FAQs

How do I choose a counsellor?

The quality of the relationship between the counsellor and client is the single greatest predictor of therapy success. Therefore, it is important that you choose a counsellor that you relate to easily and feel comfortable talking to.

My goal at Step Ahead Counselling is to provide you a service where you feel safe, heard, respected and where you are free from judgement.

Our 15 minute introductory call will give you the opportunity to assess our ‘fit’ and determine if I am the right counsellor for you.

How do I book sessions?

You do not need a referral to visit Step Ahead Counselling! Simply click on the orange ‘book an appointment’ button at the bottom of this page and you will be directed to my Square booking page. You can also email me at maria@stepaheadcounselling.com, or call me on 0435 935 221 to book an introductory call, a counselling session or to ask me any questions.

Do I need a GP referral and are rebates available?

You do not need to obtain a referral from a GP , as currently clients are not able to claim Medicare rebates for counselling services.

Please note in order to have access to Medicare rebates, your GP will need to refer you as part of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan may form part of your record which other parties i.e. insurance companies can have access to. You are required to pay the full fee to the psychologist/social worker/occupational therapist upfront, and then the gap fee will be reimbursed. The gap fee will vary depending on the service provider, but starts from $87.45 upwards.

Additionally, subsidised sessions under your GP Mental Health Treatment Plan are limited to ten sessions per calendar year, and you only have access to certain therapies. Please also note that general wait times to see a psychiatrist or psychologist can be quite lengthy.

I want to assure you that when you see a counsellor your personal information and presenting issues are kept confidential, except in exceptional legal and ethical circumstances as described below under privacy and confidentiality.

We also generally have more availability so you have more timely access to support, and there are no restrictions on how many sessions you can have per year, or the modality we use with you.

What are my Payment options?

Payment is required prior to your appointment through my Square booking tool.

How do counselling sessions work?

Step Ahead Counselling sessions are offered in-person in my office at Nundah ( I am close to the station and bus stop, and there is also plenty of street parking close by), or via Zoom or by telephone. When you click on the orange ‘book an appointment’ button, you can select which method of counselling you prefer.

If you choose your counselling session via Zoom/telephone all you need to connect is a PC, Laptop, or any mobile device (smart phone, tablet, etc) and a stable internet connection. A quiet place, free of distraction is also recommended so you may speak openly and without interruptions to make the most out of our sessions.

Once you have made an appointment and have transferred your payment, I will send you an email prior to our counselling session which will either have my address, or Zoom/telephone details. I will also attach a client intake form for you to complete and return prior to your session.

What about privacy and confidentiality?

All our counselling sessions are confidential unless ethical and legal state guidelines require disclosure. This will apply if there is a potential for harm either to yourself or another person, if a case file is subpoenaed by a court of law, or if another party or agency has requested your information, and you have agreed and provided me with your written consent to this.

Please also refer to our Privacy Policy.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on a number of factors.

The average amount of sessions are approximately 6 - 8, scheduled either weekly or fortnightly. However, more or less time may be required as change can take people different lengths of time to achieve.

Importantly, clients also make a big difference to the number of counselling sessions they will need to make progress. As in most areas of our lives, commitment and putting in the work help immensely.

Ultimately, therapy ends when you are feeling well enough to cope with what life offers you. Of course, if at any stage or point of time you need to re-visit counselling, I am available for support.

What is your cancellations policy?

I block off your appointment time just for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, please let me know at least 24 hours before your appointment so that others may be offered that session time.

Where 24 hours notice is not given, or you miss a session, you will be charged the full session fee.