Frequently asked questions
How do online counselling sessions work?
You have the choice of a telephone call or video appointment, whichever you prefer. Once your appointment is booked you will receive an email confirming this, and a link in the email that you will click on the day of your appointment that will start your session automatically. No need to download special software or set up complicated accounts; it's very simple.
All sessions are private and confidential, using secure and encrypted technology to ensure this.
You can attend sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own space using a phone, tablet, or computer. It's not that different to a face-to-face counselling session, but the benefits of not needing to travel and meeting from a place of your own choosing might be just right for you.
What kinds of concerns can counselling help with?
Counselling can support a wide range of experiences, including navigating life changes, facing difficult decisions, feelings of anxiety and stress, thinking or feeling differently about your life, preparing for a new direction, or adjusting to changed living, caring, and health situations.
Not sure if counselling is right for you? Feel free to call or email for a quick chat. It costs nothing, there's no obligation to book, and we can simply see whether working together feels like a good fit.
Do I need to be in crisis?
Not at all.
Many people seek counselling during periods of uncertainty, transition, stress, or when life no longer feels aligned with who they want to be.
You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable before reaching out for support. In fact, it is better to get ahead of things before they become worse.
Please note: Crossroads Counselling provides online counselling for adults aged 18 and over. This is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department. For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is where we look at what brings you to counselling and begin developing an understanding of what support may be most helpful.
There is no expectation that you have everything figured out before attending.
But if you have tried therapy in the past or know something that works for you please let me know!
How often will I need counselling?
Everyone is different.
Some people come for a short period, some stay longer, and some return later when something new comes up. Some come weekly, others less often. We'll work out what makes sense for you together.
I want counselling to help you understand yourself better, develop useful skills and build ways of handling problems and decisions that you can keep using on your own when you aren't in counselling.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is respected and information shared during counselling is kept confidential, except in limited situations where disclosure is required by law or necessary to reduce serious risk to safety.
Further information is available in the Informed Consent and Privacy and Confidentiality Policy documents.
Do you work with couples, family groups, or children?
Sessions are for persons over 18 years of age and are focused on individual one-on-one support, only.
Do you offer Medicare rebates?
General private counselling sessions aren't eligible for Medicare rebates, however, a Medicare rebate doesn't necessarily mean a lower overall cost to you. It may be worth looking at the amount you are still required to pay after the rebate and compare to the cost of a counselling session. Counselling may also offer more timely support without waiting for an available Medicare-rebated appointment.
What if I've had a bad experience with therapy before?
It is completely understandable to feel uncertain about counselling — particularly if you have tried therapy before and found it unhelpful, uncomfortable, or simply not the right fit.
Every counsellor works differently, and the relationship between counsellor and client matters. A previous experience that did not feel supportive does not mean counselling cannot be helpful for you. I myself have had these experiences with my own therapy!
Counselling is not about having all the answers, being “fixed,” or being told what to do. It is a collaborative process that creates space to reflect, feel heard, explore what matters to you, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
You are welcome to bring uncertainty, hesitation, or skepticism into the room — there is no expectation that you feel completely sure before reaching out.
What if I'm not sure you'll understand my life or choices?
I've worked with people living all kinds of lives, and I've lived a fairly unconventional one myself. I don't believe there's one right way to live.
You don't need to make your life understandable or acceptable to me. My job is to understand what matters to you and help you work out what fits.
Can religion or spirituality be part of my counselling?
While religious and spiritual beliefs and practices do not inform or influence my approach or practice, if your religious or spiritual beliefs are important to you and your journey, we can incorporate them according to your needs.
Do you use AI in counselling?
No. I do not utilise AI when providing counselling services to you. I do not use AI for session notes, therapeutic practices or interventions, educational or informational purposes, or for any other function when engaging with you during counselling, to the best of my knowledge.
Call 0480 031 357 to arrange an appointment or simply click on the Book a session button below to choose an appointment that works for you. If you prefer to email, reach out to: contact@crossroadscounsellingonline.com