Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling is a supportive, structured conversation with a trained professional to explore challenges, build coping strategies, and move toward your goals.

Friends listen and care, but counsellors bring neutrality, confidentiality, and evidence-based skills to guide change safely.

Counselling supports a wide range: stress, anxiety, relationship conflict, grief, parenting strain, alcohol concerns, life transitions, and more.

Most sessions run 50–60 minutes. Longer sessions can be arranged for couples or complex issues.

Weekly or fortnightly is common to build momentum. Some choose monthly check-ins after progress.

No referral is required. You can self-book anytime.

I use evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and solution-focused methods.

Yes. I offer secure online sessions and in-person appointments in Cairns.

Often within 1–2 weeks. Urgent slots may be available — check the booking calendar.

Most people benefit, but sometimes a different type of support (medical, legal, specialist) may be better. I’ll discuss this if needed.

It’s focused support for couples or partners to improve communication, repair conflict, and rebuild connection.

Don’t wait until things feel unbearable. Early support can prevent patterns from getting entrenched.

Counselling doesn’t guarantee outcomes, but it creates space to make informed choices together — whether to strengthen or to part respectfully.

Ideally yes, but individual sessions can also help you influence the relationship positively.

Communication breakdowns, trust breaches, intimacy changes, parenting stress, money disagreements, extended family conflicts, and life transitions.

No. Many couples use it as “relationship maintenance” — like a tune-up to strengthen what’s already working.

You can still attend alone. Change in one partner often shifts the dynamic for both.

Counselling focuses on emotions, connection, and patterns. Mediation is more about reaching agreements on specific issues.

Yes. We create safe conversations around desire, frequency, comfort, and connection, respecting both partners’ needs.

I guide conversations to slow down, reflect, and repair, so sessions feel safer than arguments at home.

No. I support both partners equally, focusing on the cycle between you, not “who is right.”

Many couples notice change in 4–6 sessions, though deeper patterns may take longer.

Yes. Counselling can help separated parents work together respectfully for their children.

That’s natural. Counselling provides tools to manage distress and repair afterwards.

Yes. My practice is inclusive, respectful, and experienced with diverse identities and relationships.

Fees are listed on the booking page. I aim to keep costs transparent with no hidden charges.

Currently private practice sessions aren’t Medicare-rebatable. Some health funds may provide rebates — check with your insurer.

Payment is made securely when booking online, or by card in person.

You can cancel or reschedule online. Please give 24+ hours’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee.

Yes, flexible options are available — see the online calendar.

You’ll receive a secure video link. Just click to join — no downloads required.

Yes. There’s no obligation to commit long-term. Many clients try one session to start.

Raise this in session — it’s safe to discuss. We’ll adjust approach, or I can suggest alternatives.

I work mainly with adults and couples, but can suggest trusted referrals for child/teen therapy.

Yes. I run workshops on mental health first aid, communication, and stress management — details are on the Training page.

Yes. What you share stays private, with only rare exceptions (imminent risk, legal obligations).

If there’s risk of harm to yourself/others, or child safety concerns, I must act to protect safety.

I use encrypted video platforms and recommend you join from a private space.

Your safety comes first. If there are signs of coercion, fear, or violence, we’ll discuss supports and resources.

In Australia: call 000 in danger. Lifeline 13 11 14, 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732, MensLine 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

Yes. We use tools for boundary setting, recovery routines, and resilience.

Yes. Parenting sessions focus on teamwork, roles, and practical strategies.

Yes. I help with harm reduction, triggers, and healthy coping strategies.

Counselling provides a safe space to process grief, find meaning, and rebuild routine.

Yes. I also deliver workplace training on mental health and psychological safety.

Try the Readiness Self-Check — it helps you decide timing and preparation.

We provide quick, private quizzes on communication, stress, parenting, alcohol, and readiness.

Use the online booking system — instant confirmation and reminders.

Bring your main goals, any relevant notes, and an open mind. You don’t need to prepare perfectly — just come as you are.

That’s normal. Most people feel more comfortable after the first 10 minutes. Counselling is a supportive space, not an interrogation.