Counselling
Melbourne Psychology & Counselling aims to provide high quality and accessible healthcare to support the mental health and wellbeing of our local community. As such, we are proud to introduce counselling services. This service is overseen by Clinic Directors, Dr Claire Ahern and Dr Christine Raab, and is run by registered counsellor, Kate Kneipp.
You can read more about Kate's interest and experience here.
Counselling and Psychology
Many similarities and some important differences.
Both counsellors and psychologists provide counselling to clients, however their training and approach can have some important differences. At Melbourne Psychology & Counselling all our treating clinicians (counsellors and psychologists) share a deep interest in you as a person, a warm and empathic approach, and training in their areas of interest to help you with a range of emotional, life, mental health, and psychological concerns.
A counsellor tends to work from a person-centred approach; they will often start by listening to the client’s concerns and helping the client to cope with their current difficulties and experiences. Counsellors do not diagnose mental health conditions, but can work with clients who already have a mental health diagnosis. Counsellors support people who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness, and can be a great help in assisting you to manage difficult situations and experiences, such as life transitions (becoming parents, retiring, the end of a relationship or grief), difficulties with drug and alcohol use, low self-esteem, questioning sexual or gender identity, anxiety and depression, and relationship difficulties. The counsellors at Melbourne Psychology and Counselling have completed (or are completing) an accredited course in counselling at a university and are eligible for registration with the relevant peak body (i.e., Australian Counselling Association and/or PACFA). They utilise evidence-based therapies such as ACT, CBT, and CFT.
A psychologist is trained in assessment and diagnosis and treatment of mild to severe mental health issues, in addition to working with the above mentioned areas. They make use of counselling skills, as well as using methods such as CBT and other evidence-based therapies to address symptoms. A psychologist will often commence therapy by conducting a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis (if required). A psychologist is typically specifically trained in helping clients who are experiencing mild to severe mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, and other disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have Counselling or Psychology Sessions?
This depends on your treatment goals. Some clients find that counselling sessions are enough to meet their treatment goals. Other clients like to see a counsellor while they are waiting to see a psychologist. If you choose to do this, your mental health care plan will not be impacted and you will still have all of these sessions to use with a psychologist when they are available. Our intake team will be able to discuss whether or not counselling would be appropriate to help your situation.
Can I have both Counselling and Psychology Sessions?
Our counsellor is able to work collaboratively with the psychologists at the clinic. You may be able to see the counsellor for interim support if your psychologist is unavailable, or you prefer to space out your psychology appointments. (Please note, this will need to be agreed to by both the counsellor and psychologist.) You can choose to see our counsellor while on the waitlist to see a psychologist.
When Are Counselling Sessions Available?
Currently we have limited availability for counselling sessions on a Thursday and Saturday morning.
Are Counselling Sessions In Person or Telehealth?
Both in person and telehealth are available. In person sessions are conducted at our Moreland Road Clinic premises, and telehealth is conducted via zoom.
How Many Counselling Sessions Can I Have?
As counselling sessions do not require a mental health care plan, there is no limit to the number of sessions you can have. Your counsellor can discuss the best approach for your needs in terms of frequency and number of sessions. They are available to work with you as a once-off appointment, or for ongoing therapy.
What Is The Cost?
The cost for counselling sessions is $120 during the week (or $130 evenings/weekends). There are no Medicare or private health insurance rebates.
Do I Need A Referral?
Yes, it is preferred that you have a referral, or at least have a regular GP who you see. While you do not need a mental health care plan, our counsellors like to work as part of a treatment team with your GP. A referral from your GP can help our intake team to establish if our counselling service is appropriate to meet your needs.
What Is The Process for Counselling Sessions?
The first step is to complete the contact form on the "contact us" page. We will then be in touch to organise an initial phone call with our intake team to discuss if our counselling service is the right fit for you. Our intake team will also be able to suggest alternative treatment options if Melbourne Psychology & Counselling does not have the appropriate therapists to meet your needs.