FAQ's
Counselling is a type of talk therapy that promotes mental health, well-being and self-understanding. No formal diagnosis or mental health condition is needed to benefit from counselling.
Counselling focuses on understanding the client’s life story from their perspective. It is a collaborative process of exploring the client’s issues and experiences, acknowledging the client as the primary source of intimate knowledge about their life. The process is person-centred, confidential and non-judgemental. Whether it is a one-off session or long-term psychotherapy, I will listen with empathy and respect to facilitate change.
Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They can diagnose illnesses or disorders according to the DSM-5R and prescribe medications.
Psychologist – In Australia, most clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions with psychotherapy. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication, but have studied the human mind, mental health disorders, and the best treatment plans for several years at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They generally work within the ‘medical model’ of mental health care and will be able to diagnose a client’s behaviour according to the DSM-5R.
Counsellor and Psychotherapist Counsellors and psychotherapists work holistically on a person’s mental wellbeing. It means examining the person within their system, considering how their feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and experiences have shaped their state of wellbeing and how this, in turn, affects their contentment with life.
It is advisable to look for counsellors and psychotherapists who are registered with the accrediting bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Practitioners must have appropriate education and training to be members of the accrediting bodies and must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Elmarie is a member of ACA.
I am a member of the Australian Counselling Association and adhere to its Code of Conduct and Ethics.
No referrals are needed. Counselling does not presently fall under Medicare-rebated mental health plans, and therefore no doctor’s referral is required. Despite no Medicare rebate, counselling is a cost-effective mental health service due to overall lower fees. There are indications that this might change in the near future.
Counselling services currently do not qualify for Medicare rebates or a Mental Health Treatment Plan. To compensate, counselling fees are generally lower than those to see a psychologist. You will most likely find that the out-of-pocket costs to see a counsellor are similar or lower than those of a psychologist, with the bonus that there is no annual limit on the number of subsidized sessions and that there is no mention of mental health issues on your Health Record.
Some health funds do provide cover for counselling. Talk to your private health care provider to find out if counselling is included in your cover.
I have a strictly private practice. You pay me directly on the day and submit the claim to your private health care provider if you have provisions.
Yes, I see people both in person and online. A secure Zoom or Teams meeting is scheduled for your appointment time. The only request is that you have a good mobile connection and a safe spot where you can feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
Although there are advantages to face-to-face counselling, there are many reasons why clients may want or need to do one or all counselling sessions online. Let me know your preference.
No. If you would like an online consultation from anywhere in Australia or the world, we can connect via a secure online platform. Arrangements can be made during the initial 15-minute consultation. Please note that I am unable to see clients who reside in North America.
My current individual session fee is $140, and sessions are 50-60 minutes long. For couple and family counselling, the current session rate is $200 per session (regardless of the number of people attending) and is usually 90 minutes long. If individual sessions for members of the couple or family are necessary, the fee is currently $175.
I offer Brief Therapy sessions to clients who have been on the waiting lists for mental health services for an extended period of time. (To learn more, click on the Brief Therapy link, here). My current Brief Therapy session fee is $200. Sessions are approximately 75-90 minutes long.
For more information about the costs of other services I offer, please enquire using the contact form.
Yes, counselling sessions are typically confidential, meaning that what you discuss with your therapist will not be shared with others without your permission. The only exception is when there is a legal or ethical obligation to do so, such as if the therapist believes that you or someone else is at risk of harm.
Elmarie Bekker Counselling, and as such, North Canberra Counselling from where Elmarie operates, takes your privacy seriously. What you discuss with her in sessions will remain confidential, unless there is a legal or ethical obligation to do so. Elmarie receives supervision from an experienced counsellor, ensuring best practice. If she discusses your case, it will always be in a de-identified manner. Supervision improves the quality of service and continues with a counsellor’s professional development.
I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice should you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Cancellations made within 24 hours of an appointment or failure to arrive for a scheduled appointment will incur the full session fee.
Long waiting lists for mental health services deeply concern me, especially the lack of services available to young people when they need it most. I am determined to make a difference by offering young people an opportunity to come for a brief counselling session to help them bridge the support gap until they can access services.
This solution-focused approach aims to empower the client to tackle their most pressing issue and gain clarity for a path forward. Evidence shows that a single focussed session can often be transformative, providing the necessary support for change or a safe space until further services become accessible.
Please note: Brief Therapy is not a crisis intervention service. If you are in crisis, please call +61 426 761 877 or see click here for more crisis services
Each session time includes 10-15 minutes of administration time.