COUNSELLING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COUNSELLING FAQS
DO YOU PROVIDE COUPLES COUNSELLING?
Answer
Not at present no.
Whilst I am an experienced couples counsellor, couples counselling requires regular sessions often over a longer period of time which I don’t have the capacity to offer at present.
DO YOU ACCEPT MENTAL HEALTH PLANS?
Answer
As far as MHCP for receiving funding through Medicare Better Access Scheme, currently counsellors are not part of that scheme, so we cannot claim medicare rebates.
As a person needing counselling or mental health support you are free to see whoever you like – so in that respect if you contact us for counselling we can review the plan as it provides helpful information.
As counsellors we have no reporting obligations to the referring GP as psychologists do – however if you wanted us to communicate with your GP we could do that with your written consent.
As far as MHCP for receiving funding through Medicare Better Access Scheme, currently counsellors are not part of that scheme, so we cannot claim medicare rebates.
Please see FAQ titled – “Can we claim Medicare”
ARE YOU A PSYCHOLOGIST?
Answer
No I am not a psychologist.
I am a fully qualified and registered counsellor with Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapists and Counselling Federation of Australia.
These terms counsellor and psychologist and social worker often get confused. Counsellor is not a regulated term in Australia and psychologists and other professionals can call themselves ‘counsellors’ even if they don’t hold specific counselling qualifications.
CAN I GET A MEDICARE REBATE?
Answer
No – At this stage counsellors are not part of Medicare Better Access Scheme.
BUT if you were to see a psychologist you still need to pay a gap as very few psychologists bulk bill Medicare. The current rebate in 2026 from Medicare for psychologists is between $98 and up to $145 for clincial psychologists however the Australian Psychological Societies recommended session fee for 2026 is $318 which means you may be out of pocket for between $150 – $220
Limited sessions: under the Better Access Scheme most people are limited to 10 sessions per calendar year for psychology (eating disorders are 40 sessions) -this means there is no consistency in the care and support you receive.
Waiting lists: the average waiting lists in most parts of rural, regional and remote SA are between 12 weeks to 12 months.
So for less than the Medicare gap you can see a counsellor (depending on their experience) quickly and discreetly.
DO YOU PROVIDE DISCOUNTS OR CONCESSATION RATES?
Answer
We don’t have a set concession rate. We are private business and do not receive any subsidies from the Government or any funding.
If you are a current or returning client and are experiencing finanical distress please contact Penny Adams to discuss your needs.
Any discounts offered are at the sole discretion of Seasons of Life Counselling and are decided on a case by case basis.
WHAT ARE YOU QUALIFICATIONS?
Answer
Counselling Quals: I hold a Diploma Counselling, Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy, Bachelor of Counselling and a Grad Cert in Counselling. I am also a full member of EMDRAA (EMDR Therapist). I am currently undertaking a Masters in Supervision
Assocation Memberships:
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 4
Psychotherapist and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Clinical Member
EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) Full Member
ARE MY SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
Answer
Yes – Counsellors are bound by a strict Code of Ethics and confidentiality is at the heart of what we do. We cannot release your information without your consent
There are some exceptions to confidentiality:
1. Subpoenas
2. Mandatory reporting
3. Risk of harm to self or others
Confidentiality and its exceptions are covered in the agreement you will receive when you book.
IS MY PERSONAL INFORMATION KEPT PRIVATE?
Answer
YES – all organisations and businesses are required to comply with Australian Privacy Legislation
Please refer to our privacy policy
WHAT IF I CANNOT ATTEND MY SESSION?
Answer
Payment is required upon booking. You are able to cancel / reschedule your session in accordance with our policy:
Sessions are required to be paid in full prior to the commencement of the appointment unless prior arrangment has been made with Seasons of Life Counselling.
Up to 48 hours prior to session appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled at no charge.
Between 48 hours and 24 hours prior to session a fee of 50% will be charged for cancellations and rescheduling.
Cancellations/rescheduling less than 24 hours or NO shows to appointment will be charged 100% of the fee.
One reschedule is allowed within the 48 hour window – after that full fee applies.
Extenuating circumstances can be discussed with us and decisisions are at the owners discretion.
DO YOU PROVIDE OUT OF HOURS/CRISIS SUPPORT?
Answer
No we are not a crisis service and we don’t offer out of hours support – unless you have an appointment scheduled.
If you are experiencing a serious mental health crisis that may be leading to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Please contact the free 24-hour counselling service Lifeline on 131 114. Alternatively please present yourself at the emergency department at your local hospital or call emergency services.
DO YOU PROVIDE SMS OR EMAIL COUNSELLING
Answer
No we don’t provide that service.
Please do not provide confidential information via email or SMS in between sessions.
Counselling booking process Overview
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Step 1: Book your session online
You are ready book and use the ‘book now’ button to select your counsellor, book and pay for your session
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Step 1: Have questions?
Want to chat before you book contact Seasons of Life Counselling either through our website, phone or email.
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Step 2: We can book your session for you
Rather not book online? No problem we can book it for you
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Step 3: Matching you to a counsellor
We are building our practice by adding counsellors who can meet a wide range of needs.
You may request a counsellor OR we will select the one that best fits your needs.
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Step 4: Confirmation of booking
Once you are booked in you will recieve a confirmation email with the day, time and Zoom link.
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Step 5: Invoice and payment
Payment is required on booking and you will be sent an invoice which can be paid by debit card and credit card online or by bank transfer.
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Step 6: Forms and agreement
Once payment is recieved you will be sent an intake form and counselling agreement. These are completed online so no need for printing and scanning.
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Step 7: Reminders
You will receive two email reminders for your session. One 24 hours before and the other one hour before your session.
These also contain the Zoom link so you don’t need to find it.
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Step 8: Check your device is working
Before the session check your phone, tablet or laptop has Zoom installed and the audio and microphone are working.
There are instructions in the agreement.
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Step 9: Get comfortable and private
Get comfortable, ensuring the light is good and you are in a private space where you can’t be overheard or interrupted.
Headphones can help with privacy
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Step 10: Meet your counsellor
At your appointment time join the session, meet your counsellor and start getting the support you need.
You are worth it
Your relationships are valuable