mental health counselling & trauma therapy

A Mental Health Accredited Social Worker is a highly trained professional who provides comprehensive mental health services, holding specialised qualifications and meeting accreditation standards set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

• Education and Training: They hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and have at least two years of supervised clinical experience in mental health settings¹.
• Accreditation: They are accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which involves meeting specific criteria and demonstrating expertise in mental health².
• Services Provided: AMHSWs offer a range of services, including individual, family, and group therapy. They are skilled in assessing and treating various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more¹.
• Medicare and Other Programs: They are recognized providers with Medicare Australia, allowing clients to receive rebates for their services under a Mental Health Treatment Plan provided by a GP³.
• AMHSWs adopt a holistic approach, addressing not only psychological factors but also external stressors and social issues affecting overall wellbeing¹.

Counselling can assist with a range of issues, some of the most common reasons why people access counselling can include:

• anxiety and stress
• depression
• trauma and PTSD
• relationship issues
• grief and loss
• self-esteem and identity issues
• life transitions
• workplace stress
• family dynamics
• LGBTQIa+ support
• personal growth
• self-development

It can be difficult to know when to access counselling. Some people access counselling for the following reasons:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety
• a traumatic incident/s as an adult or child
• difficulties functioning in everyday life
• unresolved grief, sleep disturbance
• changes in appetite
• physical symptoms such as stomach-aches,
• headaches and unexplained pain
• irritability and anger
• loss of interest in activities and feelings of disconnect from others
• life transition such as loss or change in employment
• separation and or divorce
• moving locations/schools
• ageing issues
• feeling of shame
• guilt or worthlessness

During the counselling experience you may expect an initial assessment to help us to get to know you and to identify your individual needs, so we have a complete understanding of what you would like to accomplish in therapy that improves your situation.

But most importantly you can expect the establishment of a trusting rapport with a focus on creating a safe, non-judgemental space for you to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

It is normal to feel uncomfortable discussing certain topics during counselling. At Be Genuine Therapeutic Services we believe that the therapy is your space, and you have control over what you choose to share.

Bea hopes to create a supportive environment where you feel safe to explore difficult topics at your own pace.

If you consistently feel uncomfortable and unable to open up we can discuss other alternatives such as EMDR.

Yes, mental health counselling can be covered by Medicare. To access Medicare subsided mental health services, you will need a referral from your general practitioner (GP). Your GP will write a mental health care plan which they can email us.

We aim to provide accessible and affordable Trauma Informed Counselling. Our fee structure is as follows:

• People on concession cards or have affordability issues will be automatically Bulk Billed.
• Medicare (Mental Health Care Plan) 50-minute session $165 (rebate $81.90)
• Private 50-minute session $165
• NDIS 50-minute session $165
• Supervision 50-minute session $165