How can I get started?
Feel free to call or email us. Having a conversation with us will give you a sense of who we are and how we approach counselling. If you are new to counselling some people find that having a lot of questions to ask at the initial phone/email contact is helpful in making that initial commitment. Other people are more comfortable getting a sense for how counselling works at the first session.
How much does it cost?
Pedro charges $75 per 1 hour session and $85 for couples and after hour appointments.
Alice charges $120 per session for clients who have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP. This entitles you to a $85 rebate per session (up to 10 sessions per year). Your GP must diagnose an identifiable mental health issue for you to be able to access this scheme. If you are not on a MHCP, Alice charges $100 per session (Note: Concession rates are available, so please discuss with Alice).
Where are you? Is there parking?
We work from 2 practices: Lismore and Mullumbimby.
Lismore practice: Suite 3 / 95 Molesworth Street, next to the Summerland Credit Union Building. There is plenty of parking located behind our building, in a 2-hour free parking lot.
Mullumbimby practice: Mullumbimby Psychology, 55 Burringbar Street Mullumbimby. Next to Santos and above the florist/art & clothing shop.
Is there wheelchair access?
Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access at these premises.
What is your availability? Are you available afterhours?
Alice is available Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Pedro is available Tuesdays to Fridays
How long are the sessions and how often would I need to see you?
Sessions are generally 1 hour duration although longer of shorter sessions can be negotiated. Most of our clients come for a weekly sessions although we can negotiate more frequent contact, if such a high level of support is needed, or less frequent contact according to what you feel works best for you. Saying that, we believe that the most effective level of contact is weekly.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?
This question really depends on what sort of commitment you feel you can make. Our work is client centred in that we work with what the client needs. Some people find 3 sessions is enough to gain some clarity on an issue and to experience a shift in circumstances. Other people commit to work that extends over a few months or longer term. We believe that counselling can be more effective when a commitment to a number of initial sessions is made, such as 6 to 12. This allows the work to have more focus.