Frequently Asked Questions

Session fees and arrangements

• How much is a session, and how long is it?
  Each counselling session is $150 and 60 minutes long.
• Where do sessions take place?
  In Beckenham, Perth, or online across Australia.
• How often should we come?
  Regular sessions are recommended, depending on your practical logistics: weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Couples counselling

• What happens in the first few sessions?
  Typically there are 1–2 initial couples sessions, followed by 1 individual session with each partner. Then couples sessions resume until the end of therapy.
• How many sessions will we need?
  Over 35 years of research has shown that couples on average require 8 to 20 sessions to experience lasting change outside of therapy. However, most couples are able to feel positive shifts between 5 and 10 sessions. Session numbers will depend on your specific situations.
• What is Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy?
  It is considered the Gold Standard in the couples therapy field (iceeft.com). In sessions we slow down the emotions and make sense of them, track the behaviour patterns that got you both caught in conflict spirals, and start to speak and respond in ways that help you feel calmer and more connected.
• Can I bring kids with us for couples counselling?
  No. Kids’ presence will greatly reduce the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Please organise alternative childcare during your couples session time.
• What can I do if my partner is unwilling to come to couples counselling?
  An individual session with you to assess your situation and needs is recommended, in order to discuss your options.
• How do I know if your couples counselling method can be helpful to me?
  Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy will be helpful to you if: you are still giving your relationship a chance despite the challenges; you have tried everything, including prayers, working on your own history or trauma, learning communication skills, but still feel stuck in your relationship; you do not have safety concerns in your relationship.
• What happens in a couple’s session?
  In a couple’s session, I help both you and your partner reprocess your experience and restructure your relationship dynamics. This process presents you with opportunities to experiment with new ways to be together, so that you can make conscious choices about the kind of relationship you wish to create.

Booking and service information

• How do I book, and what happens next?
  Book a free 15-minute consultation using the button below. I’ll call you at the scheduled time to answer your questions. If you then book an initial session, you’ll receive a brief call from me before the booking is confirmed, and once it is confirmed you’ll receive an email with a Service Agreement and everything you need to know before the session.
• Do your services provide Medicare rebates?
  No.
• Do I need to be a Christian to attend counselling?
  No. Although my practice has a particular focus on supporting Christian couples, individuals and couples from other faith backgrounds or with no religious beliefs are also welcome. Your beliefs and values will be respected, and you can choose how much your faith is included in our counselling conversations.
• Who are not suitable for your services?
  If you require mental health diagnosis and treatment, you are recommended to seek support from a psychologist or psychiatrist with your GP referral.