How do I know if counselling is for me?

If you are wanting to make changes with your life, improve your relation ship or struggling with mental health the counselling is probably right for you. Feel free to book in for a complimentary 15 minute chat if you want to explore this more.

What type of therapy do you do?

Person Centered and Trauma Informed

Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Where are you located?

We are located in Malvern, Vic 3144 and also available for telephone and video consultations. We don’t give out our address until clients have been screened for privacy, safety and security reasons.

How do I book an appointment?

If you are a new client you can book a free 15 minute introductory consultation here or use the secure form on our contact page to send me an email. You can also call or SMS using the phone number on the contact page.

Existing clients can use the email address or phone number given to them at their first consultation.

Due to the large number of search engine optimization and marketing spam received I have had to remove my direct email address from this website.

What if I need to cancel/reschedule my appointment?

Please contact us as soon as possible to allow us to rebook another client who may be waiting for an appointment.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $50 cancellation free.

Do you offer before/after school or work sessions?

Yes, absolutely. As these times are in higher demand it may be more difficult to book at this time but they are available wherever possible.

Do I need a referral to see you?

No, but if you have one that can be helpful. It allows me to know why your coming to see me and work with that specific issue first. Most people also find out they have other things to talk about when they come to counselling.

How long does a counselling session go for?

My counselling sessions are 80 minutes in duration. Couples therapy sessions are 110 minutes as there is usually multiple issues at play and I often like to talk to people individually first and then together as a couple.

How much does counselling cost?

Standard rates are $150 for 80 minutes or $200 for couples sessions. There are times when concession rates and discounts apply.

Do you offer concession rates?

Yes. A concession rate will apply to concession card holders, trans and gender diverse people and students who are self pay. NDIS clients are billed at the full standard rate.

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, EFTPos, Cash and ETF are all accepted at the end of your in person session. Telehealth consultations are billed prior to the session.

Do you accept Medicare Mental Healthcare Plans?

Counsellors are not eligible for Medicare claiming.

However, as many mental health professionals who can claim Medicare are now charging up and over $220 an hour and the  rebate being around $90 there is usually a gap of at least $130 payable by you. My sessions are longer (80 minutes) making my service a better value proposition.

I have studied Psychology and Counselling for over 6 years, the same as amount of time as a Psychologist. Counsellors have   extensive training in the counselling process and are equally suited to helping you achieve your goals.

Is your office accessible?

My office is located on the first floor, up 25 steps. There is a landing half way up to rest at. Unfortunately the building I work from doesn’t have wheelchair access but I can see you on Telehealth.

How do I access Telehealth?

Go to https://doxy.me/harpercounselling in any web browser and enter your name. You will be placed in a virtual waiting room until your appointment time.

How do I prepare for my first counselling session?

No need. My intake process is designed to get to the bottom of why you have come to see me and where to start from. Come in your comfy clothes and try not to stress too much. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable and relaxed, just be yourself.

Are my counselling sessions private?

YES. Privacy is the hallmark of counselling and can only be breached under certain condition:

There is imminent danger to you or someone else’s life

Upon a subpoena from a court of law

I am mandated by law

Where you give me permission to coordinate further care

If you are unsure if any of these situations may apply please ask beforehand.

I do not divulge private information shared by young people to their parents, including self harm.

What will happen at the first counselling session?

You’ll be ask to arrive a few minutes early to fill out some confidential information, answer some questions about why you have come and do a short questionnaire to assess your mental health. Then we’ll head into my office where we will clarify the information you have provided together, talk about why you have come to see me and we’ll chat.

There are plushies, colouring books and sensory toys in my office for the young and young at heart.

How many sessions will I need?

This often comes down to your needs and wants. Some people see me for just a couple of sessions and some people see me for ongoing therapy. It really does depend on what’s going on in your life and your goals. You are in the driver’s seat here.

If your office really dog friendly?

Absolutely. I often have Roxy in the office with me.

If you would like to bring your dog with you please let me know before your session as more than one dog can be a bit to distracting for everyone. Your pet must be toilet trained, flea and parasite protected and able to chill for the duration of your session.

If you have an allergy or would rather not have an animal present during your session please let me know and Roxy will be just as happy to chill at home on the couch for the day. She’s really very chill.