Preparing for your first counselling session
Many people often feel anxious when they first attend counselling. Your psychologist is very aware of this and will help you to feel comfortable by being warm, friendly and understanding.
Being prepared for your first session will depend upon whether your session is in-person with the therapist or the session is with a practitioner on-line via Zoom or over the telephone.
If you’ve seen a GP and received a referral, be sure to bring that along to your first session. If you have not done this, that’s okay too! You don’t require a referral to come to Brisbane Counselling Centre. We can, however, help you to organise an appointment with your GP after your first session, which may entitle you to some financial assistance under a mental health care plan if you are eligible.
If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate. All private health funds offer different levels of cover, so you may feel the need to check your level of cover with them before your first session with us. Find more information about rebates from Medicare and private health funds here.
Arriving at your first session
Each counselling session with your psychologist or counsellor at Brisbane Counselling Centre goes for approximately one hour.
If you are arriving by car, there are numerous multi-level car parks accessible from Astor Terrace, and the Brisbane City Council Carpark is accessible from Turbot Street or Wickham Terrace. Parking prices do fluctuate so please check the cost prior to arrival if needed. Regarding street parking, there is metered parking on Wickham Terrace, however this is limited. Also please note after 4pm Turbot Street parking is a tow-away zone. Street parking is typically an option if you have an after-hours or weekend appointment.
If arriving by public transport we are located behind Central Train Station – if you exit the train station via the back stairs or elevator, this will take you up to Wickham Terrace & we are across the road at number 87. Read more about our Wickham Terrace office here.
Your first session is usually spent with your psychologist learning about the issues that brought you to counselling. The psychologist will work with you to formulate a treatment plan aimed at addressing your particular issues and concerns.
All of the psychologists and counsellors at Brisbane Counselling Centre are committed to providing best practice treatment strategies that have been clinically proven, what is referred to as evidence-based, to help people achieve their goals and aspirations.
Before your First session online
In order to be prepared for your online counselling session with the psychologist or counsellor, it is best where possible that you are set up with your device you are going to have the session on in a quiet and confidential space, so you can speak freely and easily without distractions or disruptions or concerns about someone over hearing what you need to discuss with the counsellor.
It might be a good idea to make sure your device is charged as well. One of our team members from reception will send you an email containing the link for the online session prior to your appointment. You click on the link just prior to your appointment time with the psychologist or counsellor and the therapist will gently guide you through the session from there.
Ongoing treatment
Your ongoing treatment plan will be created on a case-by-case basis. You and your psychologist will discuss what will work best for you. Sessions are generally planned on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.
If you have any further questions or concerns ahead of your first session at Brisbane Counselling Centre, feel free to visit our FAQ page. Here we answer common questions asked on topics including rebates, our office location, treatment strategies and more. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, then you are invited to contact any of our friendly reception team who will be able to help. Check our Contact details page for options.
