Welcome to Grounded Moments Counselling

No. You can book an appointment directly with Grounded Moments Counselling without a referral from your GP or another healthcare professional.

Some clients choose to discuss their mental health with their GP as part of their overall healthcare, but this is not required to access counselling.

If you are accessing counselling through the NDIS, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or another funded service, a referral or authorisation may be required by that organisation.

No. Registered counsellors are not currently eligible to provide Medicare-funded counselling under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Many people are surprised to learn that even with a Medicare rebate, there is often still an out-of-pocket cost when seeing another mental health professional. Depending on the provider, this gap can be similar to—or greater than—the cost of a counselling session.

If accessing Medicare is important to you, I am happy to discuss your options and help you understand the differences between available services.

All three professions support people experiencing mental health challenges, but their training, scope of practice and funding options differ.

Counsellors focus on helping people work through life's challenges, improve emotional wellbeing, develop coping strategies and create meaningful change through conversation and a strong therapeutic relationship.

Psychologists are trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Many are able to provide Medicare-rebated services when clients have a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers combine counselling with an understanding of the broader social, family and environmental factors that can affect wellbeing. They may also provide Medicare-funded services under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

The most appropriate professional depends on your individual needs, goals and preferences. If you're unsure, I'm happy to discuss this with you before you book.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other.

We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to achieve and any important background that will help me understand your situation. We'll also discuss confidentiality, answer any questions you may have and begin identifying goals for our work together.

There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before you arrive. We simply start where you are.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Some people attend for only a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term support as they navigate more complex challenges or personal growth.

Together, we will regularly review your goals and ensure counselling continues to meet your needs.

Yes. Your privacy is taken seriously, and what you discuss in counselling remains confidential.

There are some legal and ethical exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as if there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, concerns about the safety of a child, or where disclosure is required by law.

These limits to confidentiality will be discussed with you before counselling begins.

It's completely normal to feel unsure about taking the first step.

Many people wonder whether their concerns are "serious enough" or worry about what counselling might be like. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

If you're uncertain, I offer a free 15-minute phone conversation where we can discuss your questions, explore whether counselling feels like the right fit and help you decide on your next step.