You do not need to prepare for your first counselling session, but it can be helpful to think about what you’d like to talk about.

If you prefer, you can bring notes or key points to discuss. Your counsellor will gently guide you through the process, creating a supportive and safe environment.

During the session, your counsellor may encourage you to reflect on the topics being discussed. You will be asked about what brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it.

There may also be some general questions about your current concerns, personal circumstances, and history. There is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to discuss - your comfort is the priority.

You may also be asked to complete some questionnaires or a consent form before or after the session.

The first session will last 50 minutes. If there is anything you need to feel safe and supported, please let your counsellor know or contact our team in advance. We are here to support you.

The frequency and duration of therapy vary for each person, depending on their needs and goals.

In your first session, you and your counsellor can discuss how often sessions might be beneficial for you.

Many people find it helpful to start with weekly sessions before transitioning to a different schedule based on progress and preferences.

The length of therapy depends on several factors, including the nature of the concerns you’d like to address, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and your level of engagement in the process.

Making meaningful changes often involves learning new skills, practicing them, and building trust over time.

This journey may take longer than expected, and that’s okay. Your counsellor will regularly review your progress with you and adjust the approach as needed.

Tracking your progress with your counsellor is an important part of ensuring therapy is effective for you. If you’d like to explore a different approach, try something new, or have any concerns about your progress, it’s always helpful to discuss this with your counsellor.

Signs that therapy is working can include changes in how you see yourself and the world around you, a reduction in the symptoms that brought you to counselling, and improvements in your mood and relationships.

Progress is often gradual and can sometimes feel complex. Not every session will leave you feeling better immediately- some may involve challenging discussions or deep reflection. However, these moments are often an important part of long-term growth and healing.

Not currently. Medicare rebates apply to psychologists, eligible OTs, and accredited mental health social workers - not ACA-registered counsellors.

While Medicare rebates can reduce session costs, they also come with limitations. Government-subsidised therapy requires a mental health diagnosis, a referral from a GP and adherence to specific treatment modalities, which may not always be the most effective approach for every individual.

Medicare-rebated psychology is also limited to 10 sessions a year, while counselling has just a flat (usually lower) fee for as long as you need support.

Depending on your level of cover, you may be able to claim benefits through your private health insurance. We recommend checking directly with your health fund before your appointment.

Referrals are not required to see our practitioners, you can simply choose a practitioner and time that suits you and book directly through our online booking system.

We strive to make quality mental health care accessible and transparent. Our current session pricing is as follows:

• Individual session: (50 minutes): $180

• Couples session (50 minutes): $250

People seek counselling for many reasons, often when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to resolve challenges on their own. Sometimes the issue is persistent and significantly impacts daily life, while other times it comes and goes, yet there is a sense that things could be better.

Counselling may be beneficial for you if:

• You feel unable to manage the daily demands of life.

• You are struggling with ongoing conflict in your relationship.

• You feel stuck and are finding it difficult to identify solutions on your own.

• You are experiencing depression, anxiety, or burnout.

• Talking to friends or family feels difficult because they are directly involved in the issue.

• Past experiences are negatively affecting your present life.

• You need support processing strong emotions such as grief, loss, sadness, anger, or resentment.

• You are struggling to move on from past relationships.

• You want help identifying what isn’t working in your life.

• Your relationship needs support and guidance.

• Life feels unfulfilling, and you aspire to something more meaningful.

• You are dealing with the effects of trauma.

• You feel lost or uncertain about your next steps in life.

If any of these resonate with you, counselling can provide a supportive space to explore your challenges and work toward positive change.

Face to face sessions are available on request in Melbourne’s North. To request a face to face session, please contact us on 03 9018 6365 or info@naumcentre.com.au.

When you book an appointment, that time is reserved exclusively for you.

As we can only see a limited number of clients each day, cancellations or rescheduling without sufficient notice may incur a fee.

• Cancellations with at least 48 hours’ notice - No fee charged.

• Cancellations the day before, or after the reminder text is sent - 50% of the session fee will be charged.

• Same-day cancellations or non-attendance - The full session fee will be charged.

Credit card details are securely retained on file for these purposes.

Charges will be processed automatically, and a receipt will be issued.

To reschedule or cancel an appointment, you may do so via the booking portal, calling 03 9018 6365 or emailing info@naumcentre.com.au.

Repeated cancellations or failure to pay cancellation fees may result in services being discontinued.

Yes. Research has consistently shown that online counselling can be as effective as face-to-face counselling for many common mental health concerns. Many clients also appreciate the flexibility, privacy and convenience that online appointments provide.

Consider wether you need a diagnosis, or a space to work through what's going on. Psychologists can do both while counsellors focus on the support, without the diagnostic process.

The Naum Centre does not provide urgent crisis assistance, if you are in need of urgent care, please check the list of services here.

Lifeline 13 11 14 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 · Emergency 000