Question 1

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to book an appointment is to fill in the form on our 'Contact' page. We will email you back and organise an appointment that suits you. We will ask you what area you live in and where you enjoy being such as the beach or a local park.
 
If you prefer you can phone, email, or text us directly. You'll find our contact details on our 'Contact' page.

Question 2

How long are the counselling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Individual and Couples counselling sessions are usually 50 minutes per session.

Sometimes due to practicalities different durations can be negotiated in advance. For example, 50 minutes can go quite fast during couples counselling sessions and a 90 minute or 2 hour session can feel more useful.

Please note; for a longer session time prices will change.

Question 3

How do I pay for my session?

Accepted Answer

You will recieve an attached invoice, along with the confirmation email of your booking information. The invoice must be paid within 48 hours of the counselling session.

Question 4

Do I still need to pay if I cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled appointment, we request you call or text as soon as possible. Your early cancellation will give another person the possibility to have access to this appointment time. Cancellations must be done 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time. 
 
A ‘no show’ refers to a cancelled appointment without 24 hours notice in advance. No shows inconvenience everyone, especially if the counsellor has travelled to the scheduled ‘Walk & Talk’ destination. 
A failure to present at the time of a scheduled appointment is recorded in our appointment schedule as a ‘no show’. The client will be contacted and will have the opportunity to reschedule. However, if there is a second ‘no show’ in any future scheduled sessions, the client will be billed the cost of a full counselling session.

Question 5

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a referral from your GP. Anyone can book a counselling session.

Question 6

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Accepted Answer

Any contact you have with Elevate Counselling will be kept confidential with the following exceptions:
Counsellors are required under the New Zealand Association for Counsellors (NZAC) Code of Ethics to report to an external supervisor. Some cases of the Counsellors choosing, may be discussed however, this is to ensure you get the best possible service.

Confidentiality may be broken if we believe that yourself or another person/child is at serious risk of harm, or if we have concerns about abuse or neglect.

Your permission will be asked first before collaborating with other agencies if required.

Question 7

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

In general we recommend around 6 counselling sessions however, on many occasions more or less are appropriate. We work together and ensure that you take an active role in determining how many sessions are needed, depending on your goals and level of distress. While we'll make recommendations you are ultimately in control.

Question 8

Can I get my counselling funded through ACC?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, however at this stage not with Elevate Counselling. Please see attached link that will direct you to a page that lists registered ACC counsellors within New Zealand. These counsellors provide specalised counselling for those who have experienced sexual abuse or rape. 
 
https://www.talkingworks.co.nz/dir/ACC+Registered+Counsellors.html

Question 9

Do I need to prepare before my first session?

Accepted Answer

Not really, although it may be helpful to have a goal in mind of what you would like to discuss in the session. It could be needing someone to offload to or working through feelings of anxiety or depression. It may be troubling relationship in your life or processing a traumatic event. If you don't have a goal thats OK as we can work on this together.

Question 10

We want couples therapy – will you see us together or separately?

Accepted Answer

For couples therapy you will be seen together. We might discuss the possiblity of having a few sessions seperately.

Question 11

I am nervous about making an appointment – can you tell me what to expect?

Accepted Answer

That is completely OK to feel nervous before a session. It's a big step booking your first appointment! You will be sent an email with our client information attached before your first session. In the first session there is a small amount of paperwork to do of signing the confidentuality agreement together.  
 
At any stage before your first appointment you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to call you and have a chat together.

Question 12

Do you work with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can work with children with parents signed concent under the age of 16 years old.