Frequently asked questions

How much will it cost?	$90 for one hour session with an individual $120 for one hour session with couple Groups – by arrangement
What happens if I want to stop?	You can stop any time you wish. It is recommended that you discuss this with the counsellor but the decision is yours.
Do you provide Medicare and insurance rebates?	Bayside Partners does not provide Medicare Cover. Bayside Partners is: accredited by some insurance companies. registered with both Victorian Workcover and the Victims Assistance Program. Further information can be obtained on 03 9018 9356.
How can I pay?	You can pay by either cheque or cash.
Will my sessions be confidential?	All sessions are confidential. When you come and see one of the counsellors privately, you will be asked to sign a form recording your contact details. On that form, it states that “I understand that all information is confidential and that such information will not be released to other people or organisations without my written permission”. This ensures that no information is released without your permission.
If my insurance company is paying for the counselling, will it be confidential?	In the situation where insurance companies or government bodies are paying for the counselling, a record will be kept that you have attended. In addition, if information is requested by insurance companies and government bodies, Bayside Partners are obliged to release this information. However, you are always kept informed and can be provided with copies
What is the difference between psychotherapists/counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists?	Counsellor/Psychotherapist - a person professionally trained who uses psychological theories with the aim of assisting individuals to explore various aspects of their life or any psychological difficulties they may be experiencing. The therapist provides a non judgmental and accepting atmosphere within which to explore and work with the individual. Dictionary of Psychology, Penguin, 1985 Psychologist - a person who is engaged in the scientific study of the mind, a clinical psychologist has been trained in aspects of the assessment and treatment of the ill and handicapped. Oxford Medical Dictionary, 1994 Psychiatrist - a person trained in medicine who specialises in the prevention diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The actual practice of the psychiatrist and the clinical psychologist overlap considerably; the primary difference being that the psychiatrist, by virtue of the medical licence, is legally authorised to prescribe drugs while the clinical psychologist is not. Dictionary of Psychology, Penguin, 1985
How do I work out if I have a good counsellor?	You have a good counsellor if you feel you can trust them to understand where you are coming from. This may take a couple of sessions. Some qualities to look for in a good counsellor is that of empathy, good listening ability, a non-judgmental approach with the ability to help you feel safe and relaxed enough to able you to tell your story. If after two sessions, you don't feel a level of comfortableness, tell the counsellor. If you don't feel confident enough to tell the counsellor, either ask for a referral or make contact with another counsellor. Only change and growth will happen if the therapeutic relationship between you and the counsellor is a good one.
What are the counsellors' qualifications?	Bayside Partner counsellors are accredited by professional organisations as fully accredited counsellors. The associations are: Australian Counselling Association Counsellors & Psychotherapists Assn Canberra & Region ( PACFA Accredited) Counsellors' & Psychotherapists' Assn of Victoria Inc ( PACFA Accredited) National Association of Loss & Grief (Inc) VIC Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia ( PACFA )
Do you provide telephone counselling?	Although we prefer to meet with someone face to face, we realise at times, due to certain circumstances this is not possible. Therefore, through prearranged appointments we are able to provide the counselling session via the phone.
How long will it take?	The counselling session will last one hour. The length of time you continue with counselling is entirely your decision. Some feel a few sessions are effective in enabling them to deal with their particular issue. Some feel they would benefit from counselling over a longer time period. The decision will be entirely yours.
Can I bring someone else?	This is something you could discuss with the counsellor. Initially you may feel you would like someone with you, especially if you have never been to counselling before. However, if the other person is not part of the counselling process, the counsellor may recommend they wait in our comfortable reception area, until such time your session is over. This is to ensure you feel comfortable, safe and your privacy is respected.
Will you hypnotise me?	No, this is a very conscious, engaging process, where you will be actively involved in exploring your issues. Through counselling, the results should give you more awareness, understanding and clarity regarding your issues. To achieve this there is a need for you to be both cognitively and emotionally involved. This can give you the time to think about the things you are talking about with your counsellor.
Does counselling really work?	Yes. A sample of ongoing research shows: Counselling interventions are generally effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Counselling has been shown in the majority of studies which have examined this factor, to reduce sickness absence rates in people by 25-50%. The majority of employees (over 90%) who make use of workplace counselling are highly satisfied. Significant benefits for people can be achieved in 3-8 sessions of counselling. Professor John McLeod of the School of Social and Health Sciences, University of Abertay , Dundee and is published by British Assn for Counsellors & Psychotherapists , UK . Professor Michael King, who led a recent authoritative study and is based at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London , said: 'This study provides the first really clear evidence for counselling, which has been regarded ambivalently in the past. Not only does therapy work; we found it makes people get better faster. It's both more humane and cost-effective.' Study commissioned & published by National Health Service (UK ) and also in British Medical Journal
Are you experienced with minority groups?	Bayside Partners is familiar with specific issues confronting minority groups. Their work with diverse communities is approached with a sensitivity and awareness of the cultural differences. There is an understanding and acknowledgement of personal and family matters. Working in a diverse multicultural community, Bayside Partners is aware of intergenerational tension that may exist within the family regarding cultural values and the integration into the larger community.