FAQs
The terms “counselling” and “psychotherapy” are often used interchangeably, and there can be considerable overlap between the two. However, they may differ in their focus, depth and duration.
Counselling is often shorter-term and focused on present-day concerns, practical challenges or specific goals. It can provide support when navigating grief, anger, stress or anxiety; making important personal or professional decisions; managing conflict; strengthening communication and relationships; or changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Psychotherapy generally involves a longer-term and more exploratory process. It looks more deeply at longstanding thoughts, emotions, behaviours and relationship patterns, including how earlier life experiences may continue to influence a person’s present wellbeing. Through greater self-awareness and understanding, psychotherapy can help uncover the underlying causes of recurring difficulties and support meaningful, lasting change.
While counselling may focus more closely on immediate concerns and practical outcomes, psychotherapy often creates space for deeper reflection and a more profound understanding of oneself, one’s relationships and one’s experiences.
Christian counselling brings together professional therapeutic support and the client’s Christian faith. It provides a safe and respectful space to explore emotional, relational and psychological concerns while also considering how faith, Scripture, prayer and a relationship with God may support healing and personal growth.
The way faith is included is guided by your preferences. Some people want prayer and Scripture to form an active part of their sessions, while others simply want to know that their beliefs will be understood and respected.
Christian counselling is not about dismissing difficult emotions or offering simplistic spiritual answers. It allows you to speak honestly about pain, doubt, relationships, identity and faith without fear of judgement.
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what has brought you to counselling. We may discuss the difficulties you are currently experiencing, relevant parts of your background and what you would like to gain from the process.
You do not need to share everything immediately. You are encouraged to talk at a pace that feels manageable and to ask any questions you may have about counselling or the way I work.
Together, we can identify your priorities and begin developing goals that reflect your needs. It is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you feel comfortable with me and whether my approach feels like the right fit for you.
You do not need to prepare a detailed explanation or know exactly what you want to say. Simply come as you are. It is completely normal to feel nervous, uncertain or unsure about where to begin, particularly if counselling is new to you.
It may be helpful to think briefly about what has led you to seek support and whether there is anything you would particularly like help with. However, we can work through this together during the session.
For online appointments, please remember that all session times are based on Sydney, NSW time. Try to join approximately five minutes early and choose a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. You will need a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. You may also wish to have water, tea or coffee nearby, along with a pen and paper for notes.
There is no set number of sessions that will suit everyone. The length and frequency of counselling will depend on what you would like to address, how longstanding or complex the concerns are, and the type of support you find most helpful.
Some people benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others prefer longer-term support that allows time to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change.
We can regularly review your progress together and discuss whether weekly, fortnightly or less frequent appointments are most appropriate. You remain involved in decisions about the direction and duration of your counselling.
Some may find resolution within a few sessions, while others may require a more extended period of time depending on personal circumstances and what changes they desire to work towards.
I understand that the cost of counselling can sometimes make it difficult to access support.
If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship, please contact me to discuss your circumstances. Depending on availability and your individual situation, we may be able to explore a reduced fee or another arrangement that makes attending counselling more manageable.
Any alternative fee arrangement will be discussed and agreed upon before booking.
Online counselling can provide support for a wide range of emotional, psychological, personal and relationship concerns, including:
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Anxiety
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and loss
- Parenting concerns
- Postnatal concerns
- Relationship difficulties
- Sexual concerns
- Stress and burnout
- Trauma and the effects of difficult experiences
- Professional supervision
Whether online counselling is appropriate will depend on your circumstances, preferences and support needs. This can be discussed during an initial consultation.
Online counselling may not provide the appropriate level of care when someone:
- Is experiencing an immediate crisis
- Is at imminent risk of harming themselves or another person
- Requires urgent intervention or a higher level of mental health support
- Is experiencing acute psychosis or severe psychological instability
- Cannot access a safe and private place for the appointment
- Is experiencing circumstances in which attending remotely could place them at greater risk
- Requires specialised or multidisciplinary treatment beyond the scope of the service
Online counselling may also not be suitable within my practice for children under 15.
Suitability is considered individually rather than determined by a diagnosis alone. If online counselling does not appear appropriate, I will discuss this with you and, where possible, recommend another service or level of support.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Online counselling may be particularly helpful for people who:
- Live or work in a regional, remote or isolated area
- Need greater flexibility when arranging appointments
- Have difficulty travelling because of transport, health or mobility concerns
- Are balancing counselling with parenting or caring responsibilities
- Work long, irregular or changing hours
- Feel more comfortable speaking from their own private space
- Are unable to attend the Norwest practice in person
Online counselling can make support more accessible while still providing a private and meaningful therapeutic experience. Some people prefer face-to-face sessions, however, and we can discuss which option is likely to work best for you.
Yes. Although couples counselling involves both partners, individual counselling can still help you better understand your relationship and the part you play within its patterns.
Sessions may help you clarify your needs, strengthen boundaries, improve communication, manage emotional reactions and consider how you would like to respond to difficulties within the relationship.
One person cannot control or change their partner. However, changes in the way you communicate, set boundaries and respond to conflict can influence the relationship as a whole. In some cases, a partner may also become more open to attending after noticing positive changes.
Individual counselling can also help you consider what is healthy, realistic and within your control, regardless of whether your partner chooses to participate.
Yes. What you share during counselling is treated as private and confidential, and your personal information is handled in accordance with professional and ethical requirements.
There are limited circumstances in which information may need to be disclosed—for example, when required by law or when there is a serious concern about someone’s immediate safety. These limits will be explained clearly at the beginning of counselling, and you are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any time.
You do not need to be experiencing a crisis or have a diagnosed mental health condition to benefit from counselling. You may find it helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, struggling with a particular situation or noticing patterns in your thoughts, emotions or relationships that you would like to understand or change.
Counselling can also provide a space for personal reflection, greater self-awareness and preventative support before difficulties become more overwhelming. If you are unsure, a free 15-minute introductory phone call can help you decide whether counselling—and my approach—may be right for you.
At Where’s Your Head At, counselling is personal, collaborative and tailored to you. Rather than applying one fixed approach, I draw on different therapeutic methods according to your needs, experiences and goals.
My approach combines genuine human connection with practical strategies and opportunities for deeper reflection. Sessions are designed to help you feel heard and understood while also developing insight, confidence, emotional resilience and meaningful ways of moving forward.
Whether we are addressing an immediate difficulty or exploring longstanding patterns, the work progresses at a pace that feels manageable and purposeful for you.
Yes. Counselling can assist with an immediate concern, but it can also support your longer-term emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Ongoing counselling may help you strengthen coping skills, understand yourself more deeply, recognise unhelpful patterns and respond to future challenges with greater confidence and flexibility. Some people attend for a brief period, while others value having a consistent space for reflection, growth and emotional support over a longer period.
The frequency and duration of sessions can be reviewed together so that counselling continues to reflect your needs and goals.
Counselling can support people experiencing a broad range of emotional, personal and relationship difficulties, including:
- Anxiety, worry and feeling overwhelmed
- Depression and low mood
- Stress, burnout and work-related pressures
- Trauma and the effects of difficult experiences
- Grief, loss and major life changes
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Low self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
- Boundaries, assertiveness and people-pleasing
- Relationship, family and communication difficulties
- Addictions and compulsive behaviours
- ADHD and other neurodivergent experiences
- Parenting concerns
- Identity, purpose and personal growth
You do not need to know exactly how to describe what you are experiencing before making contact. We can begin by discussing what has been happening and determine together what kind of support may be most helpful.
In-Person Therapy location in Sydney
We can work together in my private counselling space in Norwest, NSW, or via video call or phone call for those who prefer remote sessions. The office is conveniently located close to the metro and public transport, with free parking available.
Explore my Therapy Services
Explore my range of support services, each thoughtfully tailored to meet you exactly where you are. Learn how I can help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and care.
Book a Free 15-minute Introductory Call
If you are uncertain about beginning counselling or which service may be appropriate, I offer a free 15-minute introductory phone call. This is an opportunity to briefly discuss what you are seeking support with, ask questions, and get a sense of whether I may be the right counsellor for you. It is not a counselling session or a commitment to book an appointment – it is simply a straightforward conversation to help you decide what comes next.
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