Counselling in Kennington, VIC
![Photo of Defah Dattner - Golden Point Counselling, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ea47e03-2b4b-4bdc-b5c4-e429c975cb36/2/320x400.jpeg)
Golden Point Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Kennington, VIC 3550
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
![Photo of Ali Burley, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73e66830-ac79-465b-8ddd-c986c2575fb2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be exhilarating and scary at the same time. Figuring out what’s important to us and how to get it can be tricky. I particularly love working with 15-25 year olds and anyone who still feels like a big kid..so let’s talk...0402437406. Want to clarify how you got to be who you are? Need help to accept your likeable and not so likeable self? Want to explore your identity and establish your independence? Relationships not going the way you would like?
Life can be exhilarating and scary at the same time. Figuring out what’s important to us and how to get it can be tricky. I particularly love working with 15-25 year olds and anyone who still feels like a big kid..so let’s talk...0402437406. Want to clarify how you got to be who you are? Need help to accept your likeable and not so likeable self? Want to explore your identity and establish your independence? Relationships not going the way you would like?
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Sam Brennan - Sam Brennan Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdd88d88-f344-4b18-b32a-7c75ec5dc438/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sam Brennan Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Every person I work with is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This means looking beyond people's current condition, situation or diagnosis to also consider their broader life-history, including how current symptoms may have been shaped by early life experiences. I believe that everybody, no matter how complex or challenging their situation, circumstances or life experiences, when provided the right support has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and resilience.
Every person I work with is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This means looking beyond people's current condition, situation or diagnosis to also consider their broader life-history, including how current symptoms may have been shaped by early life experiences. I believe that everybody, no matter how complex or challenging their situation, circumstances or life experiences, when provided the right support has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and resilience.
![Photo of Laura Hvala - Mandala Health: Counselling Psychotherapy, MPsych, ACA-L4, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a260a207-8471-4e59-92bc-6d9c58a0ee2c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mandala Health: Counselling Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MPsych, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Hello, my name is Laura. I'm a psychotherapist & relationship counsellor. My therapeutic approach is guided by depth-psychodynamic and analytical principles (est. by Carl Jung). I help clients work through difficult life situations to resolve painful emotional processes, such as depression, anxiety, anger, grief, sadness, isolation & despair, to gain new insights, understanding and acceptance; and to develop deeper, more authentic and intimate relationships with others. I also recognise and provide specialised interventions for complex trauma & PTSD; including: TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process), EMDR, TFT & Sandplay therapy.
Hello, my name is Laura. I'm a psychotherapist & relationship counsellor. My therapeutic approach is guided by depth-psychodynamic and analytical principles (est. by Carl Jung). I help clients work through difficult life situations to resolve painful emotional processes, such as depression, anxiety, anger, grief, sadness, isolation & despair, to gain new insights, understanding and acceptance; and to develop deeper, more authentic and intimate relationships with others. I also recognise and provide specialised interventions for complex trauma & PTSD; including: TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process), EMDR, TFT & Sandplay therapy.
![Photo of Michelle Downs, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7a07458-ebcb-49f8-bbe8-17690e9d3524/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Accredited EMDR therapist and Clinical Resource therapist. I am specialised in trauma and work with people impacted by Complex PTSD; Acute Trauma; attachment trauma; historical and recent sexual assault and family violence and relationship issues. I am very much an outcome focused therapist and work with individuals to achieve effective and positive results. Understanding the importance of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, I naturally put people at ease and provide an open, honest and safe space without judgment. I work with people via VOCAT, Worksafe, GP referral and self referral.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Accredited EMDR therapist and Clinical Resource therapist. I am specialised in trauma and work with people impacted by Complex PTSD; Acute Trauma; attachment trauma; historical and recent sexual assault and family violence and relationship issues. I am very much an outcome focused therapist and work with individuals to achieve effective and positive results. Understanding the importance of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, I naturally put people at ease and provide an open, honest and safe space without judgment. I work with people via VOCAT, Worksafe, GP referral and self referral.
![Photo of Veronica A Collins, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2719cf40-de3b-470c-a814-a31a5f0202c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer holistic psychotherapy and counselling to address issues of inner and outer conflict, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, low confidence, grief and loss. By facilitating the expanding of self-awareness there's growth in health and wholeness; becoming more authentic, purposeful & integrated; and creating better harmony within relationships. Offering parent/child relationship work.
I offer holistic psychotherapy and counselling to address issues of inner and outer conflict, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, low confidence, grief and loss. By facilitating the expanding of self-awareness there's growth in health and wholeness; becoming more authentic, purposeful & integrated; and creating better harmony within relationships. Offering parent/child relationship work.
![Photo of Helen Fraser, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cdfd01c-aab5-46d5-aa89-46f45edc73bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I can help you to search into the hidden depths of your unconscious to find the extraordinary strengths and resources waiting to be discovered there. Together we will explore events, dreams, childhood, symptoms, patterns, fantasies, daydreams and the therapeutic relationship to build understanding that will help you to accept yourself and move forward. We will look at your relationships, how you live, the roles and masks you put on, and how you protect your vulnerability.
I can help you to search into the hidden depths of your unconscious to find the extraordinary strengths and resources waiting to be discovered there. Together we will explore events, dreams, childhood, symptoms, patterns, fantasies, daydreams and the therapeutic relationship to build understanding that will help you to accept yourself and move forward. We will look at your relationships, how you live, the roles and masks you put on, and how you protect your vulnerability.
![Photo of Dee-Anne James - Friends for Good Counselling and Wellbeing Service, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eeb9e49c-8e1a-4105-b48e-96904e228db3/1/320x400.png)
Friends for Good Counselling and Wellbeing Service
Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
The Friends for Good Counselling and Wellbeing Service is a team of dedicated Psychologists and Counselors ready to help with mental health challenges via Telehealth. Our service is inclusive, flexible, affordable and person-centered. The service is run by Friends for Good, a national not-for-profit and all proceeds go towards supporting our free services helping people who experience loneliness and social isolation.
The Friends for Good Counselling and Wellbeing Service is a team of dedicated Psychologists and Counselors ready to help with mental health challenges via Telehealth. Our service is inclusive, flexible, affordable and person-centered. The service is run by Friends for Good, a national not-for-profit and all proceeds go towards supporting our free services helping people who experience loneliness and social isolation.
![Photo of Brianna King - Light the Way Counselling, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d1ce0f4-a4d0-4c27-ada8-2c5b8a585285/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of only just surviving & ready to start thriving? Do you want to understand your inner experience - thoughts, beliefs, emotions, behaviours & why they are the way that they are? Are you ready to feel empowered in your life & relationships? Do you want to become more balanced, peaceful, secure & connected in all areas of life? Well, I love helping people with this! I offer a combination of both talk therapy & somatic therapy. I also offer a 12 session structured program that comes with in-between session work to really dig in & dive deep into your subconscious programming.
Are you tired of only just surviving & ready to start thriving? Do you want to understand your inner experience - thoughts, beliefs, emotions, behaviours & why they are the way that they are? Are you ready to feel empowered in your life & relationships? Do you want to become more balanced, peaceful, secure & connected in all areas of life? Well, I love helping people with this! I offer a combination of both talk therapy & somatic therapy. I also offer a 12 session structured program that comes with in-between session work to really dig in & dive deep into your subconscious programming.
![Photo of Sylvia Charlton, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02eca51c-370b-45e0-8406-617753a8196d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sylvia Charlton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Do you experience the impact of past trauma in your day to day life? Do you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or are triggered by certain things associated with memories from events that happened in the past? I can help you to understand your autonomic nervous system and why you experience defensive reactions such as fight, flight and freeze in certain situations long after the traumatic event happened. I can help you to recognise when the triggers impact your nervous system and your reaction to them. We can work towards returning the trauma to the past where it belongs, and restore your felt sense of safety.
Do you experience the impact of past trauma in your day to day life? Do you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or are triggered by certain things associated with memories from events that happened in the past? I can help you to understand your autonomic nervous system and why you experience defensive reactions such as fight, flight and freeze in certain situations long after the traumatic event happened. I can help you to recognise when the triggers impact your nervous system and your reaction to them. We can work towards returning the trauma to the past where it belongs, and restore your felt sense of safety.
![Photo of Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fd35a01-9588-4bc2-b1a3-fe0248663743/2/320x400.png)
Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
![Photo of Stacey O'Neil, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9e955eb-2c41-42ee-a52a-4a50a72529f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Stacey and I am passionate about supporting people to work through challenges, whether these are current or historical. If you are experiencing difficulties and want to manage these in a different way, or maybe you would like to try and understand yourself better in order to make change, then please reach out to discuss your needs. You may just want someone to see and hear you - I passionately believe in creating a safe space for people. Therapy can provide the opportunity for exploration and change.
Hi, I'm Stacey and I am passionate about supporting people to work through challenges, whether these are current or historical. If you are experiencing difficulties and want to manage these in a different way, or maybe you would like to try and understand yourself better in order to make change, then please reach out to discuss your needs. You may just want someone to see and hear you - I passionately believe in creating a safe space for people. Therapy can provide the opportunity for exploration and change.
![Photo of Natasha Kiemel-Incorvaia, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7af8ad39-c695-45c5-8c13-241a1bcc2c78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Kiemel-Incorvaia
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
With over 9 years experience as a psychologist I am skilled at combining a range of trauma, body-based and cognitive based therapies to support my clients holistically. This includes the vagus nerve, lymphatic system and gut. I can support you with anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD (EMDR) mindset, motivation, study, career, relationships, friendships, pregnancy, post-partum, and tic disorders. My service Graciously You is a telehealth ONLY service which is streamlined to meet your needs and fit around your busy schedule. I also offer a range of online course options (incl. on-demand) on how to start supporting your nervous system.
With over 9 years experience as a psychologist I am skilled at combining a range of trauma, body-based and cognitive based therapies to support my clients holistically. This includes the vagus nerve, lymphatic system and gut. I can support you with anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD (EMDR) mindset, motivation, study, career, relationships, friendships, pregnancy, post-partum, and tic disorders. My service Graciously You is a telehealth ONLY service which is streamlined to meet your needs and fit around your busy schedule. I also offer a range of online course options (incl. on-demand) on how to start supporting your nervous system.
![Photo of Oli Doyle, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf1de810-b0eb-4901-934a-bf7ec69bb302/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
![Photo of Caralyn Collins - Guiding Steps, PsychD, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25df8a2c-2f65-4871-962d-188c6b4d0fcf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I am Caralyn, a Bendigo-based therapeutic counsellor and coach. I truly believe everyone has their own unique capabilities and, with the right level of support, can achieve whatever is important to them through counselling. Guiding Steps is unique in approach incorporating coaching into the counselling plan to ensure the person has the right level of support to learn, implement and build skills they identify during their therapy sessions. I am passionate about tailoring the counselling support to the person’s needs and preferences. My motto is “support is person-first, person-directed and meaningful to them”.
Hi, I am Caralyn, a Bendigo-based therapeutic counsellor and coach. I truly believe everyone has their own unique capabilities and, with the right level of support, can achieve whatever is important to them through counselling. Guiding Steps is unique in approach incorporating coaching into the counselling plan to ensure the person has the right level of support to learn, implement and build skills they identify during their therapy sessions. I am passionate about tailoring the counselling support to the person’s needs and preferences. My motto is “support is person-first, person-directed and meaningful to them”.
![Photo of Harrison Carter - Get Psych'd Youth Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b239e494-9c4c-4ed8-bd50-87d33151d24f/2/320x400.png)
At Get Psych'd we're all about reaching and enriching the lives of young people. Get Psych'd is a youth and young adults psychology practice in Bendigo supporting young people to overcome challenges and build a healthy mindset.
At Get Psych'd we're all about reaching and enriching the lives of young people. Get Psych'd is a youth and young adults psychology practice in Bendigo supporting young people to overcome challenges and build a healthy mindset.
![Photo of Tony O'Loughlin, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ad258ff-359d-4377-88f3-d1b6d574b93c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a registered integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to find other ways of being that bring ease, connection and lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing particular challenges like anxiety, childhood trauma, low mood, grief or loss, want more enriching relationships, or seeking deeper self-understanding and self-awareness, psychotherapy can be a supportive and powerful tool. I have specific interest and deep understanding in working with clients with childhood trauma, experiencing anxiety and burnout and navigating life transitions in professional and personal life.
I'm a registered integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to find other ways of being that bring ease, connection and lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing particular challenges like anxiety, childhood trauma, low mood, grief or loss, want more enriching relationships, or seeking deeper self-understanding and self-awareness, psychotherapy can be a supportive and powerful tool. I have specific interest and deep understanding in working with clients with childhood trauma, experiencing anxiety and burnout and navigating life transitions in professional and personal life.
![Photo of Sara Louise Harris, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc75cb3-e449-4fab-9d92-9c7b2bf154b8/1/320x400.png)
Specialising in relationships, trauma and anxiety. I work collaboratively with you to reach your mental health & wellbeing goals, working with individuals, couples, families & teens. People often present with anxiety, depression, health issues/challenges, trauma, anger issues, lack of self-worth/confidence, parenting challenges, relationship issues, family challenges, difficulty managing stress, grief/loss & more. Specialising also in women's health issues impacting mental health, including fertility, perinatal anxiety, menopause, PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, cancers, etc. Here to support you to enrich your life & your relationships.
Specialising in relationships, trauma and anxiety. I work collaboratively with you to reach your mental health & wellbeing goals, working with individuals, couples, families & teens. People often present with anxiety, depression, health issues/challenges, trauma, anger issues, lack of self-worth/confidence, parenting challenges, relationship issues, family challenges, difficulty managing stress, grief/loss & more. Specialising also in women's health issues impacting mental health, including fertility, perinatal anxiety, menopause, PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, cancers, etc. Here to support you to enrich your life & your relationships.
![Photo of Louise Jansz - Fourfold Therapy, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dbc97e4-ac7f-4bbe-a878-75d7bcc8d852/3/320x400.jpeg)
Louise is a PACFA registered psychotherapist and holistic counsellor. Using targeted interventions, including somatic experiencing and brainspotting, I guide you through life's transitions, fostering self-discovery and growth. I support both lifelong questing and short term crisis. You may be facing uncertainty, anxiety, depression, addiction or an identity crisis. We will work on strategies to manage emotions and adapt to changing circumstances. I create a safe haven to foster self-compassion, self-understanding as you learn to self-regulate, build resilience and communicate your needs as you gain momentum back in your life.
Louise is a PACFA registered psychotherapist and holistic counsellor. Using targeted interventions, including somatic experiencing and brainspotting, I guide you through life's transitions, fostering self-discovery and growth. I support both lifelong questing and short term crisis. You may be facing uncertainty, anxiety, depression, addiction or an identity crisis. We will work on strategies to manage emotions and adapt to changing circumstances. I create a safe haven to foster self-compassion, self-understanding as you learn to self-regulate, build resilience and communicate your needs as you gain momentum back in your life.
![Photo of Dominic James Lawrenson - Dom Lawrenson Counselling, ACA-L4, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bfc155e-15a3-4161-be65-e1c63ec117e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dom brings a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to counselling with individuals and couples. During his time in private practice, he has conducted in excess of 4000 sessions with clients from very diverse backgrounds and experiences. He is an enthusiastic member of the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) as well as an accredited Supervisor to other counsellors. He continually builds on his expertise and knowledge so he can provide the highest level of care and assistance. In providing a non-judgmental space Dom always strives to create an encouraging environment that helps his clients speak and express themselves freely.
Dom brings a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to counselling with individuals and couples. During his time in private practice, he has conducted in excess of 4000 sessions with clients from very diverse backgrounds and experiences. He is an enthusiastic member of the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) as well as an accredited Supervisor to other counsellors. He continually builds on his expertise and knowledge so he can provide the highest level of care and assistance. In providing a non-judgmental space Dom always strives to create an encouraging environment that helps his clients speak and express themselves freely.
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Nearby Searches for Kennington
See More CounsellorsHow does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Kennington, VIC
< 10
Counsellors in Kennington, VIC who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bereavement |
100% | Parenting |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Domestic Violence |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
How Counsellors in Kennington, VIC see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Kennington?
Search for nearby psychologists or counsellors by inputting your city, suburb, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. Psychologists must be registered in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Most Social Workers listed in the directory are members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in Australia.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Australia could be between $100 and $250. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the ACA, PACFA, or the APS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others or when a minor is in danger, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.