Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering counselling or EMDR therapy, it's natural to have questions before deciding whether to make an appointment.
Below you'll find answers to some common questions about counselling at InFocus Health, including appointments, referrals, fees, confidentiality, telehealth and what to expect when you first get in touch.
If your question isn't answered here, you're welcome to contact me or arrange a free 30-minute phone consultation.
Getting Started
Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to see a counsellor?
No. You do not need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to make an appointment with InFocus Health. You can contact me directly to arrange counselling or a free 30-minute phone consultation.
Sessions are privately funded and are not eligible for Medicare or private health insurance rebates.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosed mental health condition to consider counselling. People seek counselling for many different reasons, including anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, difficult past experiences, emotional or narcissistic abuse, substance dependence, life transitions, or simply feeling that something isn't quite right.
If you're unsure whether I can help with what you're experiencing, you're welcome to contact me for an initial conversation.
What happens in my first counselling session?
Your first session is an opportunity for us to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what has been happening in your life and what you would like support with.
There is no expectation that you disclose everything immediately. We will work at a pace that feels manageable for you, and I'll explain how we might approach counselling based on your individual circumstances and goals.
Do I need to know whether I want counselling or EMDR before making an appointment?
No. You don't need to decide this beforehand. We can discuss what you're experiencing and what you would like help with before considering whether counselling, EMDR therapy, or a combination of approaches may be appropriate.
You can also read more about how EMDR works on my EMDR Therapy page.
Counselling & EMDR
What is the difference between counselling and EMDR?
Counselling generally involves talking through what you're experiencing, exploring thoughts, emotions and patterns, and developing greater understanding and practical ways of managing difficulties.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapeutic approach that may be used to work with distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect you in the present.
Depending on your individual needs, I may use counselling, EMDR, or a combination of both approaches.
Can counselling help with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed?
Yes. Counselling can provide a supportive space to understand what may be contributing to anxiety or emotional overwhelm and develop practical ways of managing thoughts, emotions and responses.
Where anxiety is connected to distressing past experiences or memories, we may also discuss whether EMDR could be appropriate.
Can counselling help with recovery from narcissistic or emotional abuse?
Counselling can support people who have experienced emotionally abusive, controlling or narcissistic relationships. This may involve understanding what you've experienced, rebuilding confidence and boundaries, recognising unhealthy relationship patterns, and working through the emotional impact of the relationship.
Where particular memories or experiences remain distressing, EMDR may also be considered as part of therapy.
Can you help with grief and loss?
Yes. Grief can affect people emotionally, physically and practically, and there is no single "right" way to grieve. Counselling provides space to talk about your loss and its impact without placing expectations on how quickly you should adjust.
Do you only work with people who have experienced trauma?
No. Although I provide trauma-informed counselling and EMDR therapy, you do not need to have experienced trauma to see me.
I also work with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, anger and emotional regulation concerns, substance dependence, retirement and other significant life transitions.
Appointments & Practicalities
Where are you located?
InFocus Health is located at Level 1, Unit 13/14 Argon Street, Sumner QLD 4074, in Brisbane's western suburbs.
In-person counselling and EMDR appointments are available at my Sumner practice.
Do you offer online or phone counselling?
Yes. Appointments are available in person, by phone and via video consultation.
Telehealth can be a convenient option if you are unable to attend the Sumner practice or simply prefer to have counselling from your own space.
How long is a counselling session?
Standard counselling sessions are approximately 50–60 minutes.
Standard EMDR sessions are also 50–60 minutes, with extended 75–90 minuteEMDR sessions available where appropriate.
How much does counselling cost?
A standard 50–60 minute counselling session is $155.
EMDR therapy is $170 for a standard 50–60 minute session, and extended 75–90 minute EMDR sessions are $240.
For current information about fees, cancellations and payment arrangements, please visit my Fees page.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
I understand that circumstances can change. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Late cancellations may incur the full session fee.
Can I speak with you before booking a counselling session?
Yes. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation if you would like to have an initial conversation before deciding whether to book.
This gives you an opportunity to briefly discuss what you're looking for, ask questions and get a sense of whether I may be the right counsellor for you.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you discuss during counselling is treated as confidential and your privacy is taken seriously.
There are, however, circumstances where confidentiality may need to be limited, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, or where disclosure is required by law. I will explain confidentiality and its limits as part of the counselling process.
Will you share information with my GP, employer or another health professional?
Information about your counselling is not routinely shared with other people or organisations.
If it would be helpful to communicate with your GP or another professional involved in your care, this would generally be discussed with you and your consent obtained before information is shared, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary in circumstances involving serious risk.
What information do you collect about me?
I collect information that is reasonably necessary to provide counselling services, manage appointments and maintain appropriate clinical records.
Personal and health information is handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy requirements. More detailed information about how your information is collected, stored and used is available in the Privacy Policy.
Can I ask questions about confidentiality before I start counselling?
Absolutely. If you have any concerns about privacy, confidentiality or how your information is handled, you're welcome to ask before making an appointment or during your initial consultation.