the challenges you are facing. Some clients attend for a few sessions to address a specific concern, while others engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and achieve lasting change. Together, we will regularly review your progress and determine what best supports your needs.

Counselling can assist with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, ADHD, Autism, and personal growth. If you are unsure whether counselling is right for your situation, please feel free to contact me for a FREE 15-minute confidential discussion.

Yes. Sessions are available both online and in person. Online counselling provides a flexible and convenient option for individuals, couples, and families who prefer to access support from their own environment.

Hypnotherapy combines evidence-based counselling with therapeutic hypnosis to support emotional wellbeing, insight, and positive change. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation that can help access internal resources and support therapeutic goals. You remain aware, in control, and able to stop the process at any time.

Yes. Therapeutic hypnosis is a safe and widely used therapeutic approach when delivered by a qualified practitioner. It is always conducted collaboratively, with your informed consent and in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

Confidentiality is an important part of the counselling relationship. Information shared during sessions will remain confidential except in circumstances where there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information, such as concerns regarding serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or where required by law. These limits to confidentiality will be discussed during your first appointment.

I have a Medibank Provider number for Hypnotherapy. If Medibank is your private Health Fund, you can claim a portion of the fees back from your health fund. You may also claim hypnotherapy from other health funds depending on the level of your cover and whether hypnotherapy is included in your cover.

Counsellors are not eligible to provide Medicare rebates. However, many clients find that counselling can be more affordable than paying the gap fee associated with psychology services. My aim is to provide accessible support without compromising quality of care.

If for financial reasons you need to negotiate the amount you pay, please feel free to discuss this with me.

Many clients who access psychology services through a Mental Health Care Plan still pay an out-of-pocket gap fee after the Medicare rebate has been applied. To make counselling accessible, my fee structure is designed so that, in many cases, the amount you pay is comparable to, or lower than, the out-of-pocket gap commonly paid for psychology services. If you are currently seeing a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan, please feel free to discuss your circumstances with me. If for financial reasons you need to negotiate the amount you pay, please feel free to discuss this with me.

You do not need to be experiencing a mental health crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people seek support to gain clarity, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, build resilience, or develop a deeper understanding of themselves. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want support in moving forward, counselling may be beneficial. You are also invited to make use of the 15-Minute FREE discussion with me to determine if counselling will be right for you.

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