Counselling can help you to identify and release blocks and fears
that may be holding you back. ...

Sometimes we all need extra support to navigate the challenge of losses, stresses, relationships and general setbacks of life. Counselling can offer you a space to explore and clarify your emotions, thoughts and behaviours and help determine the best way forward.

Areas of support:

• Healthy boundaries
• Communication and relationship issues
• Stress management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life transitions such as separation, divorce, birth of a new baby
• Addiction
• Trauma
• Self-esteem

Counselling can help you look within by supporting you to define the issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase your own self-awareness in a positive way.

Counselling sessions should empower you to ask questions, focus on issues and support what is working for you but also what isn’t - uncovering obstacles that are keeping you from achieving your goals. Counselling is more than just feeling better about yourself; the goal is to help you understand yourself better. Regular discussion between you and your counsellor ensures that you sustain the skills that you are learning and maintain your journey towards personal growth.

You will be supported to gain a greater level of self awarenes, acceptence and a feeling of empowerment to make new and positive choices in your life.

The Riverhead Therapy experience ...

• Stage one assessment
  
• Everyone is different, in order for us to understand your unique situation and history, we will spend time reviewing and identifying challenges or behaviours that may be causing you anxiety or stress. This is also a great time for us both to work out if we're a good fit - and if our counselling style works for you.
• Stage 2 Treatment
• We will develop an individualised treatment plan together that will target and prioritise your goals. We will review this together throughout treatment to ensure you are "on track" or address any challenging needs.
• Stage 3 Completion
• Once you feel you have reached your set goals and are implementing the behavioural interventions you've learned out work together will be complete.

Teletherapy

Riverhead Therapy offers a safe online place to talk too. Using Skype, Zoom or Facetime your appointment will be just like a face to face session; you will be able to interact with your counsellor “virtually” throughout.

If you are not comfortable using these technologies however you can also arrange a telephone counselling session, email or instant chat.

About Us

Ciara Sheppard (BSocSc, M.Couns) Ciara is a qualified Humanistic Counsellor and adopts a person centred integrative approach in helping clients achieve their goals.

Ciara uses techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tailored to suit your needs.

Professional Credentials

Bachelor of Social Sciences, Queens University of Belfast

Masters of Counselling, Murdoch University Perth

Frequently Asked Questions ...

How do I book an appointment?

Please use our details at the bottom of the page or the web form below to get in touch and we will contact you as soon as possible .

How long is an appointment?

Your appointment time either in person or online will be 55 minutes in duration (with the exception of email contact).

Who is online counselling best suited to?

Online counselling is an accessible and innovative solution for anyone; especially anyone having difficulty travelling to appointments due to distance, mobility, childcare commitments or perhaps because of a busy work and travel schedule.

Are there any instances where online counselling is not appropriate?

Generally, online therapy is not appropriate where a life may be in danger e.g. through self harm behaviours, harm to others or concerns about the wellbeing of a child under the age of 16 years. It is also not appropriate for anyone experiencing severe and ongoing psychiatric or psychological presentations requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

How do I access an online session?

You will need a computer (and webcam), smartphone, ipad or similar tablet device, reliable internet service and a private, uninterrupted space to hold your counselling session. Headphones or earbuds are also recommended for maximum privacy.

Once you contact us, we will answer any questions you may have and, if online counselling is suited to you and you make an online counselling appointment you will receive an email from us with clear instructions on how to access your online appointment along with payment instructions.

Skype, Zoom and Facetime will support video conferencing and is available for PC, Apple Mac and as an app for most smart phones and tablets. It is also free to download.

How do I make payments for my counselling sessions?

You are able to make payments using direct deposit via internet banking, BPAY and Paypal. All payments must be made in advance.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no right number, everyone is different. However we recommend six counselling sessions to begin with. Ultimately you will make the decision that is right for you dependent on your goals (a session = 55 minutes).

What are the fees?

• Face to Face: $120 AUD per individual session
• Face to Face: $650 AUD for six sessions
• Online Skype/Zoom: $100 AUD per session*
• Telephone: $85 AUD per session*
• Instant Messaging: $60 AUD per session*
• Email: $40 AUD per email*
  (* Reduced rates apply for block booking)

Medicare and Reduced Rates

In some instances, Medicare or private health fund rebates may be available. Please contact your provider for more information. If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford our usual fees, a reduced rate may be available. Please contact us for more information.

What happens if I am unable to attend or need to reschedule an appointment?

We understand that at times appointments need changed or cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. We aim to be flexible whenever possible. We ask you to notify us 24-48 hours prior to your session if you are unable to attend. We will request that you rebook your session within the following 30 days else you will be charged in full for any missed, changed or cancelled appointments\.

Contact us today to find out more...