Frequently Asked Questions

You can book an appointment through our online booking system by visiting the Appointments page, or you can contact us directly:

• Email: heidi.lichtenberg@praxisco.com.au

Email or fill out the contact form on the website and we'll then help guide you through the process of booking your first session.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what brings you to counselling. We'll:

• Discuss your goals
• Explore your concerns
• Begin to develop a plan together

There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with—this is your space and your pace.

Counselling is a collaborative therapeutic process in which a trained professional provides a safe, confidential space to explore emotional difficulties, psychological challenges, and patterns of behaviour. It is suited to those experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or relationship difficulties, and aims to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and meaningful change.

Coaching is a structured, goal-oriented process that focuses on personal or professional development. Rather than addressing clinical concerns, coaching supports individuals in clarifying goals, building confidence, overcoming obstacles, and creating actionable strategies for growth and positive change.

If you're unsure which approach is right for you, our team can help you determine the best fit during an initial consultation.

We offer a range of counselling and coaching services:

• Individual Counselling — personal reflection, self-understanding, and support with challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions
• Relationships Counselling (up to 3 people) — improving interpersonal relationships, building trust, and developing healthy communication
• Coaching — goal-oriented, solution-focused work to build confidence and motivation towards meaningful change

All sessions are 50-60 minutes in duration.

All counselling sessions — individual counselling, relationships counselling — are 50-60 minutes in duration.

Coaching sessions are generally up to 45 minutes in duration.

Session structure and focus can be discussed and adjusted based on your specific needs.

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual circumstances and goals.

Some people find benefit in just a few sessions, while others prefer ongoing support. We'll regularly review your progress together and adjust the frequency as needed.

You're always in control of your counselling journey.

Our practitioners are trained in evidence-based approaches including:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based therapies
• Solution-focused strategies

We tailor our approach to suit your unique needs and preferences.

Visit our therapeutic modalities page to learn more about the approaches we use.

Yes, we offer secure video telehealth sessions for clients who prefer the convenience of online counselling.

Telehealth is ideal if you:

• Have mobility challenges
• Live in a regional area
• Prefer the comfort of your own space

You'll need:

• A device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer)
• A stable internet connection
• A private, quiet space

We'll provide you with a secure link before your session and can help you troubleshoot any technical issues.

All sessions are 45-60 minutes in duration. Our standard fees are:

• Individual counselling $150
• Relationships counselling $210
• Coaching $120

Medicare rebates of up to $112.40 are available for eligible individual sessions with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

Visit our Fees page for full pricing details.

Yes, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP.

This plan allows you to receive:

• Up to 10 subsidised individual sessions per calendar year
• Current rebate of up to $112.40 per session

Speak with your GP about whether this option is right for you.

To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan:

• Book an appointment with your GP
• Let them know you'd like to discuss your mental health
• Ask about accessing Medicare rebates for counselling

Your GP will assess your needs and, if appropriate, create a Mental Health Care Plan and provide a referral to our practice.

Our practice is not affiliated with any specific private health companies, but our mental health professionals may individually be recognised by your policy.

Check if your extras cover supports services from:

• Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
• Certified Counsellor

We provide paid invoices with all necessary details, and it will be your responsibility to submit the claim with your provider.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit/debit cards
• Bank transfer
• EFTPOS

Payment is required prior to your appointment.

We require at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a cancellation fee of up to 100% of the session cost, as this time has been reserved specifically for you.

Yes, confidentiality is fundamental to our practice. What you share in sessions remains private, with limited exceptions required by law:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others
• Child protection concerns
• A court may issue a subpoena requiring the release of clinical notes

We'll explain our confidentiality policy in detail during your first session.

We understand that plans change. We ask for at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee, as our counsellor's time has been reserved specifically for you.

If you need immediate help or your life is in danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you're in crisis or having difficulty coping, contact these 24/7 services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

You can also access Lifeline's online crisis support chat. Our counselling services are not designed for crisis intervention, but we're here to support you in non-emergency situations.

As a private practice, unfortunately we do not have the resources to provide crisis support or immediate assistance. To accommodate in the event of an emergency, there are several free 24/7 crisis services available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — Available 24/7
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — Available 24/7
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 — Available 24/7
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support, 24/7
• 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — Support for those impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, 24/7

As a private practice, unfortunately we do not have the capacity to provide after-hours support in most cases. Our standard hours are listed on the Contact page.

For after-hours mental health support, please contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Mental Health Triage Service: in your area

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.