PRACTICAL THINGS
Fees and common questions
The practical detail so there are no surprises. If your question is not answered here, please just ask before you book. No question is too small.
SESSION LENGTH
50 minutes
How often you come is up to you.
HOW WE MEET
In person or online
Online sessions run on Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, Messenger or WhatsApp, anywhere in New Zealand.
SESSION FEES
- First conversation15 minutes
- Free
- Young adults16 to 20 years
- $85
- Adults20 years and over
- $100
- Groups and families
- $120
- Children7 to 16 years
- By arrangement
Help with the cost
Guiding Steps is an approved Work and Income (WINZ) supplier, and you may be eligible for assistance towards the cost of counselling. If WINZ support isn’t available to you, please talk to me, as a sliding scale may apply.
Booking and cancellation
Payment
- Prepayment is requested to secure your appointment.
- Bank transfer is the preferred payment method, and payment details will be provided once your appointment has been arranged.
- Alternatively, payment can be made by cash on the day of your appointment.
- Invoices and receipts are available for all payments. Please let me know if you require one for your records.
Cancellations
- I understand that sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so your appointment time can be offered to someone else.
- Cancellations or changes made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee.
- For prepaid appointments cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice, a refund can be arranged.
To help keep appointments and payments clear and straightforward, please take a moment to read the terms above. By booking an appointment, you are confirming that you have read and accepted these terms.
Questions people usually ask
What happens in the first session?
Mostly listening. I will ask for some contact details and outline confidentiality as outlined in the NZAC Code of Ethics before I hand over to you to share as much as you wish about what has brought you in. We can talk about how you would like to work together and what you are hoping for.
How long is a session, and how many will I need?
Sessions run around 50 minutes. How many you need is genuinely up to you. Some people come for a handful of sessions about one specific thing, others for longer. Weekly to start with is common, spacing out as things settle. You are free to stop at any point.
What does it cost?
A first conversation of 15 minutes is free. Sessions are 50 minutes. Young adults aged 16 to 20 are $85, adults 20 and over are $100, groups and families are $120, and children aged 7 to 16 are by arrangement. Guiding Steps is an approved Work and Income (WINZ) supplier, so you may be eligible for assistance towards the cost. If WINZ support isn’t available to you, please talk to me, as a sliding scale may apply.
Do you offer online appointments?
Yes, sessions are available in person or online using Microsoft Teams, FaceTime or video on Messenger or WhatsApp. Online sessions are the same length and carry the same confidentiality requirements as in-person sessions.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between us. However there are legal and ethical requirements, particularly around if there is risk of harm or danger to yourself or someone you know. I will explain confidentiality during our first session.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can contact me directly to arrange an appointment. Some people are referred by a GP, a school or another professional, but it is not a requirement.
What is the difference between counselling and coaching?
Counselling tends to look at what has happened and how it is affecting you now. Coaching is more forward-focused: direction, goals, confidence and what you want next. Often the two naturally merge together and because I am qualified in counselling, we can move between them depending on what you need.
Do you work with young people?
I work with young adults aged 16 and above. If you have a child requiring support, please reach out to me so we can discuss your concerns. As my background is in primary teaching and mentoring students, teachers and families, working with young people in the school setting is familiar ground. I may be able to offer some more hands-on, creative approaches, however 50 minutes is too long and the time frame and needs of the child would need to be discussed.
What if I am not sure counselling is for me?
That is a very normal place to start from. You do not need to have decided anything before you make contact. You can ask questions first, and coming once does not commit you to coming again. If I am not the right fit for what you need, I will say so and help you find someone who is.
Where are you based?
In-person appointments are available with my in-person location currently based at 97 Onewa Road, Northcote. Online appointments are available anywhere in New Zealand.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule so the time can be offered to someone else. Cancellations or changes with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. For prepaid appointments cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice, a refund can be arranged.
Can you help in a crisis?
A private practice cannot provide an emergency or after-hours service. If you are in immediate danger, call 111. If you need to talk to someone right now, call or text 1737 free, any time, to reach a trained counsellor. There is a full list of New Zealand support lines at the bottom of every page on this site.
Still have a question?
Please ask. You can email, text or call and speak to me directly.