Everyone can always benefit from therapy. You do not need to feel ‘sick’ or like you are struggling to attend therapy. Sometimes it is nice to just have someone who listens. Some signs that you could benefit from therapy include: if you are struggling more than usual, if you feel more emotional than usual, if you are experiencing a problem that you do not know how to solve on your own, if you have experienced a loss or life transition, and if your problems, behaviours and/or emotions are interfering with your daily life.

The main difference between a counsellor and a psychologist in Australia is a psychologist can diagnose a client with mental health conditions and a counsellor cannot. Counsellors are trained to use the same modalities and theories psychologists use, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and others. Counsellors use these modalities and strategies to assist clients with issues such as trauma, anxiety and depression, but we just don’t diagnose the issue. Counsellors are also capable of assisting clients with life events including interpersonal problems, work stress and new transitions. Counsellors generally take a warm and highly collaborative approach with clients. Our training includes more of the “people skills” and counselling skills than psychologist training does. Basically, whilst counsellors and psychologists draw from the same toolbox, the way we use those tools can vary. Another key difference in Australia is that counsellors are not able to give clients a medicare rebate, but a psychologist can.

Use the ‘book now’ button to enter the client portal. If you are an existing client you can manage your own appointment calendar here. If you are a new client please use the enquiry form by clicking ‘Contact’ in the main menu, or email amberrosecounselling@outlook.com.

I do have a cancellation fee policy that I enforce if a client cancels their session without 24 hours notice. This is because I have set aside that hour and now cannot use it for another client. I understand life happens, and sometimes you need to reschedule. During our first session we will go over this policy and the exceptions.

In the main menu you can read more about telehealth and its benefits. Please have a read and email me with any questions or concerns.

In our first session we will go over what confidentiality is and its limits. By law and by my counselling ethics, yes, our sessions are confidential and private. However there are some exceptions to this, such as when you or someone else is at risk of being harmed, or when a vulnerable person is being abused, or when a court sends me a subpoena. You can choose to share as much as you like about our sessions with your loved ones - but I will not share your details or what was talked about in session except for those exceptions as mentioned.

I will always practice within my scope of practice - which means that if you call me about an issue that I think would be better suited for someone with more specialised training, I will offer to refer you on. This is to make sure you are getting the best care possible.

No. Due to policy around the Medicare Benefits Scheme, I cannot offer you a rebate. If this is something you need, your GP will be able to refer you to someone who can offer you a rebate.

I have information on my website about my approach and the issues that I have helped other clients with. I also provide a free 10 minute phone consultation. This is a chance for you to hear more about my experience and work style.

This phone conversation is brief, so we will not be going in-depth with your issue. In this brief phone conversation we will discuss your issue generally and I will tell you more about my practice, my fees, and how I can assist you. We will each learn more about one another. You will have the option to book in a session with me then or to go away and think about it. I encourage everyone to ‘shop around’ for a counsellor who is the right fit for you. After all, this is about you and your care.

Everybody is different. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, some do fortnightly, and others prefer something less frequent. Some people attend regularly but then take breaks before resuming regular sessions. Your therapy should work for you. By that I mean, it is up to you how often or how long you choose to attend for. It also needs to be sustainable for you, in terms of time and finances. Talk to me about any concerns you have.

The best way to contact me is by using my contact form in the main menu bar. This is because that form allows me to learn more about you and what it is you are seeking, which gives us more time to talk about other things during our phone consultation and first session. You can also follow me on social media, or email me at amberrosecounselling@outlook.com. If you call me on the phone please leave a message with your name, number and purpose of call and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

No. I spend my time between private practice, working with alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and also a suicide crisis services. This has given me valuable insight and experience that adds value to my private practice work.