Eltham Counselling Service: What to Know Before You Start

Thinking about counselling can bring up a lot of questions. What happens in a session? Is it right for me? How do I choose someone? This guide covers the basics for anyone looking for a counselling service in Eltham.




What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a confidential, talk-based type of support. A trained counsellor helps you work out what’s going on, look at your options, and build strategies to cope. Counsellors can’t prescribe medication, but they can refer you to other health services if needed.

You don’t need to be in crisis to see a counsellor. Many people go simply because something feels harder than it used to.

Common Reasons People Seek Counselling

  • Stress and burnout
  • Anxiety and worry
  • Low mood
  • Relationship or family challenges
  • Grief and loss
  • Big life changes, like a new job, a move, or a breakup


What to Expect in Your First Session

The first session is a chance to see if the counsellor is a good fit for you. You’ll talk about what brought you in and what you’d like to change. You only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

Counselling is confidential, with some exceptions. If there’s a risk to your safety or someone else’s, your counsellor may need to act on it. They should explain this at the start.

At the end, it’s fine to ask how many sessions you might need. Keep in mind this is only an estimate.


Check Qualifications First

In Australia, no law requires counsellors to hold a qualification. That means it’s worth checking before you book. A trained counsellor usually has at least three years of university study. Many are also members of a peak body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Both have directories you can search. You can read more on Better Health Channel’s guide to counsellors.


Understanding Costs

Fees vary between services, so ask before your first session. A higher price doesn’t always mean better care. Some community health centres offer free or low-cost counselling.

Medicare rebates for mental health care are available through the Better Access initiative. The first step is to speak with your GP. Under this scheme, you may be able to claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with eligible providers, such as psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Counsellors are not usually on this list. Healthdirect’s guide to mental health costs explains your options in more detail.


Tips for Choosing a Counselling Service in Eltham

  • Check qualifications and professional memberships.
  • Ask about their approach and experience with your concern.
  • Ask about fees and any rebates before you book.
  • Notice how you feel after the first session. Did you feel listened to and respected?
  • It’s okay to change. You may need to try more than one counsellor to find the right fit.


Need Help Right Now?

If you need to talk to someone urgently, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time of day or night. In an emergency, call 000.



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