Frequently asked questions
1
I've never had online counselling before. How does it work?
Online Counselling is live, face-to-face video counselling using your web browser and a video conferencing program such as Google Meet or Zoom. It works the same as conventional face-to-face therapy except you get to have your session in a private space of your choice. As the client, you will simply click on the link you are sent by the counsellor and you will be immediately taken to your private 1:1 online session.
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No two clients will have identical problems and experiences, so there is no one formula for a counselling session. Your first session will be an opportunity for you to start to talk about your issue. It doesn't matter if the story does not come out in order. It's more important to let it unfold as it will, and for you to able to express the emotions that come up. It will be my job to help you make sense of your story and discuss with you how we might proceed.
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My focus is to create a safe place where you will find understanding, empathy and non-judgement.
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The most important first step you can make is picking up the phone and speaking to a professional about making an appointment to have a chat.
2
Will I be locked into a set number of sessions?
No. Clients are not locked into any arrangement. SageLife Counselling is a client-centred practice, meaning you will be asked at the end of each session how you felt the session went and whether you would like to book another. In my experience, some clients have only required one session and others perhaps ten or more. After a number of sessions, some clients have checked in only once every few months as issues have arisen for them. You will always be consulted regarding the frequency of sessions.
3
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you do not need a GP referral for SageLife Counselling. You can contact me by email or mobile to book your online session direct. This saves you time and the gap payment associated with booking a GP appointment for a referral.
4
What's the benefit of doing Online Counselling?
Using a platform like Google Meet for counselling sessions means you can have more flexibility and convenience. You can have your session in the comfort of your own home, in your hotel room if you are away, or in your personal office space. In fact, you can have your sessions anywhere where you have privacy and good wifi connection. I have even had clients conducting their session in their own car.
You can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone for your Google Meet session.
Online counselling can be incorporated into your day and there is no need to drive to a consulting room. It is less expensive than in person face-to-face counselling and there is no waiting in a public reception area, so complete discretion is possible. Online counselling also gives you a choice of seeing a particular practitioner even though they are physically located far from where you live. This online counselling service is available to clients statewide (SA).
