Ok.
So I've posted some questions on here. I have noticed many of you suggest counseling. After much reflection I've decided to try it out.
I don't know where to start.
Before I try google, I thought I'd put it out there.
Help.
Ideas.
Costs? I am seriously broke! Lowest costs possible?
What's involved?
I'm anxious about it.
The counselling I'd be receiving would be in relation to sexual abuse in my past (31 years ago). You know... You'd think after all those years the pain would go away?
And probably couples counselling. My partner has agreed to come.
My first step is going to be Relationships Australia to see what they have to offer. This seemed like an obvious choice? I was hoping people had some reassuring advice.
Thanks in advance xx
4 Replies
I'd start with my GP they usually know (or can easily find) excellent services in your area and often they are free. If the GP decides a psychologist is more appropriate they can set you up a mental health care plan which gets you 10 free appointments a year.
Agreed. Though they're not free appts, they're Medicare subsidised - some psychs only charge the Medicare amount, many charge over that amount.
Go to gp and tell them you're not box coping and want to talk to someone. They write you a mental health plan, which gives you 6 free Visit with a psychologist ( you can also get another six if you still need it, so 12 free sessions per calendar year) . Then you call psychologists and find one and make an appt.
I was the same, didn't want to go because it. Meant talking about things that would be exhausting and make me feel bad etc etc but when you go in, you just chat and they ask questions about your life and things in general just chatting and getting A picture. Eventually we get onto something and I pour it all out. They ask questions, and give you tools and strategies to reach your goals, so I always come out feeling so light and happy and positive.
They really helped me, I often advise to go to one to help in making sense of things or working through issues or events. Good luck.
For you go to gp if it's causing you anxiety or depression get a referral to a physiologist then it's covered by Medicare.
Sadly for couples counselling it's not covered by Medicare (which really sucks) relationships Australia works off your earnings but still found it out of our reach at $100 a session they were really good they. We were lucky and found a psychologist that would see as U.S. A couple with our separate referrals from GP and charges as 2 patients.
Good luck