Frequently
Asked Questions
Our preferred method of payment is through online banking. This can
be done before the session or immediately afterwards. Cash payment
is also accepted. Our bank account number for deposits is 123139 -
0053725 - 00. Our fees can be found on the fees page.
Yes we do and we're happy to assist you with the completing of WINZ
subsidy forms.
Some funding may be available if you are a WINZ client or you are a patient at the Kaipara Medical Centre.
If you are unable to attend a booked appointment please let us know
as soon as possible. For late cancellations, less than 24hrs notice,
or missed sessions the agreed fee normally needs to be paid before
another appointment is made. If the cancellation is due to a genuine
emergency a reduced or no fee will be charged. If we miss an
appointment without giving you 24 hours notice your next appointment
will be free.
Normally an individual session is 55 minutes long and a couple sessions are 1.5 hours. Variations on these norms can be negotiated.
In the first session the focus is on establishing a working "therapeutic allience", making sure there's a good fit between the client and counsellor/directee and scoping what the person is looking for and whether this fits well with our scope of practice. You will also be asked to complete a form with your details and payment and paymnet method will also be agreed on.
Confidentiality in counselling and spiritual direction is simply our committent to you that we will keep your information private and not share it with others. Exceptions to this are only when there is a risk to life or property. In these very rare situations we will work with you to agree on who should be told what, when and by whom. Please refer to https://www.nzcca.org.nz/about/ethics/nzcca-code-of-ethics-and-practice/ for more details.
From time to time we will check in with you as to how the sessions are going and whether anything needs to change. This reflection will also consider if the client/directee is getting what they need and/or whether someone else may be able meet your needs more effectively.
Some counselling clients attend for 1-4 sessions then finish or come back again in a few months. Some attend weekly, others fortnightly and some extend out to monthly as part of an ongoing maintenance plan. You can discuss whats going to be best for you with your counsellor. Spiritual direction and supervision are normally monthly commitments and can last for years.
