As counsellors, our role is to help you understand and express what you are feeling through therapy. By working together, we develop a path for you to move forward to reach your goal. 

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At First Response Counselling we see you as a person, with a unique story, not a label. It is for this reason that we provide you with the opportunity to tell us how you are feeling and what is occurring in your life in a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment. In order to support you, we utilize and teach you techniques attached to therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Mindfulness to name a few.

 

So what is the difference between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?

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​Both a Counsellor and Psychologist are formally qualified and insured. 

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A Psychologist can formally diagnose you as opposed to a Counsellor, who can conduct a screening test, however, if you need a formal diagnosis' the counsellor would refer you on to a Psychologist for this purpose.

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A Counsellor cannot accept a Mental Health Plan, this is a Federal Government decision, however, a Psychologist can. It is for this reason that you often pay more to see a Psychologist because of supply and demand as well as the years of study they have completed.

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Psychologist typically works with clients who have serious mental health conditions.

 

Counsellors generally work with clients with emotional, relationship, social, and academic problems.

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Both can apply the same therapy, be that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Schema Therapy to name a few.

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Both professionals, provide important mental health services that are designed to help people overcome challenges and optimize their well-being.

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A Counsellor will cost you approximately $90 per hour, a Psychologist will cost you between $240 per hour. 

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At First Response Counselling we support adolescents and adults work through difficulties such as:

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• Addiction

• Anger management

• Anxiety

• Assertiveness

• Boundary setting

• Bullying

• Change

• Couple and Family Counselling

• Depression and mood-related difficulties

• Emotional abuse

• Emotional regulation

• Goal setting and life coaching

• Grief and Loss 

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Self-care plan development

• Self-harm

• Sexuality

• Social Anxiety

• Stress

• Suicidal ideation

• Trauma-related difficulties

• Unresolved grief

 

Our practitioners come from a variety of employment backgrounds including Policing, Corrections, Mental Health public and private sector.

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We work together with our clients using a variety of therapeutic modalities such as: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Mindfulness, Relaxation Training.

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We are happy to provide a free, 15 minute introductory phone or on-line session to discuss whether you feel we could assist you.