01 Jan Did You Know?
Did you know? Info about Counselling
In 2023, we shared a series of posts offering valuable information about counselling, addressing many of the common questions we frequently receive. We realised that this information could be better stored and accessed in one convenient place, which is why we’ve decided to turn it into a blog.
It’s important to remember that the type of information we’re providing can be found through a variety of sources, with varying levels of detail and sometimes differences in content and presentation. Therefore, when seeking out information related to counselling, it’s important to rely on reliable and reputable resources, especially those that are Australian-based and free from bias.
Before we share our ‘did you know? Info about counselling’ series we would like to provide a definition of counselling, again there are many, but this one best describes what we are referring to:
``Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns.
- The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
“Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage.
“Counsellors are fully present with their clients, using empathy and deep listening to establish positive working relationships. Counselling is effective when clients feel safe, understood, respected, and accepted without judgement. Counselling is a profession with a strong evidence base. Counsellors use empirically supported interventions and specialized interpersonal skills to facilitate change and empower clients.
“Counsellors are trained in a range of modalities to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Counselling can be broad or focused.”
You can find the full PACFA definition here:
Did you know that although there may be some similarities, and the terms are often used interchangeably counselling and psychology are not the same.
Counsellors have a broad range and breadth of training and often adopt a person-centred approach. They are likely to start working with you by listening and exploring your goals.
Psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis and management of mental health conditions and are likely to do a comprehensive assessment at the beginning. Both provide what is often described as ‘talk therapy’.
Psychologists may take an active role in implementing strategies whilst Counsellors are more likely to help lead you to meet your own needs and better understand yourself.
Both offer a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where you can work towards addressing challenges that may be affecting your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Counsellors are expected to tailor their sessions to suit their clients. Psychologists may focus more on human behaviour and the inner workings of a person’s mind. Both may utilise different techniques and approaches.
``Psychologists, therapists, and counsellors may have different training and approaches, but they all treat mental, emotional, and behavioural health.``
- Abigail Fagan, The Therapy Center
Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia, whilst counselling currently is not (although this is currently in the process of changing). Psychology requires more formal education whilst there are many different types and levels of counselling qualifications.
There are industry standards, codes of conduct, ethical guidelines and expectations for both professions. Counsellors and Psychologists can offer support with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief, loss, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
There are some generalisations here because, as with any profession, different people come with different skills, strengths, and styles. Individual practitioners have different levels and types of experience, expertise, and training, they have different passions, and areas of interest.
They also, bring to their role different personalities, life experiences and ways of being.
So, it is important to know what the similarities and the differences are between counsellors and psychologists when looking for the right therapist for you.
And just to add some further considerations into the mix there are many other allied health professionals out there who also offer therapy, including mental health social workers, psychotherapists, art and play therapists.
If you would like to consider another explanation of the differences check out:
Did you know that Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are a designated group of allied health professionals that can provide private mental health services to people.
Just like other practitioners such as counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologist, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers use a range of different modalities to support individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
To become accredited Social Workers are required to meet some of the highest standards of professional regulation in Australia by undertaking a specialist assessment process with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
It is important to note however that not all Social Workers providing counselling are Accredited.
AMHSWs work with people across the lifespan, they have a wide range of experience and expertise, and they are recognised providers with Medicare and selected private health funds. They can accept mental health care/treatment plans and referrals from GP’s providing more accessibility to their services for the community.
If you would like to learn more about AMHSWs go to:
Did you know that you do not need a mental health care/treatment plan or a referral from your GP to see a counsellor?
A mental health care plan, now more commonly referred to as a mental health treatment plan is written by your doctor, based on their assessment that you have a mental health disorder, condition or concern that would benefit from such a plan.
These are generally required when you are seeking support from a professional under the Medicare rebate scheme. The plan gives you access to certain psychologists, occupational therapists and accredited mental health social workers.
However, if you want to access counselling, without a formal diagnosis, or assessment or referral from your doctor, you can!
“When determining whether to pursue a Mental Health Care Plan or opt for private counselling, it is essential to consider your individual needs, financial situation and therapeutic preferences.``
- Kristen Fraser Counselling
Counsellors and Psychotherapists are mental health professionals who can support individuals experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance misuse, relationships, identity, domestic violence and child abuse.
They offer a non-judgmental, client-focused, safe and confidential service to assist with things such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, identity, relationship difficulties and much more.
Counsellors aren’t all the same though, there are different modalities, approaches, experience, and expertise. So be sure to ask questions to help find the best fit for you.
For more information about MHCP and counsellors head to:
Did you know that although Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not currently eligible for the Medicare rebate, many have provider numbers with private health funds.
Private health funds such as BUPA, Medibank and ARHG provide rebates to their members for counselling services.
The Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia are in negotiations with private health funds all the time to advocate for this to become more available with more providers.
So, if you are thinking about accessing counselling support and you have private health cover, this is worth checking out with your insurer and with any potential counsellor.
Did you know that counselling with private practitioners can be funded by NDIS?
If you, or someone you care for, is a NDIS participant you can choose to access counselling as part of your funded package of support. If you are agency managed, you would need to choose a counsellor who is registered with the NDIA.
However, if you are plan managed or self-managed you can also choose a counsellor who is not NDIA registered.
Counselling and other therapeutic services are often an important part of supporting participants to reach the goals that are outlined in their NDIS plans. Counselling is usually considered a capacity building support and can help build skills, confidence, and independence. Core support funding can also be used for therapies if necessary.
Counselling can be a great way to support individuals to understand and regulate emotions, develop, and maintain positive relationships, engage, and connect in social activities, identify new interests, and set goals for the future.
There are a few ways to find a counsellor or therapist and to find out what the NDIA guidelines are. You can ask your Local Area Coordinator or Plan Manager. If you have a support coordinator, they can help you. Or you can ask family and friends, this is often a good way to get personal recommendations. There are also several service directories available.
The NDIS website also provides lots of detailed information:
We hope these responses to some of the questions we are asked frequently has been helpful. If you have any further questions or would like something clarified don’t hesitate to reach out – you can head to our contact page for details.
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