Counselling Services

Your first counselling session will run for 55 minutes (individual) and 75 minutes (couples). During this time, we focus on understanding what brought you to counselling, what you hope to achieve, and where you’d like to begin. This session is also an opportunity to get a sense of whether the therapeutic connection supports your needs.

The process is structured yet conversational. We’ll explore your experiences and goals while providing space for you to ask questions about how I work, clarify confidentiality, and understand what to expect in future sessions. Feeling uncertain or apprehensive at the start is normal. EMJ Counselling provides a calm, safe, confidential, and professional environment where you feel respected and supported from the outset.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how I work, what counselling can offer, and what you can expect to gain from the process. This clarity helps ensure that the sessions are productive and aligned with your goals.

Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in counselling (Horvath & Bedi, 2002). The effectiveness of therapy depends on how well we connect: whether you feel heard, understood, and safe to express yourself openly. Building that rapport takes time, and the first session is the starting point – together, we’ll begin a process of meaningful work in a space where connection, understanding, and progress are central.

At EMJ Counselling, fees are structured to provide transparency and reflect the quality and professional standards of the services offered. Individual counselling sessions run for 55 minutes and are priced at $160 per session, while couples counselling sessions run for 75 minutes and are $220 per session. For clients seeking appointments on Saturdays, individual sessions are $185, and couples sessions are $245.

To secure your booking, 50% of the session fee is required at the time of booking, with the remainder payable before or at the session. This ensures your appointment is confirmed and allows sessions to proceed smoothly without administrative disruption.

We understand that cost is an important consideration when seeking counselling, and our aim is to provide clear, competitive pricing without hidden fees. This allows clients to plan and commit to the counselling process with confidence, knowing exactly what each session costs.

Please email me at emily@emjcounselling.com if you would like to enquire about the bundle pricing we offer.

You don’t need a GP referral to book an appointment at EMJ Counselling. You can contact me directly to arrange your first session – no referral, mental health care plan, or medical documentation is required. This allows you to access support as soon as you’re ready, without needing to go through additional steps or appointments.

Although a GP referral isn’t required, you’re welcome to share relevant medical or mental health background information if you believe it will support the counselling process. Collaboration between your counsellor and GP (if you choose to involve them) can sometimes enhance the continuity of care, especially if medication, health concerns, or specialist referrals are part of your wellbeing plan.

Ultimately, you can begin counselling whenever you feel ready. My role is to ensure that once you do, you’re met with warmth, professionalism, and a supportive environment where your goals, values, and wellbeing are central to the process.

The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and the depth of the challenges or changes you’re working through. Some people come to counselling with a specific concern and find that a few sessions provide clarity, tools, and direction. Others attend over a longer period to explore patterns, deepen self-awareness, and create more lasting change.

During your first session, we’ll explore what brought you to counselling and discuss what you hope to achieve. Together, we’ll create a plan that reflects your needs and preferences – this may involve weekly or fortnightly sessions, or a more flexible arrangement.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” number of sessions. Counselling is a collaborative process that moves at your pace. As you progress, we’ll review how things are going and adjust the focus or frequency of sessions as needed. Some clients choose to pause once their initial goals are met, while others continue periodically to maintain progress and ongoing wellbeing.

My approach is to ensure each session feels purposeful and relevant. Whether your time in counselling is short or longer-term, the emphasis is on supporting meaningful, sustainable change in a way that feels right for you.

Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling and forms the foundation of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Everything you share during sessions remains private and is treated with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Before counselling begins, I explain the limits of confidentiality in clear, simple terms so you understand exactly how your information is handled. The only exceptions to confidentiality occur in specific circumstances – such as if there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or if information is required by law (for example, through a court order or mandatory reporting obligations).

Aside from these rare exceptions, your sessions are completely confidential. I maintain secure records and uphold all ethical and professional requirements set out by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), which is the professional body governing counsellors in Australia. This includes adhering to the ACA’s Code of Ethics and Practice, which outlines strict standards for privacy, record-keeping, and confidentiality. You can read more about the ACA’s confidentiality policy here.

Confidentiality isn’t only a professional requirement; it’s central to helping you feel comfortable sharing openly and honestly. At EMJ Counselling, I am committed to providing a space where you feel respected, heard, and supported to speak freely- knowing that your privacy and trust are protected at all times.