Question 1

What is the difference between counselling and psychology?

Accepted Answer

Both offer talk therapy for things like anxiety, stress, low mood, grief and life changes. The main differences are training, registration and cost.

Counselling: Rebecca is registered with PACFA, the national body for counsellors and psychotherapists. You can book directly with no referral. Sessions aren’t covered by Medicare, but fees are generally lower, and private health rebates may apply.

Psychology: psychologists are registered with AHPRA and can provide formal assessments and diagnoses. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can claim a Medicare rebate for a set number of sessions.

Not sure which suits you? Book a free 15-minute chat with Rebecca, or call our team and we’ll help you choose.

Question 2

What can I talk about in counselling?

Accepted Answer

Anything at all that is weighing on you. Anxiety and stress, low mood, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, big life changes, self-esteem and confidence, or something you have never said out loud before. There is no topic that is too small or too much. This is your time, and it is shaped entirely around you.

Question 3

Is counselling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. What you share stays between you and your counsellor, so you can speak freely and honestly. And you will never be rushed. Your counsellor works entirely at your pace, toward the change that matters most to you.

Question 4

Can counselling help with grief?

Accepted Answer

Grief can feel overwhelming, whether you’ve lost someone close, a relationship, your health or a way of life you knew. There’s no right way to grieve and no timeline you have to follow. Rebecca offers a calm, supportive space to talk about your loss, make sense of what you’re feeling and find ways to cope day to day. She works with children, teens and adults, including young people grieving a family member or friend. If you’re not sure whether it’s the right time, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute phone chat first.

Question 5

How do sessions work for my child?

Accepted Answer

For children and teens, we start with a parent session first, either in person at our Robina clinic or via telehealth. That initial session is a chance to talk through the situation, your concerns and what you'd like your child to get out of counselling. From there, you can book your child's own sessions, where they can come in on their own or with a parent present. Whichever they prefer, we usually find kids open up more comfortably one-on-one, so coming in on their own is often the best way to help them feel safe and relaxed.

Question 6

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book with Rebecca directly, with no GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan needed. Counselling isn’t covered by Medicare, but Rebecca’s fees are lower than a typical psychologist’s, so sessions are often similar in cost to seeing a psychologist after the Medicare rebate, without the paperwork or wait for a referral.

Counselling in Robina

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Rebecca Phillips

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You don’t have to do it alone

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