Getting started with Working Well

More about counselling

  • If you have never had counselling before, or it’s been a while, knowing where to start can be tricky.

    At Working Well Counselling, we make it easy.

    If you have any questions about counselling and what to expect, simply contact us and we will answer your queries with no obligation.

    If you would like to book a session with us, simply access our online booking form, choosing a time and day that best suit you.

    Before your first session you will receive a client intake form and a confidentiality agreement. You will need to sign and return these before your first session.

  • Working Well Counselling offers three different styles of counselling – online, face-to-face and eco-therapy.

    All styles of counselling are proven to be effective at improving mental health, developing coping skills and supporting healthier, happier behaviours and outcomes.

  • We offer different style of counselling because people need different things. There is no “one-size-fits all” solution.

    In a busy world, we know it can be hard for people to make the time to travel to and from face-to-face appointments. Online sessions provide the same care, more conveniently.

    Some people prefer being in the same room as their counsellor and find the therapeutic relationship benefits from that dynamic.

    Eco-therapy takes place in nature and incorporates gentle physical movement (walking) where possible, which is proven to help support good mental health.

  • Counselling can work for anyone. Working Well Counselling welcomes clients over the age of 18 years. If you need support for a younger person, please contact us and we can help connect you with the most appropriate services.

  • Your first counselling session will be about connecting with your counsellor and getting to know each other. Your counsellor will ask questions about what has brought you to counselling and some details about your life. This helps your counsellor make a full assessment of your needs and create the best treatment approach. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the counselling process.

  • ‍No, you do not need a referral to see one of our therapists. Simply contact us or use the booking form to make an appointment.

  • No, you do not need a formal mental health care plan to access our services.

  • Our session fees reflects the average cost of counselling in Australia.

    Because you do not need a GP referral and we do not currently offer Medicare or private health rebates, our fees are lower than you would pay to see a GP-referred therapist, even after the rebate.

    At Working Well Counselling our costs are as follows:

    • First session (60 Mins) $200

    • Subsequent online sessions (50 mins) $180

    • Subsequent face-to-face sessions (50 mins) $180

    • Ecotherapy sessions (60 mins) $180

    If you have any questions about fees, contact us.

  • We do not currently offer a Medicare subsidised services or a private health rebate. Our fees are reflected in this to mirror what you would pay out-of-pocket after receiving a Medicare subsidy.

  • Yes, counselling is confidential. The only time a counsellor has a duty to report is where there is risk of harm to the client or another person. If the counsellor is ordered by a court of law, they must also legally share record and sessions notes. All sessions notes are kept for seven years post last session and then destroyed.

  • Counselling is an evidence-based support system for improving mental health. A type of talk therapy, counselling can improve wellbeing, lessen stress and create healthier behaviours and thought processes.

  • Counselling works by using evidence-based psychological methods to create strategies and solutions that work for you and your unique needs. This will include drawing from different methods and approaches including person-centred counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy and more. If you are interested in a specific style of treatment, contact us so we can be sure we match you with the right therapist. Learn more about different styles of counselling models.

  • Counselling can be helpful when life gets tough. Work, relationships, family, finances, ageing, illness, grief and trauma can all impact how we feel, think and behave. Counselling is one tool people can use to feel more supported when things aren’t working well.

  • Counselling provides a dedicated time and place to work through difficult feelings, thoughts and behaviours, while discovering new ways to cope and move forwards in a healthier, happier way.

  • Talking to a counsellor is not like talking to a friend or loved one. Friends often try and tell us what to do when we’re in crisis. Sometimes they might judge our decisions or tell us what we should have done, or what work for them in the same situation. Your therapist will not tell you what to do, judge or criticise you. Your counsellor will strive to create an environment of trust where you feel safe to open up and talk about your life without fear of judgement. By seeing the world as you do, counsellors can help support you in finding solutions and coping skills that work for you as an individual.

  • Our counsellors are highly trained, accredited mental health professionals. Our fully accredited and registered counsellors work with you to provide guidance and support for personal and professional challenges.

  • Counselling can help with any personal or professional challenges, including:

    • Relationship/marriage stress

    • Financial concerns

    • Grief

    • Worry and anxiety

    • Low mood and depression

    • Overwhelm and stress

    • Family challenges

    • Work and career transitions

    • Body image and eating issues

    • Substance reliance

    • Illness and health problems

    • Identity or life stage changes

    • Self-esteem and self-confidence building

    • Coping skills and strategies

    • Trauma and trauma-related symptoms

    • Pre and post-natal stress and worry

    • Peri and menopause anxiety and symptoms

  • Online counselling takes place over a video-conferencing system. Online counselling might be suitable if you are time-poor, have difficulty leaving the house or simply prefer the convenience of having a counselling session when it suits you. Our online counselling sessions mean you can connect with therapy at a place and time that works for you. You will need technology that supports good visual and audio connection and a private, quiet place to conduct the session to ensure your confidentiality.

  • Our face-to-face counselling sessions take place in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Our clinic space is a private, quiet environment, offering a comfortable place to talk. Close to public transport options and accessible parking, our Randwick location is ideal for in-person counselling.

  • At Working Well Counselling, our eco-therapy sessions take place in a public space, such as a park or beach. If you are physically able, the session is conducted during a gentle walk. Learn more about the physical and mental health benefit of walk and talk therapy.

  • There is no best or one most effective style of counselling. The style that suits you will depend on your needs. You may choose to have a mix of styles across your treatment plan.

  • Yes. When you make your booking you can choose the style of session you prefer. If cancellations or changes are made less than 24 hours before the appointment, costs will apply.

  • Every person is different. Our therapists will work with you to create a treatment plan that provides you with the right type of support for as long as you need it.

  • If you do not like your counsellor or feel they are not the right fit for you, we can match you with one of our other trained professionals. There is no obligation to keep seeing a counsellor. We are also happy to refer you to external providers if we feel we cannot meet your needs.

  • We’re happy to answer any questions. Contact us here.