Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy are both therapeutic approaches aimed at helping individuals address emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges, but they differ in several key ways:
Scope and Focus:
- Counselling: Typically focuses on specific issues or concerns that are causing distress or difficulties in a person's life. Counselling often addresses immediate concerns, such as relationship problems, grief, stress management, or career transitions.
- Psychotherapy: Has a broader scope and may delve deeper into underlying patterns, beliefs, and emotions that contribute to long-standing issues. Psychotherapy is often used to treat more complex psychological conditions, such as chronic anxiety, depression, personality disorders, or trauma.
Time Frame:
- Counselling: Generally, counselling is shorter-term and goal-oriented, with a focus on addressing immediate concerns and providing practical strategies for coping and problem-solving. Counselling sessions may range from a few sessions to several months, depending on the nature of the issues and the client's goals.
- Psychotherapy: This can be longer-term and more in-depth, as it aims to explore underlying factors contributing to emotional or behavioural patterns. Psychotherapy sessions may continue for several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the issues and the progress made in therapy.
Approach:
- Counselling: Often utilizes a solution-focused or problem-solving approach, emphasizing practical strategies and coping skills to help clients manage their challenges more effectively. Counsellors may also provide psychoeducation to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
- Psychotherapy: This may involve various therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, or interpersonal therapy, tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Psychotherapy aims to promote self-awareness, insight, and emotional healing through a deeper exploration of unconscious processes, emotions, and relationship dynamics.
Do I need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to access counselling?
No, you can access counselling and psychotherapy services without a GP referral. Counselling and Psychotherapy services are not currently funded by Medicare, and therefore a Mental Health Care Plan is not required.
What should I do if I need a Psychological assessment (e.g. Autism assessment, ADHD assessment)?
In Australia, there are a variety of healthcare professionals who are qualified to assess and diagnose mental health conditions (e.g. general practitioners, paediatricians, psychiatrists, or psychologists). The first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP, who will then be able to provide you with a referral to the relevant healthcare professional.
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes, I have extensive knowledge of the NDIS which I have gained across various professional roles. Currently, I work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients. Counselling support is claimed from Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living using support item 15_043_0128_1_3. I also provide NDIS progress reports for plan review.
