No you don’t need a GP referral to make an appointment or access counselling and psychotherapy services.

Please note that Ferniks doesn’t offer formal assessments or diagnosis nor do we prescribe medication.

Ferniks aims to support each person holistically, and at times this means working in partnership with GPs and allied health practitioners, with your permission, to ensure best quality of care is given to you.

No you can’t.

Counselling & psychotherapy services are currently ineligible for Medicare rebates and Mental Health Care Plan subsidies. Please visit your GP for further information on Medicare subsidised treatment.

It’s normal to feel apprehensive about coming to see a mental health practitioner for the first time. If you have seen other therapists or psychologists before, seeing a new one for the first time can still feel challenging, especially if you have had some negative experiences.

Cleo is aware that this is not uncommon and to support you through this experience offers a free 10 minute phone consultation to ask a few questions and get to know her before you book a session. If you are interested in this option, please email and request a time for this.

Yes,

If you would like to meet outdoors near the clinic (beach, river or park perhaps), online or over the phone, these requests can be accommodated. Just let Cleo know what you would prefer.

It depends.

It’s pretty common for people who engage in therapy to see benefits within 5-10 sessions.

In saying that, each person has unique circumstances and as such the amount of sessions depends on what each person wants to achieve, the complexity of their situation and the progress they experience in their work. This is something that is explored throughout therapy and the amount of sessions you have is flexible depending on what you need.

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Yes,

If you know how often you would like to have therapy sessions it can be helpful to book in advance, this ensures you are able to make consistent progress in our work together.

Cleo works part time, which can mean sessions are booked out well in advance, another reason it can be helpful to book ahead!

Yes

By prearrangement session times can be extended by half an hour. Please discuss this with Cleo if you would like to do this.

No

At this stage Ferniks specialises in supporting adolescents and adults, not children.

No

Ferniks does not offer couples counselling at this time.

Cleo works within the ethical framework of The Australian Counselling Association, as such, she comes under their strict confidential guidelines. Any information disclosed within sessions is not shared with third parties without the client's explicit consent except where ethically and legally required. This will be discussed in the first session .

The ethical and legal exceptions to client confidentiality are focussed on the safety of the client or others and when it is mandated by court order. Should a scenario such as this occur, a discussion between the therapist and client will happen prior to any action being taken.

Yes.

48 hours notice needed otherwise 50% cancellation fee applies.

NDIS cancellation fees are in line current with NDIS guidelines.

The details of the policy can be found on the consent form and will be discussed in your first session.