1
The first conversation
We get a picture of what's going on and what you'd like to be different. No pressure to have it neatly explained.
How I work
What it's
actually like.
No script, no couch, no being told what to do. Just an unhurried hour where you get to think out loud with someone who is properly listening.
What a session
looks like
A session runs for about [session length]. We sit down, and you start wherever you want to start. Some people arrive with something specific. Others arrive with a vague sense that things are off. Both are fine.
Mostly we talk. I'll ask questions, and some of them will make you stop and think. I'll reflect back what I'm hearing, including the parts you might be talking around. Where it helps, we'll slow down on something small and look at it properly rather than skim across everything.
You will not be diagnosed, graded or handed a worksheet you didn't ask for. If something practical would help between sessions, we'll agree on it together.
You're in charge of what you bring and what you leave out. Saying "I don't want to get into that today" is a complete sentence here.
Sessions are usually booked [frequency, e.g. weekly or fortnightly]. Fees and payment details: [fee per session and payment methods].
How the work unfolds
2
The work itself
We go deeper into the patterns underneath. Some weeks shift things, some weeks just make space. Both count.
3
Knowing when to stop
When you're handling things in a way that feels like yours, we talk about winding down. Ending well is part of it.
This isn't a fixed programme. Some people come for a short, focused stretch. Others stay longer because the ground keeps shifting. We check in on how it's tracking rather than working to a set number of sessions.
How I sit
in the room
Collaborative. You're not a problem for me to solve. We work it out together, and you can tell me when something I've said doesn't land.
Led by your pace. We go as slowly as you need. There's no benefit in prising something open before you're ready for it to be open.
Non-judgemental. Whatever you bring, you won't be made to feel small for it. Most of what people are ashamed of turns out to be very human.
Strengths-based. You've already coped with more than you give yourself credit for. Part of the work is noticing what you're doing well and doing more of it on purpose.
Culturally respectful. Your background, family, faith and community shape what matters to you. I'll ask rather than assume, and I won't ask you to translate yourself into someone else's framework.
The specific approaches I draw on: [modality — confirm with Punam]. Training and qualifications: [qualifications and professional membership — confirm with Punam].
Counselling room, soft light
Desk with laptop and notebook
In person and online
You can sit in the room with me, or we can meet by video. Plenty of people do a mix, depending on the week.
In person is at [suburb / practice address]. Getting there and parking: [transport and parking notes].
Online works the same way, on [video platform]. All you need is a private spot, a decent connection and headphones if other people are home. Online sessions are available to clients across [which states or areas online clients can be seen in].
Online counselling suits most things well. If something comes up that would be better handled face to face, I'll say so.
Common questions
What actually happens in the first session?
We spend it getting oriented. You tell me what's brought you in, I ask about the background around it, and we talk about what you'd like to be different. There's some practical ground to cover as well, including how confidentiality works and how sessions run.
You don't need to prepare anything or have it worked out in advance. Turning up not knowing where to start is a normal way to start.
Before the first session: [intake form or paperwork, if any].
How long do people usually come for?
It varies a lot, and honestly nobody can tell you at the start. Some people come for a short, focused stretch around one thing. Others stay longer because what they're working through is layered or long-standing.
We review how it's going as we go, so you're never locked into something that isn't helping. You can stop whenever you decide to.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. What you say in session stays between us, and that's the basis the whole thing rests on.
There are limits, and I'd rather you know them upfront than discover them later. If there's a serious risk of harm to you or to someone else, or if the law requires the information to be disclosed, I may need to pass something on. Where it's safe and possible to do so, I'll talk to you about it first.
I'll go through this properly with you at the start, so you can make informed decisions about what you share and when.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
You don't have to be in crisis to come. Plenty of people start because something is quietly wearing them down, or because a pattern keeps repeating and they've run out of ways to think about it on their own.
If you've been going over the same thing in your head for a while without it shifting, that's usually a sign that talking it through with someone outside your life would help.
If you're not sure, a first conversation is a reasonable way to find out. It doesn't commit you to anything beyond it.
What if it's not the right fit?
Then it's not, and that's genuinely fine. Fit matters more than almost anything else in counselling, and it isn't a judgement of either of us if it isn't there.
Tell me, and I'll help you find someone who suits you better rather than trying to talk you round. You're also welcome to just stop. You won't owe me an explanation.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
You can generally book counselling directly, without going through anyone first. Some people prefer to talk to their GP anyway, particularly if other things are being looked at at the same time.
Referral requirements and any rebates that may apply: [referral, Medicare or private health rebate position — confirm with Punam].
Cancellation and rescheduling: [cancellation policy and notice period].