Frequently Asked Questions - Counselling

During a counselling session, you can expect a supportive and confidential environment where we explore your personal challenges, goals, and well-being. Sessions can be conducted online or in person, depending on your preference. 

Not at all.  Counselling can benefit anyone looking to gain insight, improve personal skills, manage stress, or navigate life transitions. It’s about personal growth and achieving your goals 

There’s no specific preparation needed. Just come as you are, ready to talk openly about what’s on your mind. If you have any specific issues or goals you want to focus on, feel free to bring those up during the session 

All counselling sessions are strictly confidential. Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance, and any information shared during sessions is protected by confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines.

Counsellors: 

Counsellors provide support through one-on-one or group sessions, often referred to as talking therapy. They create a safe and empathetic environment where clients can freely discuss their issues and emotions. The primary aim of a counsellor is to guide clients toward practical and effective solutions by:

• Coping with Grief: Offering strategies and emotional support to navigate through loss and bereavement.
• Improving Communication Skills: Assisting clients in enhancing their ability to express themselves and understand others.
• Building Conflict Resolution Skills: Teaching techniques to manage and resolve disputes constructively.
• Identifying Solutions: Helping clients find clarity and make informed decisions about personal or professional matters.
• Increasing Confidence and Self-Esteem: Working on strategies to boost self-worth and personal empowerment.
• Addressing Relationship Challenges: Providing guidance on navigating and improving interpersonal relationships.

Psychologists: 

Psychologists often work within clinical settings and focus on both complex mental health issues and general psychological well-being. They employ evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy to address a range of concerns. Their role encompasses:

• Therapeutic Interventions: Applying specialised techniques to treat mental health disorders and emotional difficulties.
• Supporting Mental Health: Assisting individuals with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions.
• Enhancing Social Processes and Behaviours: Guiding clients in improving social interactions and behavioural patterns.
• Cognitive and Emotional Growth: Helping individuals develop better cognitive abilities and emotional resilience.
• Working with Healthy Individuals: Supporting those who seek to optimise their mental well-being, personal development, and life skills.

This distinction illustrates how counsellors typically focus on providing support and practical solutions in a more general context, while psychologists often engage in more specialised, clinical interventions to address both mental health issues and broader psychological needs.

At Coastal Counselling & Wellbeing, we’re here to support you with a diverse range of issues, including:

• Anxiety
• Separation Support
• Grief and Loss
• Personal Development and Self-Discovery
• Self-Esteem and Confidence Building
• Coping Strategies and Stress Management
• Youth Counselling or Support for Children and Teens
• Life Transitions

The frequency of counselling sessions with Coastal Counselling & Wellbeing will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some clients may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may attend fortnightly or monthly.  The number of sessions a client requires to see significant improvement varies depending on the situation. Coastal Counselling and Wellbeing does not insist on attending a set number of sessions. However, it can take on average between at least six to eight therapy sessions to notice progress and experience meaningful change.

Clients may present privately, with no referral from a GP or medical professional. There is no limit to the number of sessions you may have as a private client.

No. Unfortunately Medicare or Healthcare rebates are not available. Our fees are maintained at an affordable level to ensure that therapy is accessible to all clients.