FAQ: FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Find Your Answers Here

How much does a session cost?

The cost for counselling with our ALYS PLACE counsellors ranges from $260 - $330 for a 90-minute couples session, and $160 - $220 for a 60-min individual adult session. Family counselling ranges from $230 - $300 per session. Please ask if you're unsure which will apply for your appointment.

We require a deposit of $60 via a credit card or a bank transfer to secure your appointment. The initial booking deposit is non-refundable.

If your sessions are being funded by a third party, please let us know before making an appointment so we can confirm the necessary payment arrangements.

Please note, we are not a registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, if you are self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to submit a claim using the invoice we provide after payment. We recommend checking your available therapy support funds with your plan manager before booking.

What payment methods do you offer?

Consultation fees are payable at the end of your session by debit or credit card (Mastercard and Visa), cash, or direct deposit. Please note that automated credit card payments (where we securely hold your card on file) will incur a processing fee of up to 1.7%. To avoid this fee, you are welcome to pre-pay via bank transfer or pay with cash. If you prefer to pre-pay, please request our bank details before your appointment.

A $50 late payment fee applies to any outstanding payments not settled within 14 days of your appointment date, with an additional $50 charged for each subsequent week the balance remains unpaid.

What is the cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. Late cancellations or missed appointments create a gap that could have been offered to another client. For this reason, we require at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a $60 fee; however, same-day cancellations or missed appointments (no-shows) will be charged the full session fee.

To cancel or reschedule, please contact the practice directly on 0499 231 178.

Can I receive a Medicare rebate?

Regretfully, no. At this time, the Australian Government does not extend the Medicare Rebate Scheme (Mental Health Care Plan) to professional counsellors—something our profession continues to advocate for.

However, our fees are comparable to the typical Medicare gap for psychologists (the out-of-pocket amount after Medicare rebates), and appointments are often available much sooner. No referral is needed—you’re welcome to book directly with us.

I have a Private Health insurance. Can I receive a rebate?

It is not universally required for counsellors to have provider numbers for private health insurers. Some of our counsellors are registered providers with Australian private health insurers, which are listed on their profiles.

Depending on your private health insurance policy, you may be eligible to claim rebates for counselling services. Please take the time to check with your fund before your appointment to confirm whether counselling is covered.

Do you offer concession rates?

If you hold a Health Care Card or are experiencing financial hardship, please see this webpage , or for short-term individual counselling, check out www.tapa.academy/affordable-counselling

Otherwise, contact us to discuss reduced rate options.

Who provides the counselling at ALYS PLACE?

All counselling at ALYS Place is provided by independent, qualified practitioners who operate under our professional umbrella. Each counsellor manages their own practice while sharing our values, approach, and high standards of care. We provide the space, community, and admin support that allows them to focus on what they do best — helping you.

Is this a confidential service?

We take your confidentiality very seriously and operate within the PACFA and the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics. We will only break confidentiality in the event that you or someone else is at risk of harm, or we are court-ordered to provide information. Under all circumstances, counsellors would discuss any potential of disclosing your confidential information with you in advance.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on each person’s or couple’s unique situation. Some individuals find one or two sessions provide helpful support or clarity, while others may benefit from ongoing support over several weeks or months.

Couples counselling often involves more complex relationship dynamics, so we generally recommend around ten weekly (or fortnightly) sessions to allow enough time for effective work.

Your counsellor will regularly review your progress and discuss the best plan moving forward.

What happens in the first session?

Your first session with your counsellor is an opportunity to get to know each other and see if you feel comfortable working together. Mostly, you can expect your counsellor to listen carefully, show they understand your concerns. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with in each session. The pace is guided by you. They will ask questions to gain a broader understanding of your situation and help you set some goals for therapy.

In couples counselling, the counsellor will take time to explain the overall process, collaborate with you to formulate a tailored plan, and outline the next steps to support your relationship. To gain a clearer understanding of both partners’ perspectives and experiences, the counsellor may recommend completing an assessment questionnaire after the intake session.

What is your approach to counselling?

We use a solution-focused approach in most counselling sessions. This approach helps clients identify their strengths and personal goals, with the aim of finding practical solutions to current and future challenges. We view our clients as the “experts” in their own lives, and our role is to guide and create a supportive environment where you can discover the path to where you want and need to be.

In couples counselling, we typically combine Emotion-Focused Therapy with The Gottman Method, one of the most effective and research-based approaches available. These method's emphasise strengthening the couple’s friendship, improving conflict management, and creating shared meaning—often referred to as the Sound Relationship House Theory.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences without needing to retell every detail. Many reactions such as anxiety, triggers, or feeling “stuck” come from memories the brain hasn’t fully processed. EMDR uses guided eye movements, tapping, or tones to help the brain reorganise these memories so they feel calmer and less intrusive. Most people experience relief, reduced reactivity, and a greater sense of control.

EMDR is also effective for couples who feel caught in repeating patterns or intense emotional reactions. Often, a partner’s tone or behaviour can trigger old wounds from past relationships or early experiences. EMDR helps each partner understand and heal these triggers, allowing them to respond to each other with more calm, clarity, and connection.

What is EMDR?

USEFUL LINKS

The Australian Counselling Association – https://www.theaca.net.au/

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia – https://www.pacfa.org.au/

The Gottman Institute (The Research Based Approach to Relationships) – https://www.gottman.com/