Counsellors help people to understand their own thoughts and behaviours. A counsellor will use more of a person-centred approach and work with the client to help understand themselves more fully. Rather than using a strict treatment plan, a counsellor may encourage overall wellbeing and work with a client towards their desired values and goals. Counsellors work with clients to manage anxieties, stress, anger, life changes, and educate them on strategies to help them overcome their problem. A client may initially see a Psychologist to have their issue diagnosed but then may seek to see a counsellor to help cope with it. Psychologists have the specialist training to diagnose and assess mental health issues. Psychologists focus on human behaviour. Psychologists work to identify both conscious and subconscious issues that affect clients mental health. it's generally more long term and a strict treatment plan will most likely be put in place. The Psychologist will set a plan which they feel is best for the client. Both are valuable treatment options depending on what the client requires.

No - you do not need a referral from your GP to seek counselling, making it a good option for people that need to start the process of talking with someone quickly and discreetly. If you were to see a psychologist you would need a referral from your GP and the wait time can be anywhere from 6 months or longer.

No - at this stage counsellors do not offer a Medicare rebate. However if you were to see a Psychologist you would still need to pay a gap. Generally on a Mental Health Plan you would only be covered for 10 treatments per calendar year. A Psychologist can cost anywhere between $250 - $280 and a client may get anywhere between $89 - $130 back. This means a client can still be out of pocket between $130 - $190. After the Mental Health Plan expires you would then have to pay the full cost until it resets again.

No - Simone does not conduct couples counselling.

No - Simone does not conduct counselling sessions whilst treating people for massage. Counselling and massage are two separate treatments and have completely different processes. Whilst clients may talk during a massage in no way is it a counselling session.

The client is in complete control as to how many sessions they wish to have. Some people only require a few sessions , while other clients may require longer. Generally throughout the treatment regular reviews will be conducted on the progress of treatment, the ending of counselling is usually discussed and Simone may refer the client if she feels it's in the clients best interest. This will always be discussed with the client. Clients may also leave counselling after a certain number of treatments and then get a few top up sessions if they feel they require them.

Appointments are conducted online via Psychology Today. You will receive an email with details and a link for your appointment. Once it is time for your call make sure you are in a confidential space and that you have an appropriate internet connection to accommodate the call. It's advised to check all your mics and cameras are working before hand. Once it is time for your appointment press the link and you will be taken to a virtual waiting room where Simone will connect with you.

Make sure to have your phone next to you at all times. If a connection is lost Simone will call you until the internet resumes connection again.