Frequently Asked Counselling Questions.
I understand you may have questions about what to expect & how to work alongside a counsellor. I hope I’ve answered these for you, below. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch.
I’ve never had counselling sessions before, and I’m kind of nervous. What should I expect from working with you and counselling in general?
It’s very normal to experience some nervousness about starting counselling for the first time. Firstly, I’d like to assure you that you’re in safe hands. It’s my role to support & guide you with compassion, without judgement & in confidence. I’ve written a blog post about this exact topic. You can read my blog here > What to expect during your first counselling session.
How do I book a counselling session with you?
Firstly, I encourage you to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation call with me. It’s important to establish whether I’m the right counsellor for you. Please note, a discovery consultation is not a counselling session. It’s a small window of time where you can let me know about the support you require & I can talk to you through my approach & availability.
Going forward, you can book future counselling sessions directly through my online booking system.
When are you available for counselling sessions? Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
I have practice locations in both Lower Hutt & Wellington CBD.
I’m available 9am - 6pm on a Tuesday at Level 2, 217-219 High Street, Lower Hutt.
I’m available 9am - 6pm on a Wednesday at Level 4, 24 Johnston Street, Wellington CBD.
Please note, all sessions are booked on a first come, first served basis & sessions on a Wednesday in Wellington CBD tend to fill up quickly.
Do you offer online counselling sessions?
Yes. I offer phone & Zoom options if you can not attend my Lower Hutt or Wellington CBD practices or you prefer online options from the comfort of your home or workplace. You can book your online counselling session here.
When booking please note your preference for either a phone call or Zoom session. For Zoom counselling sessions you’ll receive your appointment link 24 hours before your session begins.
I am available for phone & Zoom sessions between 9am - 8pm Monday and Thursday.
If I book a counselling session with you, what should I expect during the first session?
Your first counselling session is different from future sessions because I have to get a lot of information from you, you’ll need to complete paperwork & we’ll also discuss how I keep your information & records confidential.
During your first session we’ll go into more detail about what to expect from counselling, take some time to get to know each other & I’ll learn more about what has led you to begin counselling. We’ll talk about establishing your goals for our work together & you can ask me any questions you may have about the counselling process.
I’ve written a short blog with further information > What to expect during your first counselling session.
Can I bring someone with me to a counselling session?
Of course. You are welcome to have a support person attend in full, or in part, to any sessions. It’s good to let me know, in advance, if there’s anything you would not like discussed in front of your support person.
How much do counselling sessions cost?
$150.65 for a 60-minute session (this charge is $131 + GST).
What forms of payment do you take?
Payment is due on the day of your appointment. You are welcome to pay for your session in cash, or I’ll provide you with my bank account details for direct payment. Invoicing can be provided. For Zoom counselling appointments you’ll be invoiced after your session. If you’re coming to see me through an Employment Assistance Programme then the session is paid for by your employer & you don’t need to worry about payment.
What if I have to move or cancel an appointment with you?
I understand that things come up, so you can reschedule or cancel your appointment with at least 24 hours notice. If you provide less than 24 hours notice or simply don’t show up for your appointment, you’ll be charged in full for your session (unless otherwise agreed.)
What if I get worse and need help before my next appointment?
This is a good question. Firstly, if you need to bring your appointment forward please contact me and I’ll see what I can do – I’m here to support you. However, I’m not able to provide emergency assistance or after-hours help.
If you find yourself in crisis or needing immediate assistance please contact the following numbers:
Wellington Region
Phone or text 1737 or Te Haika 0800 745 477 or visit any Emergency Department of your local hospital 24/7
Outside the Wellington Region
Phone or text 1737 or visit any Emergency Department of your local hospital 24/7
If you have other questions that aren’t covered here, I’d love to hear from you. You can schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation call to learn more about getting started.
Lisa Almand Consulting is a private counselling & practice supervision service based in Wellington, New Zealand. Working with teenagers, adults & clinical health professionals, nationwide.