FAQ

Questions,

answered honestly.

Taking that first step toward support can feel daunting — especially when you're not sure what to expect. These are the questions people ask most often before booking, answered as plainly as I can.

Getting Started

  • No referral is needed — ever. You can book directly through this website without seeing your GP first or obtaining a Mental Health Care Plan. Getting started is as simple as choosing a time that works for you.

  • It's a relaxed, no-obligation call where we can get a feel for each other before committing to anything. You can ask me anything about how I work, what sessions look like, or anything else on your mind.

    There's no pressure to book a full session after the call — it's simply a chance to make sure it feels like the right fit. Most people find it helpful to have that conversation first.

  • If something in your life feels heavy, uncertain, or difficult to navigate on your own — counselling is likely a good fit. You don't need to be in crisis, have a diagnosis, or have a specific "reason" to seek support.

    Many people come to counselling simply because they want a space to think things through with someone who's genuinely listening. That's reason enough.

  • No. One of the real benefits of a private counselling practice is that you can usually get started within days, not months. Once you book, we're good to go.

  • I work with individuals aged 14 and over, and couples, anywhere in Australia. My clients are everyday people navigating everyday challenges — stress, relationships, grief, big life changes, identity, self-esteem, and more.

    I don't work with clients who are currently in acute mental health crisis or who require emergency psychiatric support. If you're unsure whether I'm the right fit, the free 15-minute consultation is a great place to start that conversation.

Sessions

  • The first session is about getting to know each other and understanding what's brought you here. There's no pressure to have everything figured out or to share more than you're comfortable with — we go at your pace from the very beginning.

    We'll talk about what you're hoping to get from counselling, what's been going on for you, and what a helpful space might look like. By the end, you'll have a clearer sense of how things might unfold.

  • Sessions are 50 minutes. How often you attend is entirely up to you — there's no fixed schedule. Many people start weekly to build momentum, then move to fortnightly as things settle. Others come monthly for ongoing support.

    We'll check in regularly about what's working and adjust as needed. You're in the driver's seat.

  • Honestly, this varies enormously from person to person — and I'd be cautious of anyone who gives you a confident number upfront. Some people find that 6–8 sessions gives them what they need. Others prefer longer-term, ongoing support.

    What I can say is that there's no fixed programme here. We work together for as long as it's useful, and you're free to pause or stop at any time.

  • Yes. Everything shared in our sessions is confidential. There are a small number of legal and ethical exceptions to this — primarily where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or where disclosure is required by law.

    These exceptions are standard across all counselling and therapy practices in Australia, and I'll always discuss them clearly with you in our first session so there are no surprises.

  • Please tell me. Honest feedback about how sessions are feeling is one of the most valuable things you can bring. If something isn't landing right, we can adjust the approach — or I can help connect you with someone else who might be a better fit.

    The therapeutic relationship works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. Your comfort and progress matter more than anything else.

Fees & Medicare

  • Some counselling services in Australia are eligible for Medicare rebates. At this stage, Whispering Hope Therapy is a private-pay practice, meaning sessions are not currently Medicare-rebatable and a Mental Health Care Plan is not required.

    The practical benefit of this is that you can access support without needing to see your GP first — no referral, no plan, no waiting. You simply book directly.

  • Private health rebates are not available for sessions at Whispering Hope Therapy. Sessions are privately funded, which means no referral, no paperwork, and no waiting — you can access support directly and get started quickly.

  • Sessions are priced as follows:

    Individual — weekday: $120  |  Weekend: $150
    Couples — weekday: $180  |  Weekend: $210
    Initial 15-min consultation: Free

    Payment is processed securely through Halaxy. See the Fees & booking page for full details.

Text Therapy

  • Text-based counselling is exactly what it sounds like — a counselling session conducted entirely through written messages rather than voice or video. Sessions are scheduled at a set time, and we communicate back and forth in real time via a secure messaging platform.

    It's a full counselling session in every way — the same 50 minutes, the same therapeutic approach, the same confidentiality. The only difference is the medium.

  • Text therapy suits a wide range of people and situations. It can be a great option if you:

    — find it easier to express yourself in writing than out loud
    — experience anxiety around phone or video calls
    — have a hearing impairment or communication difference
    — are in a shared space where privacy on a call is difficult
    — simply prefer the pace and thoughtfulness that writing allows

    Many people find that having the space to carefully choose their words helps them communicate more clearly than they might in a spoken session.

  • Research suggests that text-based therapy can be just as effective as other formats for many people and presenting concerns. The most important factor in any counselling relationship is the quality of the connection and the fit between client and counsellor — not the medium.

    The best format is the one that feels most comfortable and accessible for you. If you're curious about text therapy, the free 15-minute consultation is a good place to explore whether it might suit.

Counselling Vs Psychology

  • Both counsellors and psychologists support people with their mental health and wellbeing, but there are some differences in training, scope, and approach.

    Psychologists complete a university degree in psychology followed by postgraduate training. They can diagnose mental health conditions and are registered with AHPRA. Sessions with a registered psychologist may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan.

    Counsellors are trained in therapeutic support, communication, and evidence-based approaches. The focus is less on diagnosis and more on the whole person — their story, their strengths, and what's meaningful to them. Counsellors are typically members of a professional association such as the ACA.

    Neither is inherently "better" — the right fit depends on what you're looking for. If you're seeking support for everyday challenges, life transitions, relationships, or emotional wellbeing, counselling is often an excellent, accessible choice.

  • No. Counsellors are not trained or authorised to diagnose mental health conditions — that's within the scope of psychologists and psychiatrists. If a formal diagnosis is something you're seeking, I can help you think through the right pathway for that.

    That said, you don't need a diagnosis to benefit from counselling. Many people find that the support, reflection, and strategies offered in sessions are exactly what they need — with or without a label attached.

  • I hold a Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology). I am a member of the Australian Counselling Association at Level 1 (ACA-L1).

    ACA membership means I'm bound by a professional code of ethics, commit to ongoing professional development, and am accountable to an independent body. You can read more about this on the About me page.

Practical

  • I'm based in Townsville, Queensland, but Whispering Hope Therapy is fully remote — all sessions are conducted via phone, video, or text. This means I can work with anyone, anywhere in Australia.

    In-person sessions are not currently available.

  • Just a quiet, private space and a stable internet or phone connection. You don't need any special equipment — a phone, tablet, or computer all work fine. You'll receive a link or call details in your booking confirmation.

    Try to find somewhere you feel comfortable and won't be interrupted — this is your time.

  • More than 24 hours notice — no charge. Please cancel or reschedule via Halaxy as early as possible.

    Less than 24 hours notice — a cancellation fee of 50% of the session fee may apply. I'll always use my discretion in genuine emergencies.

    Non-attendance — the full session fee applies if you don't attend without contacting me beforehand.

  • You can manage your bookings directly through Halaxy — you'll have received a link in your confirmation email. If you're having trouble, feel free to get in touch directly and I'll sort it out with you.

  • Yes. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act and stored securely through Halaxy, which is a certified Australian health practice management platform.

    I do not share your information with third parties without your consent, except where required by law.

Still not sure

where to start?

BOOK A FREE 15-MIN CHAT

The free 15-minute consultation exists exactly for this moment — when you're curious but not quite ready to commit. Bring your questions, your uncertainties, and whatever's on your mind. There's no obligation and no wrong thing to ask.

See fees & booking


If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or go to your nearest emergency department. Whispering Hope Therapy is not a crisis service.