Why see a counsellor?
Life can get overwhelming at times, and it's normal to not have it all together sometimes. Being able to talk to someone outside of your situation can help you to feel less burdened and more able to enjoy life. Counsellors have the skills and experience to listen to you without judgement and help you to sort out your troubling thoughts or feelings. You are offered a safe space where you are able to discover yourself more clearly and work toward any positive goal you wish to attain.
How much is the cost of a session?
Our sessions are free if you have a Mental Health Care Plan by Medicare from your GP. If you do not have a mental health plan, you will pay the full fee of $85.20 a session.
How many sessions are Medicare rebated?
A Medicare rebate of $85.90 applies to your session of initially 6 sessions, with possibility to have up to 10 sessions a year) if you have a referral from your GP (called a Mental Health Care plan).
How do I ask my GP for a mental health plan?
First, book an appointment with your doctor. If you don't have a regular GP (general practitioner) it's easy to find one. When you book, tell them you want to talk about a mental health care plan. That way, the doctor will know in advance and be able to set enough time.
Then, at the appointment, talk to the doctor about what’s been going on. It helps to be as open as possible. If you’re feeling nervous, there’s no need to worry – that’s a really normal response, but doctors see people for mental health care plans for all the time.
Your doctor might ask you to fill out a questionnaire about how you’ve been feeling to work out the best support for you.
For private fund rebates, please get in touch and let us know which provider you are with so we can ensure we’re registered with your fund.
Do I need a mental health plan through a GP to access your service?
You do not need a referral to make and attend an appointment. However, without a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or Psychiatrist, you will be responsible for paying the full fee for each consultation, without receiving a Medicare rebate.
Is what I tell you private?
Yes, your privacy is important to me. Whatever we discuss is confidential within the service. The rare exception to this is if I believe that you or someone else is being harmed or at risk of being harmed or if your notes are subpoened for the courts.. I will always try to discuss this with you before talking to anyone else.
I'm a busy person..what if I can’t make my counselling appointment or if I need to cancel?
Re-scheduling or cancelling an appointment is fine and I understand things come up. However, 24 hours notice is required to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Unless in the case of exceptional circumstances, a full fee will be charged for missed sessions without a 24 hour notification.
What are your qualifications and training?
I am a fully qualified Counsellor and Accredited Social Worker. I have an educational background in Psychology, Counselling and Social Work. I have been trained in using a trauma informed approach in therapy, mindfulness and person-centred therapy. For more information about my qualifications and training please visit the about me page.
I need urgent help and I am worried about the safety of myself or my child. Can you help?
I can provide support and help to you and your child to address problems in life like relationship breakdowns, stress, anxiety, low mood and esteem issues, risk taking behaviours etc. However, Empower You Counselling Service is not a crisis service. If you do not feel safe, or if you are worried about your child’s safety, please call emergency services, Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
What happens on my first session?
The first session is a chance for us to explore how we might work together to support you to make the changes you want to make.
It is an important time for me to hear your story and for us to build the first blocks of our honest and safe relationship together. The first session could involve you just chatting to me about what's going on in your life or it could be a time for us to establish goals and hopes for the coming sessions. It really depends on what you're comfortable with.
First Session Forms
Before your first session, you will be asked to fill out two forms and send them back to Jacqui via email.
New Client Information form
Informed Consent form
The New Client Information form gives us some general background information about you. The Informed Consent form goes over the rights and responsibilities of the counsellor and you, the client.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions a young person will need depends on their individual circumstance. For some people, short term therapy works well, however others benefit from medium to long term therapy. I believe it is best to commit to 6 sessions in order to gain the benefits of therapy, and to develop and implement positive lasting changes in your life.
What session times are available?
During your free 15 minute consultation we can work out which time and day suits us both to meet either in person or via skype. You can book your free consultation by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
I'm young, do my parents or caregivers need to know I’m seeing a counsellor?
You have to be at least 16 years old to engage with our service without parental consent. This will be discussed with you at your first session. We usually encourage you to let a parent know you are getting help, but we leave this decision up to you whenever we can.