Q: Should I see a psychologist?

Psychologists and Counsellors have different roles. Psychologists have extensive knowledge of the brain, and they provide valuable support to those who require diagnosis or clinical management of psychological or behavioural disorder or illness. Psychology services may be needed if you have symptoms of mental illness or are struggling to manage a diagnosed mental illness or personality disorder. Counsellors have the skills to recognise symptoms and can provide information or referral to a GP or psychologist. If you think you may be in need of psychology services, please do not hesitate to speak with your GP.

Question 1

What can I expect from counselling?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a collaborative process where we explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours together. We’ll identify key concerns and develop practical strategies to improve your relationships and life. While I’m not a psychologist and don’t provide formal diagnoses, I can support issues like anxiety, depression, or attachment concerns and refer you to a GP or psychologist if needed. This is ideal for people seeking online counselling in Sydney and across Australia.

Question 2

Are my sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Your online counselling sessions are confidential. I am dedicated to maintaining your privacy and security. However, there are legal and ethical limits, such as mandatory reporting, serious safety issues, or subpoenas. If such a situation arises, I will inform you and explain the next steps.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to begin counselling?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required to access individual or couples counselling at The Love Life Counsellor. You can book your first session directly, making it easy and convenient to start your counselling journey.
 (If you happen to have a referral or documentation, you are welcome to email it to info@thelovelifecounsellor.com.au()

Question 4

Do you offer rebates or Medicare-funded sessions?

Accepted Answer

Currently, I do not offer rebates via Medicare, or private health fund rebates for counselling sessions. This means I do not report to Medicare or a doctor about your sessions. If you need a psychologist or clinical mental health service with rebates, I can provide guidance or a referral.

Question 5

Can I attend counselling if my partner is unwilling?

Accepted Answer

While it’s ideal for both partners to attend couples counselling, you can still make positive changes on your own. I will work with you to develop strategies you can use independently and help encourage your partner to get involved when they’re ready. Your growth matters and starts now.

Question 6

How do online sessions work and where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I’m based in Sydney, NSW, and I offer telehealth counselling sessions across Australia. You’ll receive a secure link via email for your online session — no app download required. Please log in from a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.

Question 7

Should I see a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists and Counsellors have different roles.​

Psychologists have extensive knowledge of the brain, and they provide valuable support to those who require diagnosis or clinical management of psychological or behavioural disorder or illness.

Psychology services may be needed if you have symptoms of mental illness or are struggling to manage a diagnosed mental illness or personality disorder. Counsellors have the skills to recognise symptoms and can provide information or referral to a GP or psychologist.

If you think you may be in need of psychology services, please do not hesitate to speak with your GP.

Question 8

Will counselling help?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is not an immediate remedy. To get the best outcome, you will be required to actively and honestly participate in your sessions.
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You may be expected to complete in-home tasks outside of your sessions to help you build upon your skills or overcome issues.
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While I will work with you as best as I can, I cannot guarantee results or positive outcomes.
Counselling is typically helpful in the moment; however, if it's not, benefits can be seen over time, even after counselling has ended. The little things we learn about ourselves or pick up on in counselling can be observed sometimes years down the track.
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Sometimes it depends on how ready we are, or how ready both partners in a relationship are, to make changes that influence how successful counselling is.

Question 9

Do I need to be in a relationship to start counselling?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people seek counselling while they are single. In fact, working on relationship patterns, emotional awareness, and boundaries can be especially helpful between relationships or while dating.

Question 10

What issues can singles counselling help with?

Accepted Answer

Singles counselling can support you with:

• Repeating relationship patterns
 • Dating anxiety or avoidance
 • Difficulty trusting or opening up
 • Low confidence or self-doubt in relationships
 • Healing from past relationship experiences
 • Understanding attachment styles and boundaries

Sessions are guided by what feels most relevant to you.

Question 11

Will counselling help me find a partner?

Accepted Answer

Counselling does not guarantee outcomes such as finding a partner. Instead, it helps you understand yourself more clearly, make intentional choices, and approach relationships with greater confidence and awareness. Many people find this naturally supports healthier connections over time.

Question 12

What if I’m currently dating?

Accepted Answer

You can attend counselling while dating. Sessions can support you in navigating uncertainty, communication, emotional triggers, and decision-making as experiences arise.

Question 13

How should I prepare for my initial session?

Accepted Answer

Before your first session:

• Complete the online Intake Form and Informed Consent Form.

• If you’re booking couples counselling, please complete the Couples’ Questionnaire individually ahead of time.

• Choose a private, comfortable space with a reliable connection.
 Your readiness and openness help us build trust and do meaningful work together.

Question 14

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions varies based on your unique situation: how soon we build rapport, how motivated you and/or your partner are, the complexity of issues, and what goals we set together. I will never keep you in counselling longer than necessary — my aim is to support you to independence.

Question 15

Do you offer face to face sessions?

Accepted Answer

At this time, I only offer online telehealth counselling sessions. The online model allows for greater flexibility, convenience and accessibility across Sydney and Australia — and helps to keep counselling affordable.

Question 16

What should I do if I’m in crisis?

Accepted Answer

This service is not a crisis support service. If you experience a crisis during a session, I will guide you with coping strategies and assist as we work through it.

If you’re in crisis outside of a session — or if you or someone in your care is in immediate danger — please call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If children or dependents are at risk, please call 000 immediately.

Question 17

How do I cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

To cancel or reschedule a session without charge, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. If you cancel less than 48 hours ahead, the full session fee will apply. This policy allows spots to be made available for others seeking counselling support.

Question 18

When might services be refused?

Accepted Answer

Counselling takes place in a safe, professional environment. Services may be refused if you attend under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in which case the session will be terminated without a refund, and you’ll need to reschedule. If there are safety risks (to yourself or others), I may decline to provide service and offer referrals to more appropriate support options.

Question 19

What if I’m not sure what the problem is?

Accepted Answer

That’s very common. Counselling doesn’t require you to have clear answers. Sessions often begin with curiosity and reflection, helping you explore and understand what feels challenging and why.

Question 20

Referring Health Professionals

Accepted Answer

As a health professional, you may want to refer clients or patients for relationship counselling, individual counselling, or online couples therapy. The Love Life Counsellor works collaboratively with medical, psychological, and allied health practitioners to provide safe, effective, and client-focused support. Here are some common questions from referring professionals.

What types of clients do you see?
We provide counselling for adults, individuals, and couples experiencing a variety of relationship or personal challenges, including:

• Relationship difficulties, communication breakdown, or conflict
 • Separation or post-separation support
 • Emotional distress, low self-esteem, or life transitions
 • Attachment or intimacy challenges

I do not provide medical diagnoses or crisis intervention; clients in acute mental health crisis should be directed to emergency services or clinical psychologists as appropriate.

How do I refer a client?
Referring is straightforward:

1. Submit referral on this website, or email us at info@thelovelifecounsellor.com.au ()with the client’s consent.
2. Provide a brief summary of the client’s needs and any relevant background.
3. The client will be contacted directly to schedule a consultation.

We accept referrals from GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other allied health professionals.

Do clients need a referral to attend?
No referral is required from clients themselves. However, providing a referral can help share important context and improve continuity of care. All sessions are confidential, and client consent is obtained before any information is shared.

Are sessions covered by Medicare or health insurance?
Currently, we do not offer Medicare rebates or private health fund coverage for counselling. Clients pay privately for sessions. For patients requiring rebate-eligible services, we are happy to coordinate with psychologists or GPs for a referral.

How do you ensure client privacy?
Client confidentiality is a core principle. We only share information with other professionals when:

• Written client consent is obtained
 • There is a legal or ethical obligation
 • Collaboration is requested for coordinated care

All online counselling sessions are conducted via secure telehealth platforms in compliance with privacy standards.

Can I receive updates about my referred client?
Yes, with client consent. We can provide brief progress updates or reports while maintaining client confidentiality and respecting therapeutic boundaries.

How quickly can my client start counselling?
Most clients can begin sessions within 1–2 weeks, depending on availability. Online sessions allow flexible scheduling across Sydney and Australia.

Do you accept clients for ongoing therapy or short-term intervention?
We offer both short-term and ongoing counselling, depending on the client’s needs and goals. Our focus is on helping clients develop practical tools for personal growth and relationship improvement.

What should I do if my client is in crisis?
The Love Life Counsellor does not provide crisis support. If a client is in immediate danger or experiencing severe mental health issues, please direct them to 000, Lifeline (13 11 14), or their nearest hospital/emergency service.

Can I discuss a specific client case with you?
Yes — with the client’s written consent. We encourage open communication to ensure referrals are appropriate and aligned with the client’s overall care plan.

Contact for Referrals
For more information or to refer a client, please go to the Referrals (https://www.thelovelifecounsellor.com.au/referrals)page to submit the referral.

We welcome collaboration with health professionals to provide compassionate and effective support for your patients.

Frequently asked questions about counselling