Thank you for booking your first session, we can't wait to meet you.

In this guide, you'll find information about:
  • how to find our office
  • what to expect in your first session
  • billing information
  • and a quick pre-session checklist.

If you've booked an online session, you'll find your unique session link in your email inbox.
By the way, congratulations on taking a step towards feeling a little bit better - we're so happy to have you.
Ash and Beanie

We’re in an industrial area with free parking and toilet facilities.

Before your first session, please watch this video for tips on how to find us for the first time.

Chaplin Place, 106 Sugar Road Maroochydore

Our Location

Your First Therapy Session

Your initial session is a great chance for us to meet and begin forming a therapeutic relationship. You might feel that your first session is quite broad (trauma powerpoint vibes), but this is an important part of beginning to understand your life so far and your goals in therapy. Our priority is to focus on your unique needs and what will work best for you.

Once we've talked through some background stuff and current events, we'll discuss a rough plan for future sessions.

If you'd rather cover more ground faster, click here to email us about adjusting your session time to 90 minutes. We'll let you know what's available.

Billing

Your session fee is billed to your card on file automatically during your session time, which means we can use more time for therapy and less for logistics. 

On some occasions, you may wish to extend your session from 60 to 90 minutes. We're happy to do this if our schedule permits the extra time (after all, sometimes therapy is unpredictable!), and in these instances the additional time is billed pro rata.

pre-session checklist

Complete your digital intake and consent forms (in your inbox).

Email us your private health insurance fund (if applicable).

Email us a copy of your Health Care Card (if applicable).

Contact us with any questions. We're always happy to help!

01

Individual Session

50-60 min - $150
$180 after hours
$190 Saturday
80-90 min - $225
$270 after hours
$285 Saturday

02

Concession

For students and pensioners. Health Care card required.

50-60 minutes
9am-5pm: $110.00
80-90 minutes
9am-5pm: $165.00

50-60 minutes
$156.16

03

Pricing dependent on number of participants

NDIS Individual

04

Family Session

50-60 minutes
9am-5pm: from $205.00
After hours: from $225.00

Eligible clients may qualify for a private health insurance rebate or discounted concession rates.

therapy SESSION FEES

We're a registered provider with:

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect during my first counselling session?

When you arrive, you'll likely meet our resident therapy pup Beanie and your counsellor Ash (me!). You can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we'll talk through your concerns, questions, goals, and expectations. We'll piece together the narrative so far and collaborate on a rough plan for future sessions.

In some rarer cases, clients book in for a situation-specific session. If this is you, then your session will spend less time covering broader aspects of your life and more time focused on your current concern.

What modalities do you use?

As a counsellor, my style is relational and collaborative. I use a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, trauma-informed care, and of course Animal-Assisted Therapy. This means I can tailor my approach to best suit your individual needs and preferences, ensuring the most effective support for your personal growth and progress.

Can I claim counselling sessions on private health insurance?

I'm a registered provider with Bupa, CUA, Teacher's Union Health, Police Health, Emergency Services Health, St Luke's Health, Phoenix Health, GMHBA and Westfund. If you have counselling sessions included in cover with one of these funds, you may be eligible for a rebate for your sessions. Contact your fund with any coverage questions, and be sure to let us know if you're claiming so we can make sure your invoice has your fund-specific billing details. 

With AHM or Medibank? Stay tuned - we're hoping to add them to this list in future.

What's the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

A counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist are all mental health professionals, but they have different areas of focus and expertise. Understanding the differences can be confusing because in the industry, all three are known for providing counselling to clients. However, training as a psychologist or psychiatrist involves broader skills than just counselling therapy, including things like diagnosing and working with people with severe mental illnesses using a medical model. In addition to this, psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors, and can not only diagnose but also prescribe medication. 

Counsellors are trained to help clients find the right diagnosis/medical support if needed, but many clients attend counselling for support with day to day things that impact mental health like relationships, work stress, trauma, parenting, life transitions, and more.

How frequently should I attend counselling?

There's no right or wrong answer - the frequency of counselling sessions varies depending on your needs and goals. At the beginning, weekly or fortnightly sessions may be recommended to help establish a strong therapeutic relationship and build momentum. As you progress, the frequency may be adjusted based on your needs and my recommendations. It's important for you to consider your unique experience of counselling and variables such as the time commitment, budgeting, and energy.

Should I book in for 60 or 90 minutes?

Whether you choose a 60-minute or 90-minute session depends on your personal preference and the complexity of the issues you're working on. A 60-minute session is often sufficient for many clients, but some may benefit from the additional time in a 90-minute session to explore their concerns more deeply.

How long will it be helpful for me to be in counselling?

The duration of counselling varies greatly from person to person, as it depends on your specific goals, challenges, and the pace of your progress. Some people find relief in just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing support for several months or even years. Many clients find that they benefit from routine maintenance sessions to check in and talk things through, while others simply value knowing they have that connection there if they ever need it again. We'll work together to determine what might be most beneficial for you.

What is your cancellation policy?

Session cancellation or rescheduling is free up until 48 hours before your reserved session time. Between 24-48 hours before your appointment, cancellation is charged at 50% of your session fee. Cancellation, rescheduling or non-attendance within 24 hours incurs the normal session fee. To cancel or reschedule, email hello@goldenthread.com.au.

Can I attend my session via Zoom or phone?

Of course! We offer both Zoom and phone counselling options to accommodate your needs and preferences. These alternatives to in-person sessions at Maroochydore can be just as effective and provide greater accessibility, especially for those with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those who live in remote areas.

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