Frequently Asked Questions

  • Getting started is simple, and there’s more than one way to begin. If you’re ready, you can book your first session online. Head to the BOOK NOW page, select the client portal button, and choose Individual Counselling Initial to see my availability and pick a time that suits you. You’ll be invited to create a secure client portal account, and you’ll then receive a welcome email with an intake form and an informed consent form to complete before your first session. Once your appointment is booked, you’ll get a confirmation email, followed by a reminder three days beforehand.

    If you’d like to talk first, that’s absolutely fine. I offer a free 15-minute phone call for anyone who wants to ask questions or see whether we’re a good fit. Just send a message through the contact form on the BOOK NOW page, or reach out by email or phone, and we’ll arrange a time.

  • The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for you to share what has brought you to counselling. We will explore your goals, discuss what support might look like going forward, and answer any questions you have about the process. There is no pressure — it's also a chance for you to get a feel for whether working with me feels right.

  • I support adults navigating a wide range of personal and emotional challenges including anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, identity issues, trauma, addiction, anger management, and work and career concerns. If you're unsure whether counselling is right for your situation, feel free to reach out — I'm happy to have a conversation before you commit to anything.

  • Individual counselling sessions run for 60 minutes.

  • 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. We will regularly review your progress together and I will always be guided by your pace.

  • Individual counselling sessions are $145 per 60-minute session. Fees are the same for in-person and online sessions.

    Session times
    Tuesday: 11am to 7pm
    Wednesday: 11am to 7pm
    Friday: 10am to 5:30pm

    I offer Saturday appointments by request for clients who can’t attend during the week. A $30 surcharge applies to Saturday sessions, bringing the Saturday session fee to $175.

    Please note that I am unable to offer Medicare or private health insurance rebates.

  • No referral is needed, and you don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan. You are welcome to reach out at any time.

  • I offer in-person sessions at my practice in Carrum Downs. I also offer online counselling via secure telehealth and phone sessions to clients across Victoria and Australia.

  • Yes — everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions to this, including if there is serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if disclosure is required by law. These will be explained fully during your first session and are outlined in your client consent forms.

  • I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations incur a fee of 50% of the full session fee. Full details are in the client informed consent form you’ll receive before your first session.

  • I work with adults aged 18 and over.

  • Finding a counsellor you feel safe and comfortable with is very important. If at any stage you feel I may not be the right fit, we can talk about it openly. I’ll gladly help you find another counsellor who may better meet your needs.

  • Hope Integrative Counselling is a scheduled appointment service and isn’t a crisis service, and I’m not able to monitor calls, messages or emails outside session times. If you need support urgently, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or see your GP. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

  • I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via the contact form on the Book Now page, by email at hope@hopeintegrativecounselling.com.au, or by phone on 0406 955 662.

Have more questions?

Get in touch.