Counselling

When there is already a pattern of blame in a relationship, it might feel daunting to speak to a counselor for fear of being “ganged up on”. At Serenity Counselling, we firmly believe in supporting all participants of relationship counselling and we believe that all people have the right to feel heard and supported.
Even if you think you may be at fault for the issues in your relationship, we believe that shame is a poor teacher, so we strive to help you let go of shame, and we support each partner to heal hurts, build skills and create a fulfilling relationship together.

Service information

After-hours appointments may be available on a limited and discretionary basis. If you require an after-hours appointment, please submit a request via email to serenity-counselling@outlook.com.

Serenity Counselling does not have a waiting area or child-minding facilities available. 

Some information discussed in appointments may be sensitive or inappropriate for children, so unless the child is included in the session, or you have made arrangements in advance, I would ask that clients organise for children to be cared for safely off site during their session. Not only is this in the best interests of the child, but it allows you, the client, to have this time to focus on your own self-care needs without distractions.

We can provide telehealth appointments or possibly phone appointments by prior arrangement. Kate would prefer to meet face to face with you, at least in the beginning of treatment, and wherever possible, but she understands that face to face counselling does not always suit all clients. Please contact Kate to discuss your options.

Facilities

Serenity Counselling is based in Kate’s private home, so because every effort is made to ensure that the counselling practice and household are separated, bathroom facilities are not available at this time.

Serenity Counselling does not have a waiting area or child-minding facilities available. 

Some information discussed in appointments may be sensitive or inappropriate for children, so unless the child is included in the session, or you have made arrangements in advance, I would ask that clients organise for children to be cared for safely off site during their session. Not only is this in the best interests of the child, but it allows you, the client, to have this time to focus on your own self-care needs without distractions.

There is provision for clients using wheelchairs or mobility aids to attend counselling with us, but we ask that those clients let us know in advance so we can ensure that we are fully prepared to make your experience safe and comfortable.

Payments & Rebates

Serenity Counselling does not accept Mental Health Care Plans, but this does mean that you do not require a referral from your GP for appointments, and you are able to book in for unlimited appointments, rather than the maximum 10 sessions per year that are subsidised by Mental Health Care Plans.
Instead, we offer sessions at a cost comparable or, in many cases, less than the average gap fee payable under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Practitioner

Psychologist 

Clinical Psychologist

Serenity Counselling

Average cost/session

$250.00

*$280.00

$100.00

Rebate

$93.35

$137.05

$0.00

Out of Pocket Cost

$156.65

$142.98

$100.00

Average Session Time

45 – 50 mins

45 – 50 mins

1 hour

* The recommended fee prescribed by the Australian Psychological Society as of January 2024 is $300.
The answer to this really does depend on your insurance provider and your specific cover. Clients should enquire with their private health insurance to find out if rebates are available.
Much like private health cover, this is dependent on each client’s individual NDIS plan.
Serenity Counselling is able to work with clients who are self or plan managed, but we suggest contacting your plan manager to find out whether rebates are available with an invoice provided.