FAQs
What is counselling and how can it help me?
Counselling offers a space to reflect, explore what you’re experiencing, and be supported without judgment. It can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, support you through challenging times, and help you reconnect with yourself in a way that feels more resourced and supported.
Alongside space for reflection, counselling can also offer practical tools and strategies to build emotional resilience, increase self-awareness, and support your growth,personally, emotionally, and relationally.
What types of experiences do people seek counselling for?
People come to counselling for many reasons, including grief and loss, relationship dynamics, feeling stuck or overwhelmed, navigating major life changes, exploring self-worth, or seeking a supportive space to reflect, grow, and work towards personal goals.
What’s the difference between counselling and coaching?
Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing, exploring the past, and supporting you through challenges in a therapeutic way. Coaching is more future-focused, helping you move toward goals with practical strategies and accountability. I use a blend of both, depending on what feels most supportive for you and what you're needing in this season.
What can I expect in a counselling session?
Sessions are guided by what feels most important to you. We might explore current challenges, inner thoughts and feelings, or past experiences. There’s no right way to show up. It's a space where you’re met with care and curiosity.
Is everything I share in counselling confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a key part of counselling. What you share stays between us, except in the circumstances where there is a legal or safety obligation to share information. These limits will be clearly explained at the start.
Can I see a counsellor without a referral?
Yes, you don’t need a referral to see a counsellor. You can book directly, which means you don’t have to wait to get the support you need. Some clients choose counselling because it’s more flexible and accessible, without the paperwork or long delays.
How long do people usually come to counselling for?
There’s no set timeframe. Some people come for a few sessions, while others choose longer-term support. We can work together to find what feels most helpful for you.
Are sessions available online or in-person?
Yes, I offer both online sessions Australia-wide and in-person in Melbourne.
What is trauma-informed counselling?
Trauma-informed counselling is a respectful, attuned approach that considers how past experiences may shape the way you feel, respond, and relate to others. It prioritises safety, choice, and collaboration, and avoids re-traumatisation.
What is perinatal counselling?
Perinatal counselling supports you through the emotional, physical, and identity shifts that can occur before, during, and after pregnancy. This may include fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, birth experiences, early motherhood, and the transition into this new season of life.
What is Matrescence?
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother, a transformative shift in identity, relationships, and sense of self. It’s not just about the baby, but about the woman you are becoming and all the changes that come with that.
Can I come to counselling if I’m planning a pregnancy?
Yes. Counselling can support you as you prepare emotionally and mentally for pregnancy. It can also hold space for any fears, expectations, or past experiences you want to explore ahead of conception.
How can counselling support me during pregnancy?
Pregnancy often brings up a wide range of feelings, from joy to fear and everything in between. Counselling offers space to talk openly, reflect on what’s coming up, and feel supported in the changes you're navigating.
If you are looking for childbirth education support please visit: https://maidenmeetsmother.com.au/
What if I’m feeling unsure about motherhood?
This is more common than many people realise. Counselling provides a safe space to explore these feelings without judgment and to reconnect with your own unique path and identity.