Jess has a Bachelor of Counselling and has met the training and qualification standards to become a registered member with PACFA & CCAA, as well as committing to ongoing professional development & supervision to ensure her work with clients continues to be effective.

Unfortunately not. Currently these plans are only eligible with a psychologist or mental health social worker. However, depending on your level of support needed, you may find counselling a valuable addition to this. Another consideration is the out of pocket expense after a Medicare rebate with a psychologist or accredited social worker will be similar to a counselling session full priced fee.

At Dark Wood Counselling, each counselling session is dedicated entirely to you and lasts for one hour. However, the specifics of what happens in a session can vary based on your unique needs and preferences. Here are some examples of what a session might involve: Talking: Engaging in open and honest conversation about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Expressive Therapy: Utilizing forms of expressive therapy such as drawing, collage, or painting to explore emotions and express yourself creatively. Using Cards: Using emotion cards, values cards, imagery cards, or animal cards to tell a story, express desires, or discuss concerns. Safety Planning: Developing a safety plan to manage challenging situations or emotions effectively. Coping Strategies: Learning and practicing different coping strategies to navigate difficult emotions or situations. Goal Setting: Working together to identify and set future goals, hopes, and dreams. Psychoeducation: Receiving relevant information and education about mental health, coping skills, or other topics relevant to your well-being.

Counsellors are qualified professionals who get the privilege of helping clients help themselves. Counsellors use talk therapy, along with some other handy resources, to develop their clients self-awareness and understanding in order to make the changes they want in their lives. A counsellor is someone who listens attentively to clients, helping them explore their thoughts and feelings, identifying patterns of behaviour, and assisting them in finding healthy ways of coping or positive ways to move forward with their problem areas. Counsellors adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards to ensure the well-being and confidentiality of their clients.

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment you will be charged 50% of the session fee. Why? If there is little to no notice given we are unable to fill this appointment in such a short time.

No! Anyone at any time can seek a counsellor without needing a referral from a GP or a mental health care plan. You don't have to have a mental health diagnoses or be connected with any other services, you can book online today.

At this stage I do not accept private health rebates but as soon as this changes I will update you!