Life has its seasons

You decide how many sessions you need. It may be one or two; sometimes more. Totally up to you.

All information provided by you remains strictly confidential in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. Information cannot be released to anyone outside counselling unless you give written permission.

Unfortunately, there are always exceptions to the rule. The court can subpoena information and under duty-of-care legislation, if there is suspected or actual harm to yourself or others, health professionals are required to provide information to relevant services.

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a support person. A person you trust, who accepts you as you are, and who has supported you over time can bring a beneficial perspective of the issues you are concerned about.

Counselling is your choice and can be concluded at any time without having to offer any reason.

According to healthdirect, a government-funded service, a Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to anyone who receives a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan entitles you to up to 20 individual psychological appointments subsidised by Medicare per calendar year until 30 June 2022.

The gap payment for each appointment may vary depending on who you see. After your first 6th appointment, you need to see your doctor again for a mental health plan review. They can then decide if you need a referral for further sessions.

According to the Department of Health,

“It is important that the GP discusses with the patient and obtains his/her agreement to prepare a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. GPs are required to inform the patient that the existence of their Treatment Plan and access to allied mental health services will become part of their medical records held by the GP, and that Medicare Australia will also have a record that the patient has a Plan in place and is accessing mental health services.“

So what is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist? Good question.

Psychologists can specialise in counselling. A fair share of psychologists utilise Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which is one of many therapies available to counsellors. Counsellors can also specialise. At Launceston Counselling Centre we draw from a range of counselling techniques to fit your personality, emotional sensitivity and unique issues in life.

Another difference between counsellors and psychologists is that psychologists are trained in the art of diagnosing mental illnesses. As a professional, psychologists are perceived as an expert in mental health, and so an expert in you based on their understanding of mental health issues.

Counsellors, on the other hand, are not trained to diagnose. They are trained to listen, empathise, and respect you as the expert of your life.

Our core aim in counselling is to allow you the freedom to become the person you desire and to live a fuller, richer life.