Q. Do I need a referral to book counselling?
No referral is required. You are welcome to book directly through the website or by contacting Hope via email/phone.

Q. How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be booked through the ‘Book Now’ page on the website. If you prefer, you are also welcome to contact Hope directly via email at hope@hopeintegrativecounselling.com.au or by phone on 0406 955 662.

Q. What happens in the first counselling session?
The first session is an opportunity to get to know one another and talk about what has brought you to counselling. We will explore your goals, discuss what support might look like, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Q. What can counselling help with?
Counselling can support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, and feeling overwhelmed. Sessions provide a supportive and confidential space to explore challenges, gain insight, and develop tools for navigating life’s difficulties.

Q. How long is a counselling session?
Individual counselling sessions run for 60 minutes.

Q. How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some people attend for a short period to work through a specific concern, while others find value in longer-term support. The pace and duration of therapy are always discussed collaboratively so that the process aligns with what feels most helpful for you.

Q. What are your fees?
Individual counselling sessions are $145 per session. Please visit the Fees page on the website for full details.

Q. Is counselling covered by Medicare?
At this time, counselling sessions conducted by a Masters-qualified counsellor registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) are not covered by Medicare. Payment is made privately at the time of your session.

Q. Are sessions available online, and is this effective?
Yes. Counselling sessions are available via telehealth or phone, and many people find online sessions to be just as effective as meeting in person. Telehealth can also offer greater flexibility and accessibility for those who prefer to attend from the comfort of their own space.

Q. Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are very important. Everything discussed in counselling is kept confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions such as situations involving serious risk of harm to yourself or others. These will be explained during your first session and are noted in the Informed Consent form.

Q. What if I don’t know what to say in counselling?

It’s very common to feel unsure about how to begin. Many people come to counselling feeling nervous or uncertain about what to talk about, and that’s completely okay. You don’t need to prepare anything before your session. Counselling is a space where you can begin wherever feels comfortable, and Hope will gently guide the conversation to help you explore what feels most important for you.

Q. What if I begin counselling and feel that Hope may not be the right fit for me?
Finding a counsellor you feel safe and comfortable with is very important. If at any stage you feel that Hope may not be the right fit, this can be discussed openly. Hope will be happy to support you in finding an alternative counsellor who may better meet your needs.

Q. Is your office wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our office is fully wheelchair accessible to support comfort and ease of access for all clients.

Q. What if I need urgent support?
Counselling services at Hope Integrative Counselling are provided by scheduled appointment and are not intended for crisis support. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or require immediate assistance, please contact appropriate emergency or crisis services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), your local GP, or emergency services.