I live between Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and Cape Town, South Africa.

As I am providing online counselling, we can schedule times that suit you, no matter where you are.

Mindfulness has gained popularity and is particularly effective for people who suffer from anxiety, depression or have experienced some kind of trauma. It also aids in reducing stress and increses self-awareness and acceptance of oneselve.

Counselling sessions unfortunately cannot be accessed using a Medicare rebate.

Information you share during therapy sessions reamins confidential with a few exceptions. These include if your therapist becomes concerned about your safety or the safety of another person, or if the therapist is subpeonaed by the court.

For ongoing professional development, therapists should attend regular supervision. At times, your case might be discussed in supervision sessions, but your identity would be concealed to protect your privacy.

It takes a lot of courage to take the first step to seek out help, so naturally you might feel somewhat nervous or awkward. As you start talking about what brought you to counselling, you might also experience some emotional pain, this too is normal and for some people this process feels cathartic

Use the first session to get to know your therapist and see if he or she is the right fit for you and experienced in the area you are seeking help with.

Your therapist might cover confidentiality, session times, his or her approach, fee structure, cancellations and other policies with you.

At the end of the session, ask yourself whether your therapist is someone you could trust , whether he or she really cared and whether you felt comfortable talking to him/her?

Your relationship with your therapist or counsellor is of utmost importance, you need to feel comfortable and safe in your sessions. Ask many questions such as:

Is your counsellor or therapist registered and accredited with a Counselling boardof

Australia, such as ACA or PACFA?

Is the therapist quilified in the area that you are needing assistance with?

Does your therapist attend regular supervision and ongoing professional development?

Does your therapist have specific qualifications in the area you are needing assistance with?