Frequently Asked Questions

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Holistic counselling is a supportive, client-led approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It offers a safe, nurturing space to explore your experiences, emotions, and inner landscape.

Rather than offering diagnoses or clinical advice, holistic counselling focuses on mindfulness-based strategies, self-reflection, emotional awareness, and practical tools for healing and growth. It’s about empowering you to reconnect with your inner wisdom and create meaningful, lasting change at your own pace.

Please refers to the My Services section of the website.

Standard appointments are typically 60 minutes, but we keep things flexible. Because I value connection over the clock, sessions are never rushed and may extend slightly when needed. 

Our first session is about getting to know you—what brings you here and what you hope to gain from our time together. It’s a relaxed conversation with no pressure, and we’ll discuss the options available moving forward. 

I use Doxy.me, a secure and confidential video platform designed for healthcare and counselling. There’s nothing to download - I’ll send you a private link before your session. Simply click the link on your phone, tablet, or computer to join.

If there’s a brief connection issue, we’ll reconnect and continue, and I’ll always have a backup option so you feel supported.

All you need is a quiet, private space, a device with a camera and microphone, and an internet connection.

Virtual counselling can be a wonderful option if you prefer support from home, have a busy schedule, live further away, or simply feel more comfortable starting online. It offers the same care and guidance - just in a more flexible way. 

Sessions are offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with current appointment times generally available at 10:00am and 2:00pm.

You’re welcome to share your availability so we can find a time that feels supportive and workable for both of us.

Note: Your health and wellbeing matter - If my scheduled days don't suit, please contact me with your availability and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

To enquire or make a booking, the easiest way to reach me is via WhatsApp.
You can also contact me through the Contact Me page if you prefer.

I’ll personally respond within 24 hours.

You have three options:

• Pay upfront via a secure Square payment link (sent after booking).
• Pay on the day using Square Terminal (credit/debit card).
• Pay cash on the day of your session.

By default, I kindly ask for payment at least 24 hours before your session via Square link however if you prefer to pay in person (cash or card), just let me know when booking.

At Balanced Life, I value deep connection over digital convenience. My flexible, personalised booking process allows me to:

• Focus on Presence:  I intentionally limit my client load to five people per week, ensuring each session is unhurried and held with full attention - and able to extend beyond 60 minutes when needed. 
• Ensure Fit:  Connecting before we meet allows space for a brief personal exchange, helping ensure your needs align with my holistic approach from the very beginning. 
• Offer Supportive Scheduling: While sessions are generally offered at set times on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, connecting directly allows us to confirm the most suitable option and explore alternatives where possible without being locked into an automated system. 

At Balanced Life, I believe wellness should be accessible to everyone. If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, I warmly invite you to reach out for a confidential conversation. Together, we can explore payment plans or reduced rates that honour your circumstances. Your wellbeing matters and no one will be turned away due to financial hardship.

Walk and Talk and Coffee and Chat sessions are held at various locations around Ballarat and the surrounding Region. We can head to In the Sticks Cafe at Haddon Nursery which is conveniently location right by the Skipton Rail Trail or Pipers by the Lake, where we can grab a coffee or hot chocolate and wander around Lake Wendouree or the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

 P.S. The coffee’s on me ☕🙂

I’m happy to travel throughout the Greater Ballarat region, including areas such as Beaufort, Creswick, Scarsdale, Haddon, and surrounding towns. If you’d like to confirm whether I can service your location before booking your first session, please feel free to get in touch via email at info@balancedlife.au. 

Yes. Everything discussed in your sessions is kept strictly confidential, with the exception of legal or safety obligations (e.g., risk of harm). Your privacy and trust are always respected.

Holistic counselling can be a powerful complement to therapy or medical care, but it is not a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical treatment.

If you are under the care of a doctor, psychologist, or therapist, I’m always happy to work alongside your existing treatment plan. My focus is on providing practical, supportive tools that gently nurture emotional wellbeing from a holistic, lived-experience perspective. When needed, I will always refer clients to trusted healthcare professionals.

No, holistic counselling is not currently covered by Medicare, so rebates do not apply. Sessions are privately billed and designed to offer a flexible, personalised approach that focuses on your emotional wellbeing and self-awareness.

As a holistic counsellor, I provide support that complements—but does not replace—psychological, psychiatric, or medical treatment.