Your Counselling FAQs Answered
Common Questions About CounsellingYour Counselling FAQs Answered
This page should help to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Counselling and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselling. If you can’t find an answer to your question in this Counselling FAQs section, reach out to our team via the Contact page, and we will be happy to help.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is really about having an honest, supportive conversation with someone who’s trained to help you make sense of life’s ups and downs. It’s a space to explore what’s going on, find fresh ways forward, and pick up practical tools to handle whatever comes your way.
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) describes counselling and psychotherapy as grounded in genuine human connection, helping people build self-awareness, gain insight, and make meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
At Watkins Therapy Group, our counsellors bring warmth, understanding, and professional know-how to every session. They’re here to support individuals and couples in working through personal, relationship, and emotional challenges, helping you understand yourself on a deeper level.
All of our counsellors are fully qualified, registered, and insured, so you can feel reassured knowing you’re getting professional, compassionate care from people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.
How do I find a good Counsellor?
These days, it’s easy to find a counsellor with a quick online search, but not all professionals have the same level of training or experience. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your counsellor is properly qualified.
You can quickly check their credentials on the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or Australian Counselling Association (ACA) websites.
Every counsellor at Watkins Therapy Group is registered with one of these recognised bodies, so you can trust you’re in capable hands.
A good counsellor will create a safe, welcoming, and confidential space where you feel comfortable from the very first session.
They’ll take the time to really get to know you, your goals, challenges, and what’s most important to you, tailoring each session to your needs with empathy, compassion, and genuine care.
Most importantly, you should feel heard, understood, and supported as you take on what can sometimes be a tough, but incredibly rewarding, journey toward positive change.
How to determine if Counselling is right for you?
Your mental wellbeing has a huge influence on how you eat, sleep, work, and connect with others. If you’ve been feeling a bit off track or like life isn’t quite lining up with what you want, counselling could be a really helpful step.
We all develop ways to cope when life gets tough or when we’ve been through something painful. But sometimes, those coping habits stop helping and start holding us back. Talking things through with a counsellor can help you spot those patterns, find healthier ways to manage, and build a stronger support system, something that’s vital for personal growth and resilience.
Counselling can be beneficial for anyone feeling stuck in unhelpful habits, dealing with emotional struggles, anger, or simply wanting support to reach their personal goals. It’s a safe, guided space to unpack what’s going on and start moving towards the life you want.
Do I need a referral or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)?
No, you don’t need a referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to see a counsellor in Australia.
Booking is simple and flexible; you can choose a time that suits you and book online in just a few clicks. Click here to book online anytime.
What does Counselling cost?
Please note that fees are subject to updates, so we recommend clicking on the booking link provided to confirm the current rates.
Counselling sessions are available both in-person and via telehealth. Our fee types start from –
- Individual counselling (50 minutes): Between $155 – 165*, inclusive of GST**
- Couples counselling (50 minutes): Between $175 – 230*, inclusive of GST**
- For EAP. coaching, team, group, and corporate services, please contact us directly to discuss fees.
Telehealth sessions require payment via credit/debit card or PayPal at the time of the session. In-person sessions can be settled with cash or a card on the day of the appointment.***
For those covered by NDIS, service agreements are available, and invoices can be provided. For further clarification on details, please contact us directly.
*Please note – individual therapists’ fees vary, and fees for specific service types are different. Please check the booking page for accurate fees for these services.
**GST may or may not be applicable.
***Not available for all therapists, please check before attending.
Can I use Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
In Australia, Registered Counsellors do not fall under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS); hence, Medicare rebates are not applicable.
Private health insurance rebates may be available with specific Counsellors.
Please feel free to contact us for additional guidance.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
At Watkins Therapy Group, we strive to provide the highest quality of care for every client. As part of our commitment to both your well-being and to managing the availability of our therapists, we have established a cancellation policy to ensure that our services remain accessible and efficient. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and circumstances may require you to cancel or reschedule your appointment. However, given the high demand for our services, we ask that you kindly provide us with sufficient notice when making any changes to your appointment.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Guidelines
To help us manage appointment availability and provide consistent care to all clients, the following cancellation and rescheduling conditions apply.
1. Notice Requirements
Clients must provide at least two business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment without charge.
Business days are Monday to Friday and do not include weekends or Victorian public holidays.
Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than two business days’ notice will incur the full session fee. The full session fee will also apply when a client does not attend an appointment without providing notice.
For appointments funded through an Employee Assistance Program, a late cancellation or non-attendance will generally be counted as one funded appointment.
2. How to Cancel or Reschedule
Clients who have created a Halaxy account may cancel or reschedule their appointment through the online portal, provided that at least two business days’ notice is given.
Clients may also contact Watkins Therapy Group by calling (03) 8765 2477 or emailing ad***@*********************om.au.
Cancellation or rescheduling requests are considered received only after they are submitted through Halaxy or received by our administration team.
3. Alternative Options
If you’re unable to attend your scheduled in-person appointment, consider our online or phone consultation options. These allow you to continue your therapy sessions conveniently from anywhere, ensuring that your progress isn’t interrupted.
Emergencies and Special Circumstances
We understand that emergencies or unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you find yourself unable to attend your appointment due to an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact us as soon as possible. We will assess the situation and may offer an exception to the cancellation fee on a case-by-case basis.
Payment Terms
Cancellation fees must be settled prior to booking your next appointment. We appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain the efficiency and availability of our services.
Why We Have a Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy serves several important purposes:
1. Respect for Therapists’ Time Each therapy session is scheduled specifically for you, and your therapist’s time is set aside exclusively for your care. Late cancellations or no-shows prevent us from offering this valuable time to other clients in need, which ultimately leads to lost opportunities for both you and others.
2. Business Sustainability As a practice, we have operating costs, including office space, utilities, and administrative support. A cancellation policy helps us maintain our ability to serve clients, even when unexpected absences occur.
3. Promoting Fairness This policy ensures that all clients are treated fairly. Frequent late cancellations or no-shows could unfairly disadvantage others who may be waiting for an appointment, or result in increased fees. This policy helps keep the system equitable for everyone.
4. Encouraging Clear Communication Having a well-defined policy sets clear expectations and encourages open communication. When clients notify us early of any changes, it helps us accommodate others in need and provide timely care.
How do I Choose the Right Appointment?
Give our friendly intake team a call on (03) 8765 2477 to chat about what you need; they’ll help you find the right type of appointment for your situation.
Here’s a quick overview of our main counselling options:
Individual Counselling
If you’ve been feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, individual counselling can help. It’s also a great space to work through life changes, like a breakup, family challenges, or an anger management program, with the guidance of a supportive professional.
Couples Counselling
Our couples counselling sessions are designed to help partners rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and reconnect emotionally. It’s a chance to better understand each other and the patterns in your relationship, so you can move forward together.
At Watkins Therapy Group, we meet you where you’re at, offering understanding, encouragement, and a confidential space that’s completely free from judgment. We’re here to support you through the tough times and celebrate the wins along the way.
What to Expect at Your Initial Appointment?
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first counselling session. Starting something new can be a big step. At Watkins Therapy Group, we do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you arrive.
Your counsellor will usually begin with a friendly chat to help you settle in. When you’re ready, they’ll gently guide the conversation toward what’s brought you to counselling, asking a few questions to better understand your background, goals, and what kind of support might work best for you. You’ll also have time to ask about their approach, so you feel confident and at ease moving forward together.
Some of the questions your counsellor might ask include:
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What made you decide to seek counselling?
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Have you been experiencing things like trouble sleeping, anxiety, sadness, anger, or stress?
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Have you tried any other ways to manage these issues?
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Who do you have around you for support?
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What would you like to achieve through counselling?
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What would a positive outcome look like for you?
Your counsellor might also explain some of the methods or techniques they’ll use to help you reach your goals.
By the end of your first session, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect moving forward, including a plan for your next sessions and how your counsellor will support you on your path to feeling better and reaching your potential.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Everyone’s situation is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many sessions you might need; any estimate is really just a guide.
Some people find they reach their goals after only a few sessions and choose to check in occasionally, maybe once a month, every few months, or even once a year — for a bit of extra support.
Others prefer to meet weekly for a longer period, giving them time to really work through things and make lasting changes.
You and your counsellor will chat about what feels right for you and put together a plan that suits your needs, goals, and comfort level.
Is Counselling confidential?
All of our counsellors are fully qualified and registered with either the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Both organisations have strict ethical standards that include a strong commitment to client privacy and confidentiality.
There are a few rare exceptions to this. Counsellors are legally required to share information if there’s a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s, or if notes are subpoenaed by a court.
Counsellors also take part in professional supervision, which means they may discuss cases (without identifying details) with another qualified therapist to make sure you’re receiving the best possible support. Your identity and privacy always remain protected.
If you have any questions about confidentiality, feel free to chat with your counsellor during your first session; they’ll be happy to explain how it all works.
What is Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselling?
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling is a confidential support service designed to help employees and employers navigate challenges that may impact wellbeing, performance, or workplace relationships. It’s about giving people the tools and space to manage life’s pressures, both in and outside of work, before they start to feel overwhelmed.
Watkins Therapy Group offer EAP through our UrSpace EAP brand, employees can access short-term, solution-focused counselling with qualified professionals. These sessions can help with a wide range of concerns, such as stress, burnout, workplace conflict, anxiety, grief, or personal issues that might affect focus or motivation.
EAP counselling isn’t just for when things go wrong; it’s also about strengthening resilience, improving communication, and supporting mental health proactively. Our counsellors provide practical strategies and genuine support to help individuals find balance, clarity, and confidence at work and beyond.
For employers, offering EAP counselling shows a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, creating a healthier, more productive, and supportive workplace culture.
All sessions are private, confidential, and can be accessed in person, online, or by phone, whichever works best for you.
Learn more about partnering with Watkins Therapy Group’s UrSpace EAP support here.
Do you offer online or telehealth appointments?
Yes, we offer secure telehealth and video counselling sessions for clients across Australia. This provides a highly flexible and convenient option if you are unable to visit our physical clinics, have a busy work schedule, or simply prefer to access professional support from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Do you offer couples or relationship counselling?
Yes. Alongside our individual therapy services, we provide dedicated couples counselling. These sessions are specifically designed to help partners improve communication, navigate recurring conflicts, and rebuild connection in a neutral, supportive, and entirely unbiased environment.
What should I do if I need immediate crisis support?
Watkins Therapy Group operates by appointment and is not an acute emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a severe mental health crisis, or need urgent help, please call 000 immediately, or reach out to 24/7 crisis support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
What types of therapy do your practitioners use?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Our team utilizes a range of evidence-based psychological modalities tailored specifically to your unique needs. Depending on your goals, this may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness techniques, or solution-focused therapy.
How can I best prepare for my first session?
There is no “right” way to prepare for therapy, and you do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. It can be helpful to jot down a few key issues you want to discuss or goals you want to achieve. However, if you simply want to show up and see where the conversation naturally leads, your counsellor will gently guide the process.
