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 Analytical Therapy (CAT)

Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Informed therapy

Finley also uses components of:

Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Where are you located?

We are located primarily in East Melbourne, Victoria 3002. There is also some scope for appointments in Brunswick and Malvern. Finley is 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?

As appointments are at a premium and I have clients on a waitlist please contact us as soon as possible.

Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged a $22 fee if rebooking. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $33 cancellation fee for the first instance and 100% cancellation fee going forward.

Please CALL to cancel all appointments. If you Email or Text we will take the time that we view your communication as your cancellation time. We appreciate that schedules do change and are happy to accommodate cancellations and reschedules where appropriate notice is given.

If you believe you have extenuating circumstances surrounding your cancellation please talk to Finley as often an arrangement can be negotiated.

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. However more choice is available during office hours.

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 60 minutes in duration. Couples therapy sessions are 90 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 $165 for 60 minutes or $265 for longer couples sessions.

NDIS Sessions are at the recommended rate of $156.15 per hour.

I offer a discounted rate for Trans/Gender diverse clients and First Nations People of $140 per session.

I have limited amount of concession sessions which are $55 for Telehealth or $85 for in person appointments. You must have a valid government concession card or be a full time student who is paying their own therapy fees.

Discounts never apply to fees being paid by a third party.

Do you offer concession rates?

I have limited amount of concession sessions which are $55 for Telehealth or $85 for in person appointments. You must have a valid government concession card or be a full time student who is paying their own therapy fees.

Discounts or Concessions never apply to fees being paid by a third party.

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 $280 an hour and the  rebate being only around $90, there is usually a gap of at least $190 payable by you. Medicare also limits sessions to 10 per year, whereas you can see me as many times as needed without limit.

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 and assist you to good mental health.

Is your office accessible?

My office in East Melbourne is disability friendly and accessible. Please let me know if you have access needs and I can ensure I’m scheduled in a ground floor office for your session.

Brunswick and Malvern are not wheelchair accessible and require ascending approximately 25 stairs to reach office level.

How do I access Telehealth?

I utilise Zoom for meet and greet appointments. When booking you will be automatically sent a link to your session.

For regular Telehealth sessions I use Skype. You will be emailed a link to take you to the virtual room we will use and this room will be the same for each session.

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.

Upon a subpoena from a court of law.

I am mandated by law.

Where you give me permission to coordinate further care with a career or other professional in writing.

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

As a professional its part of my obligation to seek regular supervision of my work. Your case may be discussed with my supervisor who is also bound by the same above privacy requirement and your personal identifying information is never used during these discussions. Supervision is an important process that allows me to evaluate my work and gain assistance when needed and is a professionally mandated requirement.

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 familiarise your self with the office, parking and transport arrangements.

Most people complete all of the new client paperwork and assessments electronically before arriving so this isn’t a stressor on the day of your first appointment.

Please let reception know you have arrived and they will direct you to the waiting area where I will come and greet you at your appointment time.

In our first session we will spend a few minutes checking in with how you are going, I will clarify why you have come to see me and we’ll go from there. You’re always welcome to pass on any questions, correct me, let me know you feel uncomfortable and we can move the conversation along. Therapy isn’t the inquisition, its a meeting of the minds where problems are workshopped and a trust is developed. It’s not supposed to be scary or invasive and the best analogy I can give you is; you are always in the drivers seat with me navigating and cheering you on.

Please come in comfy clothes that express your identity, its therapy, not a job interview.

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.

Is your office really dog friendly?

Absolutely. I sometimes 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 little overwhelming for everyone. Your pet must be toilet trained, flea and parasite protected and able to chill for the duration of your session. The staff on reception at East Melbourne love dogs and they will be showered with affection when you arrive.

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 really is a couch potato.