Psychologists are trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis and a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. With a mental health care plan from your GP, you can get a medicare rebate on the cost of accessing psychology services. Counsellors are trained in counselling theory and therapeutic techniques (many of which are used by psychologists). We do not diagnose people with mental health issues and we tailor approaches flexibly, according to client needs. Both psychology and counselling involve helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being. Psychology tends to have a broader scope, encompassing assessment and treatment of various psychological disorders, while counselling is often more focused on addressing specific issues and providing practical guidance and support to individuals facing life challenges.
I have no waiting time. I also work with a team of counsellors, specialising in different areas, who work together to ensure that clients are seen promptly. So, if for some reason we aren’t the right fit I might be able to help you find someone who is.
I will be gathering information by asking questions about your background, history and current concerns to better understand you. I will create a comfortable and non-judgemental space for you to share your story, at your pace. Confidentiality is taken very seriously at Sydney Counselling Space. This will be discussed with you before counselling begins. Together, we can identify and prioritise goals for therapy and develop a plan.
Part of the initial information-gathering process will be to determine a therapy plan. Again, this is a collaborative process that will depend on your goals and situation. Together, we can create the roadmap for future sessions. It is important to know that it takes time for a counsellor to understand your goals and to begin meaningful work together. You’ll be in a better place to decide whether to continue, if you can commit to an initial 3-4 sessions. I feel it is important to say that counselling isn’t about quick fixes, but about creating space to understand yourself, your relationships and what helps you feel more grounded- at a pace that feels right for you.
Commonly, sessions occur weekly for several weeks (4-6) and then we might move to fortnightly sessions. Of course, this is not set in stone and, again, will depend on your goals and how you would like to proceed with the counselling process. Sometimes, when the goal is to achieve something relatively simple, only a few sessions will be required.