Frequently Asked Questions about Coaching/Counselling

 

What kind of problems can therapy help?

 

How do I pick a therapist? How do I know what type of therapy

 is right for me?

 

How long does therapy last?

 

How often will I meet with you?

 

How much do sessions cost?

 

What are your qualifications?

 

Is what I say to you confidential?

 

I see that this site is geared towards alternative or sexual minority groups..

I’m straight and am not involved in any of the activities or lifestyles listed here. Can I still be seen by you?

 


What kind of problems can therapy help?

 Coaching or Counselling can help to address a number of concerns.

One of the most common reasons people come to sessions is because they're unsatisfied with their relationships. Some people have a difficult time finding and maintaining romantic relationships. Others have no problems getting into or staying in romantic relationships, but find their relationships are empty, turbulent or otherwise unpleasant. 


Others are unhappy with the relationships they have with their parents, their siblings,their own children, their boss, their roommates, their friends and/or 

their coworkers. When people come to therapy for help with relationships, 

they often feel desperate. They've tried everything they can imagine 

to improve their relationships, but nothing has worked.


Therapy can help clients learn more about their role in the relationship, 

thereby casting new light on the situation. Understanding how you contribute

 to the dynamic of a relationship puts you in a better position to change the dynamic.Therapy also has tremendous success in helping people with issues like depression, anxiety and bipolar (mania and depression). People with feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and low self-worth can also be greatly helped  


How do I pick a therapist?

 How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?

Although different schools of therapy like to argue over which type of therapy is best, there is increasing evidence that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is more important than the therapist's theoretical orientation or treatment modality.

I believe that it's best to have a chat on the phone with the coach and if all feels well, schedule an appointment and meet face-to-face before making a decision. During the meeting, your coach will be able to assess whether she thinks she can help, and you'll be able to determine whether this is a person with whom you'll feel comfortable talking.


 How long does counselling/coaching last?

 That depends. Some types of therapy are very short ..  between 2 -12 sessions. 

I practice open-ended therapy, which means that there is no pre-imposed time limit on our work together. The length of the therapy is determined by the nature of your problem. The therapy begins when you are ready and ends when you and I agree that our work together is done.


 How often will I need to meet with you?

 I see clients between one to two times a week... occasionally fortnightly if you have time or financial considerations.  Less than once a week makes it difficult for both myself and the patient to follow the line of work from session to session. Once a week is sufficient for many clients, but others find that they get more benefit by attending several times a week. 


Once people have finished therapy, they will often come back occasionally 

for a quick top up or check in.


 How much do sessions cost?

 Rates in the Sydney area range from $90-$300 per 50 or 60 minute session. 

The fee is determined by a variety of factors including the therapist's experience 

and qualifications, the therapist's overhead expenses (rent, malpractice insurance, licensing fees, employees, federal and state taxes, etc.) and the therapist's salary requirements.


Some people get lucky and love the first therapist they see. 

Others meet with 6, 8 or more therapists before they find one who's right for them. 


My rates are: $110 per hour (singles)  

                      $140 per hour (couples or moresomes) 



50% off first session

Because finding a good therapeutic fit is so important, I offer the first session to potential clients at half my usual rate. My goal in offering the reduced rate is to make the process of finding the right therapist more affordable. If you are considering sessions with me, I encourage you to schedule an introductory meeting so that we can get a better sense of one another.


Contact us now for your half price first session


What are your Qualifications?

 BA Psych, Dip.Clinical Hypnotherapy, NLP Practitioner, Dip Somatic Therapy.

I have also undertaken extra training in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom technique (EFT), Conflict Resolution, Accelerated Learning,

and Sexual Counselling... plus 1000s of hours of other personal and spiritual development workshops/trainings.         


 Is what I say to you confidential?

 I am bound by laws and professional ethics to keep what you say to me in confidence, with a few exceptions. For example, if during the course of our work together, I learn that you or someone else might be seriously harmed, 

I'm required by law to report whatever information is necessary to see that the person in danger is kept safe.In order for the information to be reportable, 

I must be very certain that some harm is imminent. If a client told me that he sometimes thinks about suicide but has no serious intentions, I could not break confidentiality. However, if a client tells me he intends to commit suicide tonight, that he has a gun and bullets and that nothing I or anyone else can say will stop him, I'm required by law to break confidentiality to ensure the client's safety. 


I'm also required to break confidentiality if I learn that a child or an elderly or disabled person is being abused. In cases where confidentiality must be broken, 

only the information necessary to ensure the safety of the endangered person 

is shared; details about the client and the treatment remain confidential.


Additionally, I sometimes consult with other mental health professionals for the purpose of gaining greater insight into the client's case. These mental health professionals are bound by the same laws and ethics as I, and must keep whatever they hear confidential. Additionally, I do not share any information that might reveal your identity. I do not disclose details such as your name, your exact age, your job, or anything else that would make you easily identifiable to someone who knows you. 


 I see that you offer services to people in sexual minority groups.

However,  I'm straight and am not involved in any of the activities or lifestyles listed there. Can I still be seen by you?

Yes. My intention in highlighting my work with people belonging to alternative sexuality communities is not to exclude everyone else. Instead, I hope to make people feel welcome in my practice - regardless of sexual orientation or lifestyle. 

 

Contact - info@ALTcoach.com                    All sessions are totally, unquestionably CONFIDENTIAL