F A Q

Hypnotherapy isn't magic, and it's not about swinging a watch. It's simply about helping your unconscious mind to work with your conscious mind, to deliver the change you need.

Often it's our unconscious mind that is stopping us - so the main benefit you'll receive from hypnotherapy is seeing real change, real fast.

Most people will see the change they need within three to four sessions, which is why we structure hypnotherapy in a four session pack; that's one session to learn what we need to work with you and begin the self-help pathway, and three sessions of hypnotherapy.

In your first session, we'll be getting to know you and learning about the change you're looking for. The session will include some background and conversation, but will also include working with some self-help tools you can begin to use, to support the hypnotherapy change.

Following sessions are somewhat different, with a focus on therapeutic conversations and hypnotherapy at different levels of trance. This means you relaxing, and us talking through the change you want to see.

It sounds simple - and it is. Hypnotherapy can deliver amazing changes from an incredibly powerful approach to the language we use.

Sessions are available throughout the week and weekends, during the day and early evening. I'll work hard to find times to fit, even when times are busy.

In person sessions will depend on locations and my availability.

As counsellors we don't hold all the answers (oh, but we wish we did!) We don't live your life, we aren't encountering your challenges and we don't aim to solve your problems for you. You're the expert who knows that terrain better than we could.

What we can do, is provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of possible solutions. Often it is just helpful to know that someone understands. Many people find counselling to be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you will gain from counselling will depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits can include:

- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values

- Developing skills for improving your relationships

- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek counselling

- Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

- Managing anger, depression and other emotional pressures

- Improving communication skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you

- Getting 'unstuck' from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviours and develop new ones

- Discovering new ways to solve problems

- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Sessions are structured to last 50 minutes long, with an additional 10-20 minutes after you've left the session for us to review notes and document our time together.

At the beginning of your time we will develop a counselling plan, working with you. This documents what we hope to achieve within the few weeks we plan to work together. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a counselling session, what we cover will depend on what you need from us and what stage of the counselling plan we are at. However, it's likely that each session will include:

1. Discussing a certain topic or aspect you'd like to talk about

2. Progress made since your last session

3. Approach for the time until your next session, including potential homework or activities to support what we do

We run our sessions via Zoom which means they are online only for now. That means you simply need to have a free Zoom account (or even just use the free Zoom link without registering) and use your phone, tablet or computer to join the session.

Although using Zoom is preferable as we get to see each other, if you're not comfortable with this we may be able to undertake telephone counselling instead, this is something we can discuss prior to starting.

I practice counselling using a person-centred approach using the well respected approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a therapeutic approach that is based around acceptance of what is, rather than trying to fight against it. At the core of this approach is the ability to be present and mindful in the world, and to accept what we cannot change whilst defining and moving towards those goals we desire. It is about finding acceptance, peace and stability in an inherently unstable world.

It's simple - yet powerful - set of tools that have been proven to aid in many physical and mental health conditions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is not for everyone and if my approach is not right for you, or doesn't help with the needs you have, I'll work with you to refer you to someone who fits your needs more closely.

Sessions are available throughout the week and weekends, during the day and early evening. I'll work hard to find times to fit, even when times are busy.

In person sessions will depend on locations and my availability.

Counselling is for anyone and everyone.

Going to counselling doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, it's like going to the gym (only you're working on your mind rather than your muscles). Even counsellors get counselling.

Walk and talk therapy is offered in Wollongong, at the Lighthouse (Top Deck car park).

Where our other sessions are online via Zoom, walk and talk therapy is run face-to-face. You will meet your counsellor in the carpark at the lighthouse and then walk either around the harbour or along the coast for your 50 minute session. Walking needs to be comfortable for both you and your counsellor, so being 'fit' is not important - it's about being outside, in the open air, with birds and trees and the awesome sea to look at.

You'll return to the carpark at the end of your session, and head off. We don't provide transport to or from the lighthouse.

In the event of bad weather, you have several options:

• Continuing the walk (in light rain only)

• Meeting at a dry shelter or seating area, if available (Stuart Park is one alternative)

• Switching to an online session at the same time

• Rescheduling the walk and talk for another date and time

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No fees or charges will be applied for these options. However, if you decide to cancel your session and not rebook, a cancellation fee may be applied.

It's simple.

There is a Book now button on the counselling pages.

Simply press that button, select the service you wish to book and then select the time that suits you. You'll then go through payment, and your session is booked - simple!

Alternatively if you're worried, having issues or just prefer to talk first, then call me - 0415792055, and I can book sessions in for you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session then please contact us at gary@empatiacounselling.com.au or call on 0415792055 as soon as you can. We are happy to reschedule your sessions as needed, we know life sometimes gets in the way.

We'll be in touch to confirm your new booking time or your refund. Please make sure you contact us as soon as you can, as our cancellation policy comes into effect within 48 hours of your session time.

If you don't cancel your session and simply don't turn up for it, you will lose your payment and your slot.

Since we can't use that time for others, we encourage you to try and let us know at least 48 hours in advance to avoid this.

Absolutely.

We offer a Connection Call service to help with this. It's a free call where we can get to know each other so you feel comfortable talking with us, and we get to understand a little about why you're looking for someone to talk to.

If you'd like to talk to us, simply call us, or use the Contact form and we'll call you back. There is nothing to pay and we're pretty flexible with call times.

You pay for your session when you book it.

We accept payment by PayPal and by credit/debit card. Unfortunately we can't accept any other forms of payment at this time.

Refunds are available if you tell us in advance that you can't attend a session you have paid for.

If you tell us more than 48 hours in advance you will receive a full refund. If you tell us between 24-48 hours before you session you will receive a 50% refund.

Refunds will be made via the same payment method you used to book the session.