Resources & FAQ's
Self talk is very important
If you hear something often enough, you start to believe it. The same is true for what you are telling yourself.
It's ok to put yourself first
Good food, excercise and quality sleep are essential to performing at your best, and so you can fulfill your role as a carer.
Allocate time to worry but...
If you spend time thinking about things that can go wrong, it is only fair that you spend time thinking about things that can go right too.
FAQ's
How much does a session cost?
All sessions are $110 for a 50 minute session, whether in person or online. Some private health funds offer claims. Please check with your health fund to see if you are covered for counselling, and what the requirements may be.
Payments can be made via bank transfer, or by Visa or Mastercard.
Where are your sessions held?
In person sessions are held in my private room at 64 John Street, Camden.
Online/Telehealth sessions are also available.
BENEFITS OF IN PERSON:
– More personal experience
– Gets you out of the house
– Safety and privacy
– Greater human connection
– Dedicated calm space to be in
– Easier to build rapport, trust and talk freely
– No interruptions or fear of being heard
– Greater communication as counsellor can see body lagnuage more to know how you’re feeling
BENEFITS OF ONLINE:
– Flexibility and convenience
– Comfort
– Accessibility
– Extra privacy
– Reduced barriers
– Consistency
– Save time
– If your mental health issues make it hard for you to leave home, this can create safety
How many sessions do I need?
Some people would like 3 sessions, some need more time and prefer 6, some people request more. As sessions are person centered, you will take an active role in determining how many sessions are needed depending on your goals. I can make recommendations though ultimately you will be deciding how many sessions you would like.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see a counsellor.
What about privacy and confidentiality?
For counselling to be effective, trust must exist between the client and counsellor. For this reason counsellors are legally and ethically bound to keep all sessions confidential. A counsellor is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions and is required to keep your records private.
While there are laws and regulations in place to protect your privacy, there are exceptions to the rule. Counsellors are required by law to protect a client or another person identified from ‘serious and foreseeable harm.’ This can include threats, or disclosure of child abuse for example. Another instance of a privacy exception is when a counsellor has been subponaed to provide notes by a court of law.
Privacy and confidentiality will be covered in detail before your first session and you are most welcome to ask any questions you have before we start our session.
Can I claim my session on Medicare?
Currently people are not able to claim counselling sessions on the Medicare Benefit Scheme. This is looking to possibly change in the future, but for now the benefits include being able to access help sooner (less wait times), you control the number of sessions and have the freedom to choose a professional, and client privacy is upheld as no record of counselling will be held by Medicare. There is also no need to visit your GP for an assessment and get a referral, you can visit a counsellor without a referral.
Karen Ashcroft. Counsellor Camden.
Karen Ashcroft is a Registered Counsellor based in Camden NSW.
Serving areas of Camden, Cobbitty, Narellan, The Oaks, Silverdale, Picton, Oran Park, Menangle, Spring Farm, and Harrington Park.
Telehealth appointments available to clients located anywhere in Australia.