FAQ

Therapy in all cases, must provide 

• a safe and nurturing space 
• privacy & confidentiality 
• a person (therapist) with whom you feel comfortable with

If one of these is absent, your therapeutic journey will be compromised. 

Below are outlined things to consider and discuss with your therapist when you decide you're ready to start. This is by no means a comprehensive list, only a guide to get you started.

• Is there a particular issue/ goal you are seeking counselling for?

Individuals seek counselling for a variety of reasons ranging from depression to personal development. Sometimes we are not sure what the issue is but feel there is something holding us back. This is o.k. too.

• What are your previous experiences of counselling if any?
• What did I like or dislike about my experience(s)?
• What helped or didn't help?
• What expectations do I have regarding counselling?
• What expectations do I have of my therapist?

Once you have a better understanding of the above, talk to your therapist about them. This is all part of creating a nurturing and safe therapeutic relationship. If at any point you feel that the therapist isn't a good fit for you, you are well within your rights to ask for recommendations to other therapists.

• Have you considered what type of therapeutic style would be most suited to your needs? eg talking therapy, art therapy, etc 

• Are they are a member of an accredited association?

It is compulsory for all psychologists to be registered with the APS (Australian Psychological Society) which can be checked on their website. 

Counsellors should be registered with a governing body of either their state or ideally with PACFA (Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation of Australia) or ACA (Australian Counselling Association). 
You can find this information out by asking the counsellor who they are accredited through or they may have this information on their pamphlets, websites or business card. The standard governing body for Victoria is CAPAV, although there are also other bodies which regulate code of ethics for alternative therapies.