counselling

Michelle offers individual and relationship counselling. For individuals each session is 50-60 minutes in length. Longer consultations can be negotiated at are charged pro-rata. Couples automatically book in for a longer session at their initial consultation (see below for fees and rebates). Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will incur the full fee (see below).

Phone and Skype consultations are available for anyone, including those who are remote or unable to travel, those who live interstate or internationally.

about my practice

I see my role as an ‘awareness facilitator’, my aim being to assist people to understand themselves and their experiences on many different levels, bringing new awareness and finding meaning in challenging situations.  

Not all therapy is about digging up the past or delving into feelings, although sometimes this is where the focus needs to be. You may simply feel you want to talk things through with a supportive and objective person, or perhaps you want to explore the meaning of a dream, body symptom, traumatic event or troublesome life pattern. Then again, you might be looking for new ideas, strategies or professional advice to help resolve an issue you are currently facing. Some people are seeking a more spiritual approach and want a counsellor who understands something of their spiritual journey or who identifies as being on their own spiritual path.  

I believe that therapy should be in tune with you, and where you want to go, rather than a being a ‘one size fits all’ approach. You will find I listen closely to your needs and goals, and that I follow your feedback to ensure we are on a track that is most beneficial to you. Implicit in my practice is a belief that the solutions we need are contained within the problems themselves and arise naturally when these problems are explored. 

I believe that we too often live with problems that we can change through simple awareness, attention and acceptance.

areas of specialty

• Highly Sensitive People (find more here...)

• Trauma and Abuse Recovery

• Terminal Illness, Grief and Loss (find more here...)

• Sexuality and Gender Identity (find more here...)

• Sex and Intimacy Issues (find more here...)

• Relationship Issues (including unconventional relationships) (find more here...)

• Chronic Illness and Body Symptoms

• Anxiety, Depression and Panic Attacks (find more here...)  

For testimonials about Michelle's work, read here...

hours

Michelle is available Monday's from 9.30- 5.30 and Thursday's or Friday's between 9.30 and 6.30pm.

rebates and fees

The APS recommended rate for Psychological services is currently $212 per hour. Michelle's fees are significantly less than the recommended rate:

• Standard session rate for individuals is $150 per 50-60 minutes

• Reduced session rate for individuals is $110-$130 per 50-60 minutes (limited availablity)

• Initial session rate for relationships is $180 per 60-75 minutes

• Follow-up session rate for relationships is $160 per 60 minutes

The current Medicare Rebate for those referred by their GP under a Mental Health Care Plan is $81.60. This rebate only applies to 10 sessions per year. If you need more sessions, you will need to be able to fund them yourself or use Private Health Cover to access a rebate.

payments

Full fees are payable to Michelle at the time of the session and the rebate can be claimed through Medicare or your Health Fund/Insurer after the session.

Payments can be made by cash, cheque or internet banking transfer. Payments can be made by PayPal for those who are living overseas.

cancellation policy

NB: You will provide a minimum of 24 hours notice, preferaby 48 hours notice, where you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Where 24 hours notice is not provided a cancellation fee of the full hourly rate will apply and will need to be paid immediately and before additional appointments are booked.

Where less than 48 hours notice is given a cancellation fee of $50 will apply and must be paid before the next appointment can be rescheduled.

Michelle is in high demand and this policy ensures that the limited number of sessions with Michelle are available for individuals who want to make use of them. Cancelling within 48 hours demonstrates respect for both Michelle and others who could use that appointment time. Please be aware that Michelle does not get paid if you do not turn up or pay promptly for sessions.

It also ensures your commitment to the process and to yourself. Michelle is interested in working with people who are committed to their personal growth and to the process of therapy. Many people cancel appointments because unconsciously they want to avoid addressing something important. Regular cancellations will be addressed as a therapuetic issue or counselling may be terminated.