What is Counselling?

Counselling is the provision of a special relationship with a trained person who will help you to explore difficulties and problems in your life. Many people find that talking things through with someone who has been trained to listen and to support them leaves them less confused and better able to make the changes which they need to improve the quality of lives.

Who comes for Counselling?

All of us go through periods when life seems to lose its meaning. Memories of the past, painful events in the present and worries about the future can make it difficult to cope with everyday life. Sometimes people are lonely, anxious or depressed, worried about their relationships, their marriage or family life, and sometimes life at work. Or, they may be suffering from bereavement, divorce or separation. Some may want to learn to relate more easily to others or may be looking for more meaning in life.

Modality:

Systemic Relational Therapy, Psychotherapy, Interpersonal counselling, Solution Focused Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for people with personal and emotional problems.

Relationship Counselling:

Systemic Relational therapy is a process that enables you to develop an understanding of how you operate as a couple. The therapist takes a neutral stance, listening to each partner's view of the relationship and how each of you understand the issue. Together we identify where you are gridlocked and help you to dialog around the differences and reach resolution, or acceptance of differences, without conflict. Talking about differences helps you to accept differences and move forward to a closer, more intimate relationship.

If you are experiencing problems such as arguments that are never resolved, there is a lack of trust, there has been an affair, you no longer feel emotionally connected, differences in sexual needs, or are thinking about separation then it may be time to consider counselling.

Telephone Mary on 0402 428 075 for an appointment or CLICK HERE to email.

Where do I work?

Gosford: I offer counselling in a quiet soundproofed private office on the first floor of a building at Suite, 4, 42 Mann Street , Gosford. There is no disabled access. I work Tuesday and Thursday, first client 9.15am, last client 7.00pm, Monday, first client 2.30pm, last client 7.00pm.

What happens if you make an appointment?

Firstly I will see you for an initial interview. This is an opportunity for us to meet and decide whether my services are of help to you and whether you wish to book further appointments. There is no obligation to book further appointments at the time of your first visit. Indeed, many people quite rightly take time thinking about their choice of counsellor. You should allow between an hour and a half for your first appointment.

Payment of Fees

Each appointment lasts up to 60 minutes. The fee is payable at the end of each session. EFTPOS and Major credit card facilities are available, major credit cards only. I charge the same fee for initial appointments although these may last longer than 60 minutes if necessary.

Your private insurance may cover psychological services. I am registered with some private medical insurers and Medicare. If I am not registered with your private insurer, it is a simple matter of me registering with them, there may be a delay whilst this process takes place before you can claim a refund. Not all private insurers cover psychological services, or relationship counselling, you should check with your insurer.

Cancellation Policy:

As appointments are allocated to clients in advance, if for some reason you need to cancel or postpone the appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice. Otherwise you will be charged the full fee for the session, regardless of the reason. The cancellation fee will not be charged if a replacement appointment is made in that same week.

Medicare:

As of the 1st November, 2006, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate ($80.20). However, you must be referred to a psychologist by your GP, your psychiatrist or pediatrician and be registered under a Medicare Plan.

Under the Medicare rebate you can only see a registered psychologist with a Medicare Provider Number upon referral from your GP, psychiatrist or pediatrician. I am registered with Medicare.

The Medicare program covers particular mental health issues as prescribed by Medicare, the areas I have listed above under the heading 'Individual Counselling' are covered. Relationship counselling is not covered by Medicare.

How do you contact me?

Please telephone me on my mobile, 0402 428 075 during business hours or CLICK HERE to email.