FAQs

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Outdoor Therapy is a relaxed and informal approach to counselling that takes place outdoors in nature. Sessions may be held in a quiet park, beside the beach, or under the shade of a tree. I bring along a couple of comfortable chairs, and we sit and chat for 70 minutes, much like you would in an office - but without the walls and the waiting room.

The focus is on creating a calm, supportive environment where conversation can unfold naturally at a gentle pace.

I carefully choose locations that offer privacy where possible and have places to sit whenever needed.

For our first few sessions, we will always remain seated while we get to know one another and establish a sense of safety and comfort.

Yes. Video counselling is available to clients anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

You'll need a device with a camera, microphone and speaker, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable talking.

Online sessions follow the same therapeutic approach as in-person sessions.

Please note that all appointment times are offered in the NSW (Australian Eastern) time zone.

My work draws primarily from Person-Centred (Rogerian) Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also incorporating trauma-informed and somatic approaches where appropriate.

I believe healing happens when we feel genuinely seen, accepted and understood. My aim is to provide a space that is compassionate, non-judgemental and grounded, allowing you to explore your experiences at your own pace.

There isn't a set number of sessions. Everyone's journey is different.

Some women work with me for several months, while others choose to continue for a number of years as they deepen their understanding of themselves and navigate different seasons of life. Others return from time to time whenever they need additional support.

Meaningful change often takes time, and we'll regularly review what's feeling helpful so you can decide what feels right for you. You'll never be pressured to continue counselling longer than you wish.

I work with people rather than diagnoses.

If you're willing to explore your experiences with honesty and curiosity, we'll focus on understanding what's happened in your life and helping you move towards the kind of life you want to create.

My work primarily supports people who have experienced trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-worth and the lasting effects of difficult childhood experiences. I also work with a number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life.

If I believe your needs would be better supported by another practitioner or service, I'll discuss this with you openly and help you find someone more appropriate.

My practice focuses on therapeutic counselling rather than assessments or report writing, so I don't provide support letters, court reports or other formal documentation.

If this is something you require, a psychologist or another appropriately qualified professional may be better placed to assist.

Absolutely.

The interpreter would need to be a professional interpreter rather than a family member or friend, and their fees would need to be arranged by you or your funding provider (such as the NDIS).

Yes.

If having a support worker present helps you feel more comfortable or supported, they're welcome to attend. My focus, however, will remain on you throughout the session.

If a support worker begins answering on your behalf or interrupts the therapeutic process, I'll gently redirect the conversation to ensure the session continues to support your needs. The support worker will also be required to sign documentation indicating they understand that these sessions are confidential, and that they can't tell anyone what you have spoken about.

No.

As a counsellor, I'm not eligible to provide services under a GP Mental Health Care Plan.

If you're looking for free or low-cost counselling, you may wish to explore services such as:

• Hunter Women's Centre
• Lifeline Hunter Central Coast
• Uniting
• VOCAL
• Your local neighbourhood or community centre

There are also many other community services available depending on where you live.

If you ever need someone to talk to immediately, you can contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

At this stage, my counselling sessions aren't claimable through private health insurance.

No.

At present I don't accept referrals through Workers Compensation, DVA or Victims Support funding.

I don't belong to a faith-based organisation or actively practise any particular religion.

However, I do have personal experience of how faith, church communities and belief systems can  shape people's lives. Whatever your beliefs or background, you'll be met with respect and without judgement.

Yes.

As a woman in a same-sex relationship, I understand some of the unique experiences that can arise within LGBTQIA+ relationships and communities.

While I don't specialise in gender identity or transition-related counselling, I warmly welcome lesbian, bisexual and queer women.

If you're seeking specialised support around gender identity or transitioning, contact Qlife or ACON who will be able to assist you appropriately.

No.

My practice is for adults aged 18 years and over.

While my practice primarily focuses on women, I do occasionally work with men whose goals and therapeutic needs are a good fit for my approach.

My work is grounded in feminist principles and invites honest reflection, personal responsibility and gentle challenge. If that style of counselling resonates with you, you're welcome to get in touch.

To give you the uninterrupted space you deserve, counselling sessions are for you alone.

For this reason, children and pets aren't able to attend appointments.

One of the unique aspects of Walk and Talk Therapy is that we're outdoors, which means the weather sometimes has other plans.

If conditions are uncomfortable or unsafe, we'll simply move the session online or meet indoors at a quiet library meeting room, provided you're comfortable with that arrangement.

If you cancel more than 24 hours before your appointment, you're welcome to reschedule or receive a refund (less any card processing fees).

Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time can be rescheduled; however, the session fee remains payable, as that appointment time has been reserved specifically for you.

Your privacy is extremely important to me, and our sessions are confidential.

There are, however, a few legal and ethical exceptions. If I'm concerned that you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm, I'm legally required to take steps to help keep people safe.

As our sessions take place outdoors, it's also possible that small parts of our conversation could be overheard by members of the public. I do my best to choose locations that minimise this risk.

Like all professional counsellors, I also participate in professional supervision. This means I may occasionally discuss aspects of my work with an experienced supervisor to ensure I'm providing the best possible care. Your privacy is always respected, and supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality requirements that I am.

Information may also be released if required by law (such as through a court subpoena) or if you provide written consent.

Many people experience suicidal thoughts without intending to act on them.

If you tell me you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, we'll talk about them together so I can better understand what you're going through. If I'm satisfied that you're not at immediate risk, our focus will be on supporting you through those feelings.

However, if I become concerned that you're at immediate risk of acting on a suicide plan, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to contact emergency services so we can help keep you safe.

Please note that Hunter Valley Walk and Talk Therapy is not a crisis service.

If you're in immediate crisis or need to speak with someone right now, you can contact:

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

If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000.

If you would like to set up a 15 minute chat, you can email me: hello@huntervalleywalkandtalktherapy.com.au

Or you can text me:  0491 087 355 

Please ensure you include your name when texting/emailing, as I don't reply to messages where the sender doesn't introduce themselves.

It  may take me a day or two to respond and, while you are welcome to  message/email me any time,  I don't respond on weekends/public holidays.