Questions, answered

A conversation, not an assessment. The initial consultation is a shorter 30-minute session: we’ll cover how confidentiality works, then talk about what’s brought you in and what you’d like to be different. You choose what to share. There’s nothing to prepare and no right way to start. Many people begin with “I don’t really know where to start”, and that works perfectly well.

Yes. The research consistently shows online counselling works as well as in-person for most people, and most forget the screen within minutes. Sessions happen by secure video call from wherever you feel comfortable: no travel, no waiting room, and your own kettle. A private spot and a pair of headphones are all you need; the video link arrives with your booking confirmation.

Truthfully: it depends, and anyone who promises a number before meeting you is guessing. Some people come for four to six sessions around a specific situation; others find longer-term work more valuable. We’ll review how things are going as we go, openly. You’ll never be strung along, and you can stop at any time.

Yes. Adrianne works with teens as well as adults, and has years of experience supporting young people and families through the child protection sector. If you’re a parent or carer wondering whether counselling might help your teenager, you’re welcome to get in touch first to talk through how sessions work for under-18s.

Then I’ll say so, kindly, and help you find someone who is, and you’re just as free to say it to me. The fit between counsellor and client matters more than any technique, and not clicking with one counsellor says nothing about you or about whether counselling can help. No offence is taken, ever. It’s your hour and your money, and you deserve the right person.

By saying so. That’s genuinely all it takes. Ideally we’ll have a final session to look back at where you started and gather up what you’re taking with you, because good endings are part of good counselling. But there’s no exit interview, no guilt, and no awkwardness if you simply stop booking. The door stays open: plenty of people come back months or years later when something new arises, and that’s a normal way to use counselling.

An initial 30-minute consultation is $70, and a standard 50-minute session is $110. Both are GST-free, with full details on the Services page. A deposit ($40 or $60) secures your booking on the secure Cliniko page.

On rebates, an honest answer: Medicare rebates for therapy currently apply to psychologists and certain other providers under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, and don’t extend to sessions here, nor do private health fund extras. But that also means you don’t need a GP referral or a diagnosis on your record to start, and there’s no cap on session numbers.

Use the link in your confirmation or reminder email. More than 24 hours before your appointment, your deposit transfers to the new time or is refunded where applicable. Within 24 hours, or if you don’t attend without notice, the deposit is retained as a late-cancellation fee, because the time has been held for you and can rarely be refilled at short notice.

Wherever you are. Sessions are online only, by secure video call, for clients anywhere in Australia. Evening and weekend times are available each week, and all times on this site are Brisbane time (AEST); the booking page shows times in your own timezone.

Yes, with a small number of legal exceptions that apply to all counsellors in Australia. What you share stays between us, except where: there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else; a child is at risk; or records are lawfully subpoenaed by a court. I also discuss my work, without identifying details, in professional supervision, a standard requirement that keeps counselling practice accountable. I’ll explain all of this in plain words at your first session, and you’re welcome to ask about it any time.

As little as possible, held as carefully as possible. Booking collects only what’s needed to run your appointment, and it happens on Cliniko’s secure booking page, trusted practice software used by thousands of Australian clinics. Payment is handled there too, so your card details never touch this website. Because it relates to your health, Australian privacy law treats your information as sensitive, and it’s handled that way: stored securely, never sold, never shared for advertising. This site sets no cookies and uses no advertising trackers. The full detail is in the privacy policy.

Counselling appointments aren’t a crisis service, and this website isn’t monitored around the clock. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000, and if you need to talk to someone urgently, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and 13YARN (13 92 76) are also free and available around the clock. Reaching out to them is never an overreaction.