Counselling

I have been working as a counsellor in different contexts for over 36 years. I work from a relationship based approach to counselling where I offer an informal and safe environment in which people can explore the issues that are most important to them.

It is important to me that the counselling process maximises the person’s involvement and control. Counselling focuses on what you want to look at, and it goes at your pace and direction.

In my experience, most people come to counselling because they do not feel free to live their lives as they choose. Counselling can be a very effective means to look at the barriers you might experience in living the life that you want, making your own choices and determing your own life direction. I believe that counselling can assist in this process simply by providing a safe and supportive space for you to find the answers to your questions – and in that process to get to know yourself deeply.

As a professional clinical and mental health social worker I am committed to providing the highest quality counselling services. I am also committed to my ongoing professional development and I am involved in a range of activities to ensure that my practice is current and relevant to clients’ needs and community issues.

I am an accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers; a member of the Australian College of Social Workers (Clinical Division); an accredited Clinical Social Worker, and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.

Counselling Services Offered:

I provide counselling services for a range of issues.

The primary focus of my practice is to work with people who are survivors of trauma, either in childhood (through abuse, loss of parent / sibling, serious illness, family disruption, etc.) or later in life (through war and civil conflict, domestic violence, natural disasters, accidents, workplace incidents etc). In addition, I provide critical incident debriefing to people who may have been involved in a traumatic event or have witnessed a traumatic event.

I work extensively with adults and young people who have a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, bi-polar and other related issues.

I have extentive experience working with people who have severe eating issues and other addictions or self-harming behaviours.

I also work with people who are wanting to explore their relationships or who may have issues with grief and loss, sexualiity, intimacy, work stress, or who are wanting to look at their emotional and personal development.

Counselling services are offered to individuals and couples. I accept referrals from adults and young people over the age of 13 years and I hold a current Queensland Government Blue Card. I do not work specifically with younger children, however I am happy to provide a referral to a specialist children’s counsellor if you would like counselling for your child. Similarly, I do not provide family therapy but can offer referrals to experienced family therapists.

Telehealth services are available for counselling via Zoom or telephone.

Please refer to the COVID Safe Workplace Plan at the end of this page for further information on COVID safety policies in this workplace.

Information on Access to Medicare Rebate Services (Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative)

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I am able to offer services under the Better Access to Mental Health Initiative for which a Medicare rebate is available.

In order to be eligible for this you must have a referral from your GP who has developed a Mental Health Treatment Plan with you. Part of this treatment plan must involve the provision of counselling services (Focused Psychological Services) by an Allied Health Professional (such as a qualified and accredited Mental Health Social Worker).

Under this program you are entitled to a Medicare rebate for your counselling sessions which significantly reduces the fee. Under some circumstances I am able to offer bulk billing services for those with no or low incomes or those who are in financial difficulties.

The total number of sessions available through the Medicare program is 20 per calendar year. Your GP will monitor your progress at regular intervals and will extend your sessions from an initial 6 sessions, to a further 4 sessions and then a possible additional 10 sessions if appropriate. This is important for you to consider in terms of your overall access to counselling. If you believe that you may need further sessions you will be required to pay for these independently.

Confidentiality:

All professional services are treated with the strictest confidence and the details of my policy on confidentiality and privacy of information can be found in the Client Consent Form at the bottom of this page. A copy of this form is provided to all clients prior to their first appointment and must be signed by the client prior to commencing counselling.

As a professional social worker I am an accredited member of the Australian Association of Social Workers and I adhere to the policies and Code of Ethics of the Association. The AASW Code of Ethics can be viewed at www.aasw.asn.au

Cost:

The cost of a one hour counselling session is $200 per hour. If you are coming to counselling under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, you will receive a rebate of $81.90.

Clients may be bulk billed under the Medicare rebate plan and others who are not eligible for this program may be offered reduced rates in special circumstances. If you have no or low income or are experiencing financial difficulties please discuss the possibility of reduced rates with me.

Eftpos and credit card facilities are available at my office.

Referrals:

Referrals can be made by contacting me either by phone (3311 2329) or email (mail@jennygilmore.com.au). If you have questions or issues that you would like to discuss with me first, I am more than happy to speak with you on the phone and answer any of your questions.

After we have made an appointment, I will send you an information pack which confirms our appointment and gives you details of the counselling process and the relevant forms to be filled out and brought to your first session.