FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Are Your Sessions Held?
I offer sessions in person at my practice in Remuera, Auckland and across New Zealand online and over the phone.
What Can I Expect In Our First Counselling Session?
This is the start of our working relationship. It is the time when you tell me in depth about your problem, its history and its manifestations in your day-to-day life. We will probably also touch on the current structure of your life, your family and your support systems for me to get a more comprehensive picture of your situation. We will also discuss your goals and hopes in coming to counselling.
Towards the end of the session, I will offer a review of what you have shared with me, the insights that we have gained thus far, as well as suggest a plan for future work if required. You can at this point decide if you would like to continue working with me.
How Long Is Each Session And How Often Do We Meet?
Sessions last one hour (approximately 55 minutes of therapeutic time, with a few minutes at the beginning and the end to wrap up).
I usually see clients on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on individual needs and availability. I recommend not spacing sessions further apart than fortnightly, as longer gaps can slow the therapeutic process and reduce momentum.
How Much Do You Charge?
My fee is $145 per one-hour session. Payment is required on the day of each session and can be made by cash or internet banking. A receipt can be provided on request and will be emailed to you after our session.
What Happens If I Need To Reschedule Or Cancel An Appointment?
Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time are charged at the full session fee. I understand that unexpected situations can arise and that you may occasionally need to cancel an appointment. If this happens, I ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible. This allows the appointment to be offered to another client who may be waiting for a session.
Can I Trust That What I Share With You Will Remain Private?
Confidentiality
As a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), I work in accordance with the NZAC Code of Ethics, which is grounded in confidentiality, respect, and integrity. This means that what you share in our sessions is treated as private and confidential.
When Confidentiality May Be Broken There are specific circumstances, outlined in the NZAC Code of Ethics (Section 6.2), where confidentiality may need to be broken. These include situations where:
• there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, either immediately or in the foreseeable future
• your ability to make informed decisions is significantly impaired
• I am legally required to disclose information
• information is required in response to a complaint about counselling practice
Whenever possible, I will talk with you about this first and involve you in the decision, unless doing so would increase the risk to you or others. I also seek guidance from a professional supervisor before making such decisions.
Supervision
Regular professional supervision is a normal and important part of counselling practice. It helps ensure that I am offering you the best possible support. Supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality standards as I am. Any information shared is limited to what is helpful for supervision, and your identity is protected at all times.