Counselling

Information is correct as at February 2026

My approach to counselling

I use a reflective, contemplative, trauma-informed approach and draw from a range of traditions in my work with people. My main areas of experience are in trauma, and grief and loss. I see my role as creating a safe space for you to explore what is important for you in each appointment. I have found counselling beneficial in my own life journey and I appreciate being to offer the counselling experience to others.

I have been working in counselling roles since 2008; first in community organisations and now in private practice. I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker which allows me to provide a Medicare rebate if you receive a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

My areas of experience

I offer counselling to people across the following themes:

This list is not exhaustive and perhaps what you are experiencing is not noted here. You can certainly contact me and we can talk about what I can offer you and if this will match what you need at this time.

Who I work with

I work with people aged 18 years and over

(I can let you know of skilled and caring colleagues for young people under the age of 18 can access for support)

How I offer appointments

I offer appointments via phone, and through internet-based technology

(I am currently not offering an in-person appointments)

How to make an appointment

You can call or email me to make a 15 minute initial conversation. This brief phone or video call is an  opportunity for us to explore that my way of working can support what you need at this time. Generally there is a sound match which leads to the development of an effective therapeutic relationship. If I am not the right person for you at this time, then I will talk with you about other practitioners who may be more suitable.

Prices

There are three main ways that you can cover the cost of each appointment. Please see the prices page for up to date appointment costs:

1. I will email you an invoice after the appointment for you pay the full cost for each appointment via direct debit.*
2. you seek a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. This Medicare program will give you a rebate for up to 10 appointments per calendar year. I will email you an invoice after each appointment, and process the Medicare rebate once I have received your full payment.
3. I can invoice your organisation, business or another third party if they are paying for the appointment.
   

Please note: I am not a registered provider with any private health funds and you will not be able to access a rebate from your policy for our appointments.

How to get a Mental Health Care Plan

Contact your GP to make an appointment. Let the Reception staff know you would like a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) as some medical centres will book you a double appointment for this process. Your GP may talk with you about why you want a MHCP and may ask you to complete a questionnaire as part of their assessment, for example a K10, or a DASS 21. Please ask your GP to make the MHCP referral to me as per the details on my contact page.

After hours support

I work between 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday. I am often in appointments and unable to provide immediate telephone or face-to-face support.

If you require urgent support outside of business hours, or during the week when I am not available, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14; they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

General information about counselling

Each appointment is approximately 60 minutes in length including payment and admin time.

I generally try to see people within a week of our initial contact. After our first appointment there may be a wait of up to two weeks before we can begin ongoing appointments. People may come to appointments either weekly, fortnightly, three weekly, monthly or as they need to. Appointment frequency and duration of our counselling relationship will be dependent on your personal situation. Some people see me for only a few sessions, other people I have worked with either regularly or as needed over a number of years.

Any further questions….

Please let me know if you have any other questions about counselling that is not answered in the above information. You can call me on T: (07) 4041 2057 or email: contact@simonedewar.com.au