FAQ's
How do I make an appointment for counselling with Andy?
Anyone in the community can refer to Andy Simpson Counselling. Please send an email from the contact button at the bottom of this page or text, or give him a ring to complete an intake.
If you would like to have a look at Andy's counselling space to see if it feels right for you, please discuss this with him when you make contact. Spaces are limited though.
Are you a registered NDIS provider?
Yes! Andy Simpson Counselling is a registered NDIS provider! Although, we are not able to provide counselling funded through the NDIS for 7 and under due to NDIS guidelines.
Is there a code of ethics for a counsellor?
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) publishes a code of ethics which you can view . Andy is a member of PACFA and upholds the highest possible ethical guidelines.
What happens during my first session?
Waiting room:
When you arrive, you will be able to wait in the waiting room, much like you might wait for any other kind of health care appointment. There is music playing to listen to. Andy will come and get you at your appointment time.
In Session: Our first session would likely include a game, some art, or trying the sand tray to help us get to know each other more easily, or having a chat. I’ll have a list of questions to ask you about your family and friends, school, and activities you like to participate in (yes, adults like playing games too!). I will also ask about your fears and worries, what makes you angry, and what helps you calm down. I might also talk to you about your sleep and eating habits. You don’t have to leap into your deepest darkest secrets immediately—feel free to talk through your favourite book or the movie you saw last week as a way to get a sense of how we will communicate with one another.
I will have already had a phone conversation with your caregiver (children and adolescents only) or received an intake form to get some background information. You can ask me some questions about me too, I’m happy to answer, where appropriate. Everything we talk about is confidential and private, unless you tell me that you or someone else is not safe. Your caregiver is welcome to stay in the room with you for your appointments, it’s up to you. We will have a chat at the end with them if you choose for them to leave.
For adults, experiencing counselling can be difficult, particularly if there has been a negative felt experience previously (which is common believe it or not!). Rest assured, every experience is different and at Andy Simpson Counselling, we pride ourselves on facilitating a warm, non-judgemental experience to help you carry forward in your courage in seeking counselling again.
I’d like to ask my counsellor some questions, but I’m not sure what to ask:
It can also be helpful to plan on asking questions of your counsellor. Before your session, consider thinking over what worries or concerns you may have about what you might like to work on with your counsellor and then brainstorm some questions to ask them. For example:
· Is this confidential?
· When would you need to break confidentiality?
· How long have you been doing this?
· Do you have any experience with my specific type of mental health issues?
· Have you ever been to counselling yourself?
· What kind of things should I plan to do between our sessions?
Why do I need to go to counselling?
Andy Simpson Counselling helps children, adolescents, and adults deal with and process all sorts of issues as seen on our main page. We will spend some time talking or playing out, non-verbally, using sandplay or symbols, about the good aspects of your life and those aspects that may need some improvement. We might talk about your family and friends, and about developing some strategies to help you cope better at school, home or work.
Not everyone wants to attend counselling straight off the bat, it can feel scary to talk to someone you don’t know and open up about difficult situations and feelings. You might think what’s happening is not as big of a problem as the adults or other people close to you as those in your lives do (this includes us adults too!). You could be concerned about missing out on school or fun stuff, which is a valid feeling. We encourage you to give this a go, even if you don’t feel like it’s something you need right now, you never know what you will come out with. If you decide you don’t want to come to counselling, we won’t make you, as we believe that doesn't help in building a trusting relationship.
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For Caregivers - Please don’t make your child see me, as that makes it difficult for them to trust me (and you)! It can be counter-productive to make someone attend counselling because it leaves them less likely to give it a go and be open. I know that I, as an adult, would find it very hard to be open and honest if I knew someone was making me do counselling.
What sort of activities will I do in counselling?
We might use a series of worksheets, using various drawing materials, try some role plays and build upon skills you may have already learnt, and practise what is important to you, which can help you to resolve issues or problems. This might also include strategies to address difficult feelings, memories, urges, thoughts and body sensations. There will also be the option of using a small sand tray with small toys and objects such as people, animals, trees and other various small objects (symbols) that you can choose from. Using sand and small toys and objects can be helpful in telling your story without using words. There is a large amount of research that suggests these types of approaches are suitable for people across the lifespan.
Do only men see male counsellors?
Absolutely not! Andy Simpson Counselling support people of all genders and sexualities across a wide range of ages. Sometimes people will immediately think that people need to see a counsellor of the same gender and Andy will let them know he has worked for several years as a family violence counsellor and has received feedback about being perceived as a safe man to talk to.
Who can I contact for extra support in a crisis?
In case of emergencies please contact *000* or
Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Intake Line - 1300 104 211
Murrumbidgee Accessline - 1800 800 944
LifeLine - 13 11 14
Kids Helpline (age 5-25) - 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
13 YARN (First Nations People) - 13 92 76
1800 RESPECT (Domestic Violence)- 1800 737 732
Parentline - 1300 30 1300
Hospitals
Albury/Wodonga Health: (02) 6058 4444
Corowa Hospital: (02) 6033 7555
Wagga Base Hospital: (02) 5943 1000
Will you prescribe medication?
The only professionals who can prescribe medication are psychiatrists and other medical doctors. Social workers, psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists do not have medical training, so they are unable to prescribe medication.
Sometimes a counsellor may think that you could benefit from taking medication. In this case, they will talk with you about seeing your GP and discuss this further.
Are you registered with private health providers?
Andy Simpson Counselling is not currently registered with any private health providers. It is recommended that you contact your individual insurance provider for further information about your individual coverage.
Do you have a set of terms and conditions I can read?
Yes I do! You can access them or at the top of this page.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes I do! However, it is not always easy to find a private space to have counselling in and in my experience, children and adolescents may feel uncomfortable talking about what is important to them as well as other sensitive topics (and some adults too!) and this can create unnecessary tension in the counselling process. Confidentiality, privacy and ensuring you are feeling safe to discuss whatever you might be experiencing are incredibly important to us, therefore, telehealth appointments will only be offered to people aged 16 and above.