Question 1

How can counselling help?

Accepted Answer

It can be helpful to talk to someone who is not a family member or friend. A counsellor can provide a space and a relationship that allows you to safely reflect and process. Neutral and non‑judgmental support is provided in therapy, guiding you through evidence‑based strategies and tools to assist you with your concerns. Research has shown that seeking professional counselling facilitates positive changes in the brain ‑ this process alters unhelpful patterns of behaviour towards more helpful patterns of thinking, feeling and being. Counselling can also help to provide you with clarity, and a sense of feeling heard, supported, and understood.

Question 2

What is a Social Worker, and how is that different from a Psychologist or Psychiatrist or Counsellor?

Accepted Answer

Social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists all support mental health and wellbeing but in slightly different ways.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:
 • Social Worker (like me!) –  my focus is on helping people navigate life’s challenges by looking at the whole picture your relationships, environment, community, and the wider systems that influence your wellbeing. Social work looks beyond the individual to also consider the social and systemic factors that impact mental health things like work stress, family dynamics, social supports, and access to services. I also use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and (soon) EMDR to support you in making meaningful changes in how you think, feel, and behave.
 • Psychologist – Specialises in understanding human behaviour, emotions, and the biological processes in the brain that influence them. They use in depth assessments and evidence based therapies  like CBT to support people experiencing mental health concerns. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication.
 • Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication and sometimes provide therapy, especially for more complex mental health needs.
 • Counsellor - focussed on psychotherapy or talk therapy to explore emotions, process experiences, and strengthen coping tools. Counsellors often help people manage stress, grief, relationships, or major life changes. They don’t diagnose or prescribe but play a valuable role in emotional support and personal growth.

Each of us brings something different to the table, and often we work together to support people in different ways.

Question 3

What makes you an independant clinician?

Accepted Answer

I work for myself and run my own business as an accredited social worker providing counselling and therapeutic services. Some organisations have internal counsellors as well as associate clinicians- independent practitioners who are part of their approved referral network.

This means you might connect with me through a particular service, even though I’m not a direct employee of that organisation.

Being independent allows me to:
 • Offer flexible appointment options (both in-person and online)
 • Specialise in working with particular client groups (e.g. professional and frontline trauma)
 • Provide services across a wide range of locations and specialities
 • Tailor support to each individual’s needs while maintaining professional autonomy

This structure ensures that clients can access the right clinician for their needs, while I’m able to offer a broader range of services, flexible appointment times, and Australia-wide support  all while upholding the same ethical and professional standards you would expect from any counsellor employed directly within an organisation.

Question 4

What is the process for new referrals?

Accepted Answer

To begin therapy,  the first step is to book a free 15 minute consultation to ask about my availability and locations and if I am accepting new referrals. You can do this through the 'Bookings' page or by emailing me therapywithalanarussell@gmail.com (therapywithalanarussell@gmail.com)It is an opportunity to talk about what you are going through and ask any questions.

If I do not have any current capacity, I will be able to add you to the waitlist so you can be contacted if there are cancellations and secure a spot for the coming weeks or months.

There are a few details I will need from you such as your 
Victims Services reference number (if applicable), full name, DOB, mobile number, address, email address and emergency contact to get things started.

Once your appointment is confirmed, I will email you an Informed Consent form to read, sign, and send back. You can also talk about it more in your first session.

When you are booked in for your first session you will receive an email confirmation and I will be in contact with address details depending on your booked location.

Question 5

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sessions you need will depend entirely on your individual circumstances. You will likely get a sense of what regularity works for you. Counselling can be most effective when it is regular and consistent, particularly when you first begin the process. Typically, sessions can occur weekly or fortnightly to start with, and then decrease in frequency as you work through your concerns; however, this is flexible. You and your therapist will assess your needs and situation, and decide together on what will work best for you.

Question 6

Do you offer online or telephone counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer counselling via Zoom or phone. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions, and many clients find it just as helpful and convenient.

Question 7

How do I confirm and prepare for my first session?

Accepted Answer

Once you book an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email. If your session is scheduled to be held via Zoom, prior to the session you will receive an email containing the Zoom link. For in-person appointments, you will receive a message or email with the location details and building access codes. This ensures that you are well-prepared and know exactly how to access your therapy session, whether online or in-person.

Question 8

Is my information private and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Everything you share within your therapy sessions, from the moment you make first contact, is confidential. No one outside of our practice is able to confirm whether you are even attending unless you provide written consent to us that we are able to share this information with another specific person. The exception to this is if your therapist becomes concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, requiring them to take steps to ensure that Duty of Care is covered. As I work from a person‑centred approach, wherever possible and appropriate, these steps will always be discussed in collaboration with you prior to taking action.

Question 9

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Individual counselling sessions are 60 minutes in length and $150, couples sessions are $200. GST of 10% is in addition to this fee. I offer fee matched services for new private clients from online platforms.  Individual counselling sessions are also provided under the Victims of Crime funding scheme and EAP for eligible and approved applicants in which there is no fee for service. 
First responders are eligible for discounted private services.

Question 10

Do you offer couples counselling?

Accepted Answer

Yes I do. Couples counselling gives you a safe space to work on communication, understanding, and closeness. Sessions usually run for an hour, and both partners need to agree to take part.  Counselling can be really helpful in building connection and learning new skills, but it may also bring up tough feelings or conflict along the way. Sometimes couples decide to stay together, and sometimes they decide to separate counselling can support the decision-making process but can’t guarantee a particular outcome. My role is to stay neutral and support you both equally. I don’t take sides or keep secrets between partners. If something important is shared outside a session, I may bring it into the next session so we can work on it together. This way, the process stays fair, transparent, and focused on helping your relationship

Question 11

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do work with children. I have extensive experience working with children and teens as well as adults.  If your child is under 5 years of age, I will work mostly with you as the caregiver. I use play, creative and expressive therapies to engage children.   If the young person is under the age of 12, an initial session will be completed with the parent(s) and subsequent sessions with the young person.

Question 12

What is Christian-based counselling, and how is it different?

Accepted Answer

Christian-based counselling integrates psychological support with Christian values, beliefs, and teachings. It can include exploring how faith relates to topics like mental health, relationships, conflict resolution, and life challenges. This approach may also draw on prayer, scripture, or faith based reflection if requested by the client. I am a Christian by faith, and if you specifically ask for this lens in therapy, I’m able to incorporate it into our work together in a respectful and collaborative way. If you are not Christian, please know this will not impact the way I support you or your family. I work from a professional, inclusive, and client-centred approach. Faith-based counselling is offered only when requested, and your personal beliefs whatever they may be will always be respected.

Question 13

Do you accept NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

This can be requested and I can have this arranged. Please enquire though therapywithalanarussell@gmail.com

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you give Alana a minimum of 48 (business) hours notice. Less than 48 hours will incur a partial fee of 50%. If you give less than 24 hours notice of change or rescheduling will incur the full session cost.

This information is also included in the informed consent.

Question 15

How do I provide feedback?

Accepted Answer

I welcome all feedback; compliments and complaints, as this information allows this service to continue evolving, to ensure accessibility and greater service provision. Please reach out to discuss.

Question 16

Do you have testimonials, so I can see how therapy has worked for others?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have a 40 testimonials, along with service ratings for over 300+ sessions.

These are not listed on my website as the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) do not support the publication of client testimonials or feedback. Due to the nature of therapy, outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed, and publishing feedback may be misleading.

If you have any questions about previous client feedback or service ratings, I am happy to discuss this further during a free 15-minute consultation.