Your first session is a gentle introduction, a chance for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to counselling.

You’ll have space to share at your own pace, and we’ll talk about what you hope to gain from therapy. Together, we’ll begin to shape goals that feel safe and achievable.

Standard sessions run for 50 minutes, while initial sessions may take up to 80 minutes to allow time for a more thorough understanding of your needs.

Yes. Online sessions are available via a secure video platform, offering flexibility and accessibility from the comfort of your own space.

We offer counselling for adults and adolescents (12 years and older), as well as play-based sessions for children (ages 3–12). We also offer sessions for couples, families, and parents.

Each approach is tailored to meet the developmental and emotional needs of the individual or family.

Individual, couples, and play-based sessions for self-funded clients can be booked online through our booking portal or by calling the practice. If you are interested in group sessions with more than two participants, please contact us directly.

NDIS-funded sessions are arranged directly with the practice. Please contact us to discuss availability and booking options.

While the terms counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in focus and depth.

Counselling generally supports you through specific challenges or transitions such as stress, relationship issues, or grief — and helps you develop coping strategies and self-awareness in the present.

Therapy, on the other hand, often involves exploring deeper emotional patterns or past experiences that may be influencing current wellbeing.

At RAISE Counselling and Therapy, both approaches are integrated. We tailor each session to your unique needs, whether that means working through immediate concerns or supporting deeper personal growth and healing.

A:
Psychologists and counsellors are both trained mental health professionals who support people with emotional, psychological, and life challenges. The difference is not about “better” or “worse”, but about training pathways and areas of focus.

Counsellors provide therapeutic support that may include talk-based, relational, somatic, creative, and play-based approaches, with a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and working at a pace that feels right for the client.

Psychologists complete a different training pathway and may focus more on formal assessment, diagnosis, and structured psychological interventions. Some psychologists can also offer Medicare-rebated services under specific referral pathways.

Choosing the right support is about what you’re seeking and who feels like the best fit. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you think this through.

No, you do not need a referral to access counselling or therapy. We currently do not offer Medicare rebates; however, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan, sharing a copy with us can help inform your treatment goals and overall care.

Our fees are closely aligned with what you would typically pay out-of-pocket even with a rebate, allowing you access to high-quality, consistent support.

One of the key benefits of private counselling is flexibility, there’s no cap on the number of sessions, no formal diagnosis required, and you have full control over the pace and direction of your therapeutic journey.

Appointments can be made directly through our “Make A Booking” button on the website, which will take you to our secure booking system. You can also contact us by phone if you need assistance with booking.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid cancellation fees.

A:
NDIS-funded sessions are arranged directly with the practice and are not booked via the online self-booking system.
This allows us to confirm the appropriate NDIS support item, participant details, and funding arrangements before booking. Please contact us by phone or email to get started.

Yes, confidentiality is central to counselling. Everything you share remains private unless there’s a legal or ethical reason that requires disclosure, such as risk of harm to yourself or others. We’ll discuss these limits clearly during your first session.

We will also complete a Service Agreement, which outlines confidentiality, privacy, and the terms of our work together. This ensures you fully understand your rights, boundaries, and what to expect throughout the process.

Sessions are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates. However, concession rates may be available in certain circumstances, please reach out to discuss your situation.

That’s completely normal. Many people feel uncertain before their first session, especially when sharing personal experiences for the first time. It can feel uncomfortable in the beginning — and that’s okay. As we build a trusting, collaborative relationship, it often becomes easier to talk and explore what’s happening for you.

Our role is to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore at your own pace. You don’t need to have the right words… just a willingness to start.