Sage Counselling & Coaching
FAQ's

What happens in the first and consecutive counselling or coaching sessions?

The first session is about making you feel at ease, getting to know each other, and starting to understand the background of the issue you find challenging.

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What will we talk about?

We will explore the topics that you bring to the session.The approach that Sage uses is person centered.  

 

What happens in ongoing sessions?

Ongoing sessions allow for a relationship to develop, and relationship development is the key to positive change. It allows them to understand your perspective and empathise with your situation. Following this, your counsellor or coach is able to use their knowledge and experience to offer you tailored therapeutic approaches and programs to help you uncover your pathway forward, and your potential for resilience and growth to help resolve your challenge.

 

How many counselling or coaching sessions will I need and how regularly?

For counseling or coaching to be most effective, it is best to attend on a regular basis; however this will differ for individuals. Some people come to counselling or coaching with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient. Other people come to counselling or coaching with more complex issues and may feel they need to attend on a median or long term basis to understand and resolve these.

 

Do I need a referral from my GP?

You do not need a referral from your GP, and as such the sessions will not go onto your medical records, meaning that your appointment is completely confidential.

 

Can I claim sessions on Medicare and Private Health Fund Insurance? Cost comparisons?

There are no rebates available for sessions with Sage Counselling and Coaching, however, the cost is comparable to the gap payable to psychologists and psychiatrists after you have claimed the Medicare rebate.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel within 24 hours of the appointment 100% of the fee is payable. If you give more than 24 hours notice, there is no charge.

 

What is the difference between a counsellor/therapist, coach, social worker, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

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A trained Counsellor/therapist attends a university and has a diploma or degree. They utilise talk therapy and tailor therapeutic approaches to assist clients to find a resolution. Ensure that your counsellor is a member of an appropriate professional association as they provide high standards of practice and experience. Such as Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) https://www.pacfa.org.au/  and Australian Counselling Association (ACA) https://www.theaca.net.au/index.php.

 

Coaching is a method involving practical and emotional support for an individual or a group to develop, learn or enhance their skills, insights or overcome specific challenges. For example, Parent Coaching is an collaborative and transformative process that equips parents with the tools and insights to nurture their relationships with their children.

 

Social workers help people to face life's challenges, improve their wellbeing, and do their best to ensure they are treated fairly. Social workers can see people when they are facing some sort of crisis, such as family difficulties, homelessness or mental health issues. Social workers are trained at university in human behaviour, families, social justice and human rights. They must meet certain professional standards and are regulated by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

 

Psychologists attend university and have a degree and post grad studies in psychology. Psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions. Psychologists will also use talk therapy. You need a General Practitioner (GP) referral to see a psychologist. Psychology is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).

 

Psychiatrists attend medical school and become doctors. They are trained to link mental and physical problems and prescribe medication. Some psychiatrists will also use talk therapy. You need a General Practitioner (GP) referral to see a psychiatrist. Psychiatry is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).

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