At The Avenue Place, we believe that all people experience challenges at some point in their life – it is a part of the human experience. When clients show the courage to make an inquiry, we respect this notion and are down to earth and non-judgemental in our approach- whatever the difficulty. We are a small intimate practice that strives to create an environment of equality, confidentiality and personalised care. Should you have any questions about our practice or the services, we offer, please contact us. Sensitive staff with psychology training handle all inquiries.

Adults can be referred for counselling for a variety of reasons

These can include:

• Anxiety (generalised, panic, OCD etc)
• Depression
• Post Natal Depression
• Stress management
• Self-esteem and assertiveness skills
• Grief
• Sleep difficulties
• Adjustment to injury and reduced independence
• Coping with chronic illness and/or pain management
• Relationship difficulties
• Parenting problems
• Post-traumatic stress

Do I need a doctor’s referral to attend?

You do not need to have a referral to make an appointment. You will, however, require a referral should you wish to claim a rebate from Medicare.

What can I expect when I attend counselling?

The first session is especially important as the client will usually know by the end of this session if they feel they are going to click with the psychologist and get the help that they require.

During the first session, your psychologist’s primary goal is to make you feel at ease and establish rapport. You will then be supported to share your presenting concerns, how these difficulties began and continued, as well as identify current resources and potential barriers to resolution. Together, with your psychologist, you will set goals for treatment. This session is entirely obligation free and confidential.

Should you continue working with your psychologist, most clients usually attend between 6-10 sessions depending on the nature of their difficulties and the progress they make through therapy. More serious mental health problems will require more intense ongoing therapy. This requirement will, however, be discussed with you at your initial meeting. Each session is 50 minutes in length but can be modified if necessary.

Depending on the presenting issues, a variety of counselling techniques are drawn upon. Many of them are based on a group of psychological treatments known as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT educates individuals about their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and the connection between them. Individuals can learn skills to change their thinking, and behaviour to result in more positive feelings and outcomes. CBT has been proven to be effective in treating many psychological problems. Other evidence-based therapeutic approaches which may be used, include Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, ACT and Mindfulness.

Will my information be kept confidential?

All personal information gathered by a psychologist during the provision of psychological services will remain confidential and secure except where:

• It is subpoenaed by a court.
• Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk.
• Your prior approval has been obtained to discuss the material or to provide a written report to another person relevant to the case e.g. a teacher or doctor.

What are my rights as a client of psychological services?

The Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) Charter for Clients outlines the service a client should expect when consulting an APS Psychologist.