Frequently Asked Questions
Are Weekend Appointments Available?
Yes. Appointments are available regularly in Crows Nest and Erina on Saturdays from 10:30am until 4:00pm starting times.Sunday appointments are also available if needed.
Are After Hours Appointments Available?
Yes. Appointments can be made up until 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 4:00pm Saturday. Appointments are available for 60 or 90 minutes.
What Are The Fees?
All fees listed are in Australian dollars.
Consultation fee for 45 minutes is $140.00 (GST incl.)in Erina and online only.
Consultation fee for 60 minutes is $180.00 (GST incl.) and for 90 minutes $210.00 (GST incl).
Fees listed above are subject to adjustment under special circumstances.
Is Relationship Counselling Covered By Medicare Or Private Health Fund?
Relationship counselling is ineligible to be covered by Medicare. Medicare rebates apply only to mental health services provided by a registered psychologist with a doctor's referral under the Better Access Initiative/Mental Health Care Plan.
CAUTION
If a psychologist offers you a Medicare rebate for marriage counselling, this is unethical and may lead to regrettable consequences. Medicare rebates are only available with a Mental Health Care Plan. "Evidence suggests that people with a history of a mental health condition can experience difficulties obtaining insurance. Discriminatory practices include either refusal of insurance or denial of claims on the grounds of non-disclosure of a previous mental health condition". Read further at Beyond Blue.
Is There Parking Available?
Crows Nest: There is two hour free parking available in the Coles, Holtermann and Hume Street car parks, 1 and 2 hour street parking.
Erina: Free parking is available for Erina clients in the surrounding area.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions you need depends on the level of disconnection you are experiencing as a couple and the degree of progress you make at home between sessions.
Couples often experience the benefits of positive change within 3 to 6 sessions.
Ultimately it all depends on your commitment to making the changes identified to be beneficial to your happiness as a couple and being able to maintain these changes over time.
Long term habits are difficult to break and require conscious and continual commitment to change - until the desired changes become consolidated.
How Often Will I Need To Attend Sessions?
If your situation is critical then two appointments taken close together is recommended. Otherwise once per week is optimal until a desired level of change is achieved.
It is more difficult to achieve change if longer periods are taken between sessions. Consistency and constancy are important to forge new behaviours into preferred habits. The time it will take for you to notice a measurable shift in your level of connection varies for each couple. It will depend on your commitment to doing the work of change even if it might get tough at times. An attitude of hope and intention to move forward together as a team is important for success.
What If I Need To Cancel?
48 hours notice is required for cancellation of an appointment unless there is an emergency. If insufficient notice is given, then full payment is applicable.
Cancellation can be made by phone call (message left with answering service is acceptable), text message or email.
Do You Offer Counselling For Individuals And Families?
Individual appointments of one hour's duration are offered and longer appointments can be arranged for a family or larger group.
Please contact Christine to discuss your needs: 0418 226 961