Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- Are my sessions confidential?
- How are my details kept private?
- How long is a therapy session?
- What is the cost of a therapy session?
- How can I pay for my therapy sessions?
- Do you offer reduced or sliding scale fees?
- When are you available for sessions?
- What if I can’t make my appointment or need to cancel my therapy session?
- How often should I attend?
- Do your sessions cover the Medicare rebate?
- I’ve started coming to see you and now I want to bring my partner along?
Are my sessions confidential?
Yes. I am bound by the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Counsellors and Psychotherapist Association of NSW, which is a member organisation of the Australian Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia.
How are my details kept private?
Records are kept in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Amended 2000). Your file is stored in a locked filing cabinet in a locked room. Any notes kept on our session are encrypted on a password-protected computer and destroyed after seven years.
How long is a session
Individual sessions are for 60 minutes. Couple sessions are 90 minutes for the first 4 sessions and we then review together about changing to 60 minute session. Group therapy sessions run for two or two and half hours.
What is the cost of a therapy session?
When you call to make your appointment please ask about my current fees. Fess will include GST.
How can I pay for my sessions?
Payment initially is accepted in cash. After the first session you can continue to make payment with cash, personal cheque or by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to my bank account. EFT will be required to be made prior to your session commencing – this usually takes 2 working days. I will provide you with my Bank details.
Do you offer reduced rates or a sliding scale?
No. As a Private practitioner I am not covered for medicare rebates or by other funding bodies. I do offer a 10% discount when you book and prepay 6 sessions in advance.
When are you available for therapy sessions?
I am available Monday to Friday during the day depending on availability. The most popular sessions times are in the evenings. You will need to book in advance for an evening session, as there are limited places available. Please contact me to arrange a session.
What if I can't make my appointment or if I need to cancel my therapy session?
My policy requires you to give 24 hours notice of a cancellation or if you need to reschedule or you will be charged the full fee. It is understandable that emergencies do happen and this will be taken into consideration. What is important is your level of commitment to making change happen by attending your session. Cancelling or not turning up for your appointment may indicate your level of commitment.
How often should I attend?
This will depend on what is happening for you. For Counselling sessions, some people attend on average 3 - 6 sessions weekly or fortnightly and find they have the answers they need while others will take longer.
For psychotherapy research indicates that long term therapy needs to begin with weekly attendance over a period of at least 3 – 4 months. For effective change to happen therapy attendance at session is required on a weekly ongoing basis. How long this will take will be determined by the therapeutic relationship we will build together.
When sessions are spaced out monthly or three weekly, each session can feel as if you are beginning over each time you attend. I have also found that clients’ commitment to therapy will be indicated by their attendance on a regular and ongoing basis.
Do your sessions cover the Medicare rebate?
The simple answer is no. The government is reviewing Counsellors and Psychotherapist in regards to being accepted on to the Medicare rebate system. Negotiations continue.
I’ve started coming see you and want to bring my partner along?
Bringing your partner along after you have been seeing me for individual sessions is not a good idea. You and I will have established a therapeutic relationship. Having your partner join us will be less than fair. I would recommend you to both go and see an independent therapist. This will prevent dual relationships occurring or bias.
Contact Adam
For further information or to make a booking:
Email:
Mob: 0407 915 076