You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
Common Questions
If Something is stopping you from reaching out, theres a good chance the answer is here. If not, Just ask.
Before You Begin
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No. You can contact me directly, book the free 15-minute discovery call, and we’ll go from there.
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No. Most people start with a general sense that something isn't right. We take the time in that first conversation to figure out what's actually going on and what might help — at your pace.
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No. People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons — stress, a significant life change, feeling stuck, wanting to understand themselves better, or simply wanting to be more intentional about where they're headed. You don't need to be at rock bottom to benefit.
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No — and anyone who does is misleading you. Counselling outcomes vary depending on the nature of what you're working on, your level of engagement, and how well we work together. What I can guarantee is that I'll be honest with you about whether what we're doing is working, and I'll adjust the approach if it isn't.
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The first session is a conversation, not an assessment. I'll ask some questions, you share what feels relevant, and we get a picture of what's going on and what you want to be different. There's no expectation to disclose everything at once. By the end you'll have a clear sense of how we'd work together and whether it fits.
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Yes. I'm a registered member of the Certified Practising Counsellors Australia (CPCA), member number 43358. That means I meet defined standards for education, ethics, clinical supervision, and ongoing professional development. You can verify this at cpcaus.com.au.
Online Sessions
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Sessions run via Halaxy Meet — a secure, encrypted video platform built specifically for health professionals and fully compliant with Australian Privacy Principles. Your data is stored in Australia. You'll receive a link before your appointment. All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.
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Yes. Research consistently shows online counselling is as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns, particularly when the therapeutic relationship is strong and sessions are consistent. Many people find the flexibility of online actually makes it easier to show up regularly — which matters more than the format.
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Yes, with defined limits. Sessions are conducted through a secure, encrypted platform and your information is not shared without your consent. There are three circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken: if there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or another person; if a child is at risk of harm and mandatory reporting obligations apply under state law; or if a court orders disclosure. These limits are explained clearly before we begin. Outside of these circumstances, what you share stays between us.
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All clinical records are held in Halaxy, which stores data within Australia and is compliant with the Australian Privacy Principles. Your information is not shared with or stored by offshore platforms without your explicit consent.Item description
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It happens. If we lose connection, I'll contact you to reconnect or we'll reschedule at no cost to you. It's not a problem — we sort it out and move on.
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It's okay if video feels unfamiliar at first. Most people settle into it quickly. If you need to turn your camera off briefly, you're within your rights to do so. If video consistently doesn't feel right, we can talk through alternatives.
How It Works
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It depends on what you're working on. Some people come for six to eight sessions around a specific issue and that's enough. Others work through something more complex over a longer period. I don't set a fixed number upfront — we review it as we go and adjust based on what's actually happening. If it's not working, I'll tell you.
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Free 15-minute discovery call — no charge, no commitment. Online Counselling — $95 for 50 minutes. Combined Counselling and Personal Training — $145 for 70 minutes. Couples and Relationship Counselling — $150 for 50 minutes. Payment is taken at the time of booking.
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Counselling with a non-psychologist isn't currently Medicare-rebatable — that pathway requires a referral to an AHPRA-registered psychologist, mental health social worker, or occupational therapist. Some private health funds offer partial rebates under extras cover — worth checking yours. No referral is needed to work with me. Many people find the out-of-pocket cost comparable to or less than a rebated psychology session once gap fees are factored in. If cost is a barrier, bring it up in the discovery call.
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My approach is integrative — I draw on what's actually useful for the person in front of me rather than applying one method to everyone. The main frameworks I work within are Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy, all grounded in trauma-informed and strengths-based practice. If you want to know how any of this applies to your situation specifically, ask in the discovery call.
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One session that integrates both. The structure is roughly 40–50 minutes of counselling followed by 20–30 minutes of movement programming and coaching, delivered online. We work across what's happening mentally and physically and build a plan that accounts for both. I hold qualifications in counselling and personal training — this isn't two services bolted together, it's one integrated conversation about the whole picture.
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You can read the full Privacy Policy here → https://actionpotentialcounselling.com.au/privacypolicy
Fees, Cancellations & Boundaries
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I ask for at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made inside that window forfeit the session fee. I know that's firm — it also means I can protect consistent appointment times for people doing the work. If something genuinely unexpected happens, get in touch as early as possible and we'll figure it out.
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Sessions start and end at the scheduled time out of respect for everyone's time. If you're running late, let me know as early as possible. The session will still end at the original time, and if a significant portion is missed the full fee may still apply.
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Outside of sessions, contact is limited to scheduling and administrative matters. This boundary keeps the therapeutic relationship clear, consistent, and professionally safe for both of us.
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No. Counselling is not a substitute for emergency or psychiatric care. If you're in acute distress or immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support: Lifeline — 13 11 14 · Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 · Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636.