Consultation
A standard appointment is approximately 50 minutes and notes will be recorded after each session. If you are attending for the first time please arrive 10 minutes early to complete initial paperwork.
Counselling is most effective if you come on a weekly or fortnightly basis initially to help maintain continuity and support whilst you are trying to implementing new strategies.
If you wish to bring a support person, you are welcome to do so. Please be aware that children are not able to be left unsupervised in reception so you will need to make alternate arrangements for them.
Cancellation Policy
More than 24 hours notice from the time of your appointment is required to avoid a cancellation fee of $50. This timeframe is so that the appointment can be offered to someone else. In the event you fail to attend your scheduled appointment you will be charged the full fee of your consultation. In exceptional circumstances these fees can be waivered but this will be decided upon a case by case basis.
Please be advised that payment will be required in full at the end of each session. 
Medicare Rebate
You are eligible for a Medicare Rebate if you hold a current Mental Health Care Plan from your Doctor, Psychiatrist or Pediatrician. The rebate is for approximately $87, up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Please speak with your Doctor to see if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan.
If you are eligible your doctor will need to address the referral to Connie Penhallurick at Offices First, Aspley Hyper Market, 59 Albany Creek Road, Aspley Qld 4034. It is essential that you bring your referral and Care Plan with you to your first appointment, otherwise the Medicare rebate will not apply.
Private Health Rebate
Please be advised that you are not able to claim for both Medicare and Private Health for the same session. It is advisable that you speak with your Private Healthcare provided prior to attending an appointment to ascertain whether you are eligible for a rebate with a ‘Registered Psychologist’.
What can I expect from the Psychologist?
Your Psychologist will offer guidance and emotional support but won’t dictate how you will live your life. The Psychologist will help you to problem solve and teach you tools so you can better cope and manage your emotions and the situation. Your Psychologist will follow an evidence based framework and tailor a treatment plan that is specific to you.
What is required of me in counselling?
Counselling will require you to talk about your problem and for some people this process can be quite upsetting and confronting and this reaction is normal. At Relationships4Life counselling is non-judgemental and confidential. It is a safe and supportive environment for you to deal with your distress and vulnerabilities.
In counselling you will be offered strategies on how to resolve and cope with the problem. You will be encouraged to practice these strategies outside of counselling and on occasions this may involve you completing some homework tasks.
During the sessions you are welcome to take notes or bring a friend if you believe this will help you in the process.
How many sessions will I need?
It is difficult to pinpoint how many sessions you will require, as this is unique to each individual case. It is recommended that you allow for several appointments so that you have sufficient time to learn strategies and have access to ongoing support whilst you are in the initial stages of implementing change.
You may wish to talk with your GP to discuss whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan and this will enable you to claim a Medicare rebate on your fees. Please refer to Fees & Rebate for more information about this.