Your Counselling Questions Answered

Everything you want to know about starting counselling, what to expect, and how I can support you.

  • Among Puffins Counselling primarily supports women and LGBTQIA+ adults across Australia, including those navigating burnout, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodivergence, chronic illness, grief, or difficult life transitions. The service is for anyone seeking a safe, affirming, and socially-aware space to explore emotions, relationships, identity, or self-understanding. If thats you, then you’re in the right place!

    If you feel like you could benefit from talking with someone in a compassionate and inclusive space, Reach out today →

  • There is no “right” reason to come to counselling. Often, the most important factor is the desire for a supportive space to explore your experiences at your own pace.

    Counselling can be helpful if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or facing challenges that currently feel difficult to manage on your own and are impacting your daily life. Even questioning your feelings and thoughts around seeing a counsellor can be a sign it might be useful to talk to someone.

    Counselling works best when you can safely attend sessions and dedicate time to reflect and engage with your experiences.

    Reach out today →

  • This is a completely understandable feeling which many people experience. Reaching out is often the hardest part of getting support. Especially if you’ve had negative experiences in the past.

    Few things to remember:

    • I’m just a person, here to support you, not to judge.

    • You can reach out via email anytime, and I always offer a casual 15-minute chat with new clients to see if working together feels like a good fit.

    • You are in control; you can change your mind at any time after reaching out and I can help connect you with other support at your request.

    If you’re ready to take the next step, you can send me a message through the contact form.

  • The first session is a chance to get to know each other and talk about what’s bringing you to counselling.
    There is no expectation on what or how much you share of yourself. The main focus is helping you feel comfortable in the space and establishing a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.

  • It is up to you how often you engage in counselling sessions.

    Many people begin with fortnightly or weekly sessions. Over time this can change depending on your needs, goals and life circumstances.

    Consistency in attendance is recommended as regular support is more effective for lasting change.

  • Yes. Research shows online counselling can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many concerns. Many people also find it more comfortable to talk from their own home or a familiar environment.

    Right now, Among Puffins Counselling is 100% online but is committed to offering in-person sessions in the future.

  • For new clients, booking a session begins with an enquiry through the contact form on the website. After receiving your enquiry, I’ll be in touch to organise a short 15-minute chat either by phone or video to see if working together feels like a good fit.

    Counselling sessions are available on Tuesdays & Thursdays between 10am-7pm with additional availability by appointment only.

  • If you need immediate support or are experiencing a crisis, it’s important to reach out to trusted services that are available.

    Here are some key resources you can contact if you or someone you know is at risk of immediate harm:

    • Emergency Services: 000
      for immediate life-threatening emergencies

    • Lifeline: 13 11 14
      crisis support and suicide prevention

    • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
      mental health support and information

    • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
      specialist suicide prevention counselling

    • QLife: 1800 184 527 - (3pm-midnight)
      support for LGBTQIA+ people

    • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
      counselling for young people up to 25 years old

    • 13 YARN: 13 92 76
      Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

    • Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
      counselling services for Australian men

    • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
      free counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence

  • Not at all. While my practice intentionally centres and affirms women (cis and trans) & LGBTQIA+ people, anyone is welcome if my approach and values resonate with them.

  • I offer neurodivergent-affirming counselling and support for clients exploring ADHD, autism (ASD), or related experiences. While I don’t provide formal ADHD or ASD assessments, I can help you navigate challenges, coping strategies, questions around neurodivergence. and refer you to qualified practitioners for a formal assessment if that is what you are wanting.

    Regarding NDIS funding: Among Puffins Counselling is not a registered NDIS provider, so I cannot offer NDIS-funded sessions or process payments through the scheme. However, if you are self-managed or plan-managed, you may still be able to work with us. Feel free to reach out to discuss your options.

  • No. Many people come to counselling whilst exploring whether they might be neurodivergent or learning how to navigate a neurotypical world. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to receive neurodivergent-affirming support.

  • No referral or Mental Health Care Plan is required. You can contact me directly to organise counselling.

    If you do have a Mental Health Care Plan, you’re welcome to share it with me but it’s completely up to you. I’m also happy to correspond with your doctor or other healthcare providers if you’d like me to, so your care can be coordinated and supported.

  • As a registered counsellor, sessions are not eligible for Medicare rebates. However, I offer lower-cost sessions and subsidised options to help make counselling more accessible for everyone.

    For subsidised sessions through Medicare you would need to work with a psychologist or registered social worker.

  • Among Puffins Counselling has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice via email if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, a cancellation fee of 50% of the appointment cost will apply.

    If you wake up on the day of your session feeling unwell or have a genuine emergency, you are entitled to two free cancellations per 12-month period. Cancellation fees are also waived if the session is rebooked within 7 days.

    I will always check with you first if you’d like to use one of your free cancellations or reschedule before applying a fee. My goal is to be flexible and supportive while running a sustainable practice.

  • Because some of us have spent a lifetime feeling like we don't quite fit and that deserves more than a therapist who just nods along.

    I founded Among Puffins for anyone who has ever felt a little different, out of place, or misunderstood. The name isn't accidental. Puffins are small, resilient seabirds that navigate harsh environments, adapt creatively, and thrive on the edges; often overlooked, often underestimated, never quite like the others. Sound familiar?

    The people I work with are the same. Unique, bold, playful, and deeply loving but so often unseen by a world that rewards outdated ideas of functionality, productivity and conventional “happiness”.

    Working with me means working with someone who gets it, not just professionally, but personally. This isn't a space where you'll be nudged toward "normal." It's a space where your differences are celebrated, your experiences are validated, and your voice is heard.

    If you've spent too long feeling like you're on the outside, particularly in health settings, reach out today →