What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.

Counselling is more likely to target a specific issue or situation that a person is having difficulty with in their life; for example, a break-up or the loss of a loved one. Typically, counselling sessions are focused on finding solutions and strengthening a person’s inner resources to be able to deal with what is happening for them. Sessions are usually shorter and work to some kind of agreed upon plan between the therapist and client.

Psychotherapy, conversely, is an attempt to heal the person at the level of the Self; that is, who they are at their core. You might say psychotherapy aims to change a person’s character. This usually involves longer, deeper ways of working that reveal and recognise a client’s enduring patterns and how these ‘same old’ ways of being reveal themselves through intrapersonal relationships, perspectives and beliefs.

We will discuss your needs with you in our initial session (or sessions) and we will always come to an agreement regarding expectations and goals before starting the work. 

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. There are, however, three circumstances in which confidentiality can be broken:

  1. If you are at risk of causing harm to yourself or others.
  2. If your client notes are subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure of client notes are required or authorised by law.
  3. If prior consent has been obtained in order to correspond with a third party (like a medical professional, a parent/guardian or lawyer).

Are Medicare rebates available?

No, Medicare rebates are not available to the majority of counsellors and psychotherapists.

For medium and long terms clients, our fee structure is likely to be more affordable than those who do offer Medicare rebates. This is because the Medicare rebate will run out after 10 sessions, after which a client will need to pay full fee.

How long is a course of therapy?

This is entirely dependant on what you want out of your therapy sessions. We might contract to work specifically on a particular issue, and nothing more. In this case, you might feel as though the issue is more or less resolved in a shorter number of sessions. Alternatively, you might desire to explore who you are as a person more broadly, which may require weeks, months and sometimes, years.

You are in charge of how many sessions you wish to have, and for how long we work together.

Fees

Please get in contact to discuss our rates.

Medicare rebates are not available for this service.

Please note: Payment is to be made at least 48 hours prior to our meeting, usually via EFT.

Late cancellation fees are payable as follows:

  • 0 – 24 hours notice = full session fee is payable (fee will not be refunded)
  • 24 – 48 hours notice = 50% of fee is payable (this fee will be refunded to you)

Terms of trade:

Payment is to be made at least 48 hours prior to our meeting, usually via EFT.

Do you work online?

Yes, I can work online via Zoom if a particular client prefers to do so.

. . .

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our service, or would like to have an initial discussion on the phone to ascertain whether or not we might be a good fit.

Joseph: 0477 260 356

Olga: 0435 597 681

© 2025 Peninsula Counselling and Psychotherapy. All rights reserved.