Finding the right person for you or your child is a very personal decision and as part of the making the decision a 15 free minute phone or zoom consultation is available to ensure the right fit.
That’s why I like to have a conversation first. Please book your free Exploratory Call via email karen@merrycounselling.com.au
When choosing a new counsellor, a few questions to consider:
Is the counsellor registered?
As a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, https://www.theaca.net.au/counsellor/karen-merry I abide by the ACA’s code of ethics to ensure you are safe.
Counselling is a profession that is largely unregulated and the current trend for people to promote themselves as a coach without any formal training is unfortunately a proposition that has been made easier with social media. Registered counsellors with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) are governed by a code of ethics that ensures your safety and confidentiality is protected.
Counsellors registered with The ACA must abide by the code of ethics and have both a duty of care and a responsibility not to mislead, misguide or misdirect (either overtly by publication or covertly by omission) clients as to the Counsellor’s level of competence, experience, or qualifications. To do so is considered to be a most serious ethical breach, as it increases the risk of harm to the client and damages the credibility of the profession in the eyes of the general public. Ongoing professional development is required as part of registration along with insurance and further information on the code of ethics can be found below.
https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA-Code-of-Ethics-and-Practice-Ver16.pdf
Do you have any experience treating a my specific condition?
It’s always good to know if the therapist has experience in treating specific conditions as many will specialise in a particular area.
My area of interest is in the treatment of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder however I am interested in working with people who may present with personality differences or disorders, and eating disorders.
What type of psychotherapy is best for me? The GP suggested CBT
CBT is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and is a widely understood as evidence based and effective and the reason the medical profession love it. Cognitive Behaviour Theory has evolved and newer “flavours” that incorporate some of the original flavour and add to the efficacy for certain groups include Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) These more recent adaptations of behaviour theory fit in to an integrated counselling tool box.
CBT – Identify distorted ways of thinking and change negative thought patterns. More on CBT
ACT – Increases psychological flexibility through open acceptance and defusion, mindful awareness with self as context and engagement through clarification of values and committed action. More on ACT
DBT – The dialectical approach to DBT helps with specific activities .around emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness. More on DBT
Will I have to do homework?
How progress will be achieved is different for every individual and will be discussed within the first session and future planning will be considered within a client centred framework.
Is it online or in person? Can I choose?
Options for both in person and online consultations via Zoom or telehealth are available to suit your situation.
If you have any other questions you’d like to pose, please email with them so that we can discuss on the call.