Frequently Asked questions
Can I claim any part of the session cost through Medicare?
Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not available for our counselling at this time.
What if I have a Mental Health Care Plan?
While we are not able to accept a mental health care plan we do offer discounted rates for people who can be referred by a GP.
When is my payment due?
Payments are made through the Client Portal when making an appointment. Payment can be made online via credit card via Stripe.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We require 48 hours notice for cancelled sessions. You are able to cancel a session through the client portal (how you signed in to make the appointment).
What if I don’t use my entire counselling package?
We understand that situations can change, in the event that you need to cancel your package we will charge you the standard rate for the counselling you receive for the appointments that you have attended and provide a pro-rated refund of the balance.
Couples Counselling FAQs
We understand that when it comes to couples counselling, many people have thoughts and questions that they would like addressed first. As a result, we’d like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns here.
How can someone outside my relationship really help me?
That is a valid question. Couples that have been together for a long time tend to work in predictable or similar patterns, often without even realising it. A neutral third party can assist you in determining if there is something else going on in your relationship. For example: In the case of one couple, the wife stated that she is always willing to put forth effort (showing love/care, arranging dates, caring for the children, planning vacations) while her husband would not. The husband, on the other hand, said that he believes that nothing he does for his wife is good enough, that he feels useless, and that she knows best.
“Maybe we’re not right for each other after all if we can’t fix things on our own.”
Couples are often triggered by one another, resulting in highly emotional interactions in which their normal logical, rational thinking process halts. An impartial third party will also help a couple see their relationship in a new, less emotionally charged light and begin focusing on the real problems as a team.
Why see a counsellor when I can talk to my friends?
Everyone talks to their friends about their relationships, but sometimes people ask what a stranger in the form of a counsellor might teach them that their supportive friends could not. In a nutshell, counsellors are not biased towards your situation, we do not give advice or choose sides, however, we show you the situation from a different perspective and help you understand it before making major changes in your life. If/when you do decide to make changes, a counsellor will facilitate those changes by providing you with emotional support.
“Perhaps we can split up and start over with new partners, and things will be better the next time.”
It is a very rare occurrence. People usually carry the same behaviours, or “bad habits,” from one relationship to the next, and the vicious cycle repeats itself. However, one aspect of couples counselling that is crucial is learning about yourself. That means that if the worst happens and you must break up with your current partner, you will be much more prepared for the next one.
Therapy takes an inordinate amount of time. Who has that kind of time?
Many people believe that couples counselling must go on and on to be successful. However, several couples report that after only a few sessions, they can see and feel a true, positive change in their relationship. Some couples can need more time; each couple is unique, but for the most part, initial sessions do help and are effective in reducing some, if not all, negative feelings.
“I’m afraid counselling would just make things worse.”
People do not like talking about their problems or traumatic experiences, so they may feel that couples counselling would exacerbate their problems. However, the elephant remains in the room and will not leave on its own. By agreeing to couples counselling, all of the issues can be explored in a fair, neutral atmosphere, and while it may not be simple, it is certainly better than suffering in silence.
“The counsellor will just tell us to end our relationship.”
When a relationship is in danger, most people want to do all they can to save it. The purpose of couples’ counselling is to help partners appreciate one another, not to decide about whether they should split up. Some couples do finally break up, but they do so in a much better position than they would have otherwise. However, the decision is always yours to make.
“What can I expect on the day?” (couples)
The Counsellor will ask you and your partner about current issues as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself discussing your current symptoms or challenges, as well as your relationships, and establish goal/s.
“What can I expect on the day?” (individuals)
The Counsellor will ask about your current issues as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself discussing your current symptoms or challenges, as well as your interests, strengths, and goals.
“What can I expect on the day?” (family)
The Counsellor will ask the family about current issues as well as your history and background. Most likely, you’ll find yourself discussing your current symptoms or challenges, as well as your relationships, and establish goal/s.
“What do I need to do to prepare before coming in?”
- Think about what you want from therapy.
- Decide what you’d like from your Counsellor
- Make a list of things you’d like to bring up in your first session.
- Have any questions about the logistics – payment, appointment timings, appointment frequency – prepared.
- Read and submit your Intake and Confidentiality Form
“How will the session benefit me?”
Each person has a different goal, therefore how one benefit can differ from the another. Be sure to discuss your goals with your Counsellor.
“How many sessions do I need?”
The number of sessions will depend on the type of issues, goals and client/Counsellor availability. We have clients who have chosen to come in weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
“What if I am late?”
Please contact the office on 0402 035 763 and inform us of your late arrival.
“What if I need to reschedule?”
Log in to your Client Portal via our booking system on our website. Alternatively, contact the office via email office@halcyon.com.au
”How do I cancel?”
Log in to your Client Portal via our booking system on our website. Alternatively, contact the office via email office@halcyon.com.au
“How long does it take for my refund to be processed?”
Refunds are not provided for services that have been rendered. If you have purchased a counselling pack and decide that you no longer wish to utilise the sessions you will be billed at the regular session rate for the appointments that were completed and refunded the difference.
“Where can I provide feedback?”
Email office@halcyon.com.au
“Will you store my card details?”
No, Halcyon does not store your card details.
“Are the sessions confidential?”
Communications between a client and counsellor are confidential. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. A counsellor is required by law to report to the authorities the following circumstances:
- If counsellor suspects that an individual may be involved in child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counsellor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
“Where do I submit my Mental Health Care Plan or Doctors referral form?”
Email the form to office@halcyon.com.au