Fees & FAQ

The first session is all about getting to know you and understanding what's brought you to counselling. Here's what to expect:

Getting comfortable – We'll start by making sure you feel safe and at ease in the space.

Sharing your story – You can tell me as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing about what's been going on for you.

Understanding your goals – We'll talk about what you'd like to achieve through counselling and what support might look like for you.

Discussing confidentiality – I'll explain how confidentiality works and answer any questions you have.

Going at your pace – There's no pressure to share everything in the first session. We'll move at a pace that feels right for you.

The first session is also a chance for you to see if I'm the right fit for your needs. It's okay if you need time to decide whether you'd like to continue.

Most people feel this way before their first session — and many arrive not quite knowing how to put what they're feeling into words.

You don't need to have it figured out before you come. I'll help guide the conversation, and it's completely okay to start with "I'm not sure where to begin."

That's exactly where we'll start.

This varies from person to person and can also change over time.

Most people start with weekly sessions, particularly in the early stages, when there's a lot to establish and consistency helps build momentum. As things settle, some people move to fortnightly, which can work well for ongoing reflection and integration.

There's no fixed rule. We'll work out what makes sense for where you are, and adjust as things shift.

There's no straightforward answer to this — and anyone who gives you a precise number upfront probably can't.

It depends on what you're carrying, how long you've been carrying it, and what you're hoping to get from the work. Some people come for a focused period of six to twelve sessions and find that's enough. Others are working through something more layered — complex trauma, long-term relationship patterns, childhood wounds — and the work takes longer.

What I'd say is this: therapy isn't about staying longer than you need to. The goal is always to get to a point where you feel steadier in yourself and less reliant on the sessions to hold you.

We'll check in as we go, and you'll always have a say in the direction and pace.

Sessions are held via Zoom, which I find works well for therapy, it's straightforward to use and most people settle into it quickly.

To get the most out of your session, it helps to have a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted, a stable internet connection, and a device with a working camera and microphone.

If you're not sure about the technical side, we can do a quick test run before your first session so you feel comfortable before we begin.

Technology isn't always reliable, if something drops out, don't worry.

For minor disruptions I'll send a new Zoom link straight away and we'll pick up where we left off. If the connection can't be resolved, we can switch to phone or reschedule at no charge. And if we lose significant time, more than ten or fifteen minutes, I'll either extend the session or credit the lost time.

You won't be left out of pocket because of something outside your control.

Sessions are available in-person in Murrumbeena (Melbourne) or online. The full address is 203 Poath Road, Murrumbeena. You’ll find a map at the bottom of this page.

Yes. Everything shared in therapy is strictly confidential. The only exceptions are if there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if your records are subpoenaed by a court.

As a member of the Australian Counselling Association, I follow strict ethical guidelines around privacy and confidentiality.

No. Counselling is a confidential space and I won't contact police without your knowledge and consent. The one legal exception is if there is an immediate risk to a child's safety, and even then, I would discuss this with you first, wherever possible.

You are in control of what steps, if any, you choose to take regarding your own experience.

No, not routinely. In the rare event of a medical emergency, I may ask for your GP's details. If there were ever a psychological or emotional crisis, I would seek your permission before contacting anyone on your behalf.

You can get in touch by phone, email, or through the contact form on this page. If you're not sure what to say, a few words about what's been going on is enough; you don't need to have it figured out before you reach out.

If you'd like to get a sense of things before committing to a full session, you're welcome to start with a free 15-minute enquiry call.

I ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you need to cancel with less notice, a fee will apply.

I do understand that life is unpredictable. If something unexpected comes up, please get in touch as soon as you can and we'll work something out where possible.

You can reach me by email at kat@safespacecounsellingservices.com.au or by phone on 0452 285 526.