What is counselling and what are the benefits?

Counselling is a therapeutic process, a joining, a therapeutic bond based on trust that enables positive change to occur. 

Counselling can be sort for a whole range of personal and psychological issues, which may include a situation, a relationship, a family member, a loss, or a need to better understand someone or something.    

It is a professional service that uses the therapeutic relationship to help people better understand themselves and others; to provide guidance in addressing life difficulties; and to support them in making the changes they want in their lives. 

 

What is a registered counsellor? 

A registered counsellor is a counsellor with membership to a governing body. To be titled a ‘registered counsellor’ a governing body must recognise and verify an individual’s training and experience.

As counselling in Australia currently has no minimum qualification requirements, it is yet to be recognised as a standardised profession. This means someone calling themselves a counsellor may not be qualified. Therefore, it is important for individuals to seek out counselling support from a counsellor who is qualified, and has sufficient training in this field, that is verified through their membership.  

 

Counsellors may have membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and/or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australian (PACFA). 

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What is the difference between counselling, psychotherapy, and psychology?

Counselling and psychotherapy are commonly used interchangeably. Counselling refers to the process of change when working therapeutically on a specific issue or situation. Psychotherapy is sometimes used to refer to work that involves the influence of our past, and is usually longer term, and associated with personality change. 

 

Counsellors can have a range of credentials – from a diploma to a master’s degree. It is important when seeing a counsellor to be aware of whether they are registered and affiliated with a membership body. This provides confirmation for you that they have attained the required training to work as a counsellor.  

 

Psychologist have studied in ‘normal and abnormal’ behaviours and have trained in treatments for mental, emotional, behavioural disorders. 

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What is Expressive Therapies?

Expressive Therapies is an experiential arts-based emotionally expressive method that promotes emotional integration, self-awareness, and resilience. It involves working somewhat actively in a non-directive, invitational way using sand play, symbol work, drawing, music, and movement.

 

For more information on Expressive Therapies please visit the Expressive Therapies Institute of Australia. 

 

 

What therapeutic modalities do I use?

I use both talk and expressive modalities. Whatever your preference is, is what will be used. 

 

Expressive Therapies is my preferred modality – this means working somewhat actively in a non-directive, invitational way with sand play, symbol work, drawing, music, and movement. 

 

I also use talk-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

 

Is online counselling safe? And how does it work? 

When participating in online counselling, finding a safe and private space is important to protect your own safety, privacy, and confidentiality. With this is mind, Expressions of Hope Counselling takes precautions to make online counselling safer by using password protected online platforms for tele-health such as Zoom, making online counselling as safe as possible for our clients.

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Special consideration will be made for phone counselling if your internet is a concern or it cuts out, or is a safer and more useable option for you for therapy on that occasion.  

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 Prior to our session together information and your contract will be emailed out to you. Payment is expected in advance. Once payment has been received, our unique Zoom link code and password will be emailed to you.

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How is information kept safe?

Your personal information is kept safe and secure as per requirements outlined in ACA’s Code of Ethics. This means all efforts are made to protect any online information with password locks and up to date security, and hard copies are filed safely in lockable filing system.