F A Q

Counselling provides each person with a specific time and place to think about and reflect on whatever issues are concerning them, whether they are happening currently, or have happened in the past. Counselling or therapy is essentially a conversation between clients and the therapist to develop understanding of how a situation has evolved, and what steps or strategies might help to resolve the issue. Confidentiality is a component of these conversations and is maintained within constraints that can be discussed at the first session.

Individuals, couples and families can come to counselling. Adolescents are seen in the context of family sessions. Parents as an important resource to their children and siblings are often effected by things that are happening with a brother or sister. I do not work with adolescents unless their parents are involved in the therapy as well.

Issues in couples relationships are most effectively addressed when both partners attend. However if only one partner attends it is still possible to do productive work to address the issues.

How often people need to come depends on several things, including what your goals are for yourself. Some concerns can be addressed in one or two sessions, while problems with a longer history or more complexity naturally take more time. Change happens at different paces for everyone, within couples, and within families too.

Skype counselling sessions are available for individual therapy if you are unable to attend in person. This is not available for couple or family sessions.

• Counselling is most effective when clients think through and experiment with new ideas in between sessions, rather than leaving all the work for their counselling hour.
• Counselling is not about making judgements or taking sides.  In sessions it is important that each person feels heard and has the opportunity to see things from other perspectives.
• The Counsellor is responsible for conducting a session and keeping a relevant focus, however it is important for the client to think about what their priorities are for each appointment and to give the counsellor this feedback.
• Focus on making changes for self rather than on trying to change another person.
• Use strong emotions such as anger and hurt as signals that important issues are opening up.
• Don’t be discouraged when you or your relationship seems to backslide. It is normal for setbacks to occur.

Please phone 0409 658 457 or email to make an appointment.

The rooms are located diagonally across from the Lindfield Railway Station on the Pacific Highway, above the bookshop. There is 2 hour parking behind the shops on the highway if you are driving. The entry to the rooms is via the door along the walkway beside the bookshop up a flight of stairs. There is a small area to your right at the top of the stairs where you can wait until your session begins.

For a map see our contact page

A one hour consultation is $160, and for supervision it is $176 including GST.

Some clients may be eligible for a fee reduction. You may discuss this with Judy prior to commencing therapy.

While a referral is not necessary to attend counselling, clients who have been assessed by their General Practitioner as meeting specific criteria may be eligible to claim for up to 10 services per year from a registered allied health practitioner. Your General Practitioner will be able to advise you about whether you meet the criteria for referral under these schemes. If you are referred by your GP you will need to bring this referral with you to your first session.

A part of the fee may be claimable with your private health fund, depending on your health plan. In many cases this can significantly reduce the cost of sessions. Since the amount you can claim back varies from fund to fund, and from cover to cover, it is advisable to check your entitlements with your health fund before commencing.