Counselling and Psychotherapy: How Therapy Supports Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Are you thinking about seeking support for your mental health or emotional wellbeing?Counselling and psychotherapy offers a safe space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained mental health professional who is there to support you without judgement

Therapy isn’t just for when things feel hard, it can also support you in making empowered choices, deepening relationships, or pursuing personal growth.

Both counselling and psychotherapy can support you in understanding yourself better, developing coping skills, and working through life's challenges. There are different types of therapy available, and the approach your counsellor or therapist uses will depend on your needs.

Whether you're considering in-person or online therapy sessions, support is available to help you start your journey.

Key Takeaways

• Counselling and psychotherapy help you address personal challenges and mental health concerns.

• Different therapy types and counsellors are available to match your needs.

• You can choose between in-person or online sessions to begin your journey.

  
  

Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling and psychotherapy both support your mental health and emotional wellbeing. While they share similarities, each has unique roles, approaches, and methods, depending on what you need most.

What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a type of talking therapy that helps you explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. During sessions, a counsellor listens without judgement and encourages you to express yourself freely.

You might seek counselling for specific issues such as stress, grief, relationship challenges, or work difficulties. Counselling often focuses on the present, helping you develop practical skills and strategies to manage daily life.

A qualified counsellor works with you in a private and respectful environment, where trust and confidentiality are essential. Most counselling support is short-term, lasting a few weeks or months depending on your needs.

Key features of counselling:

• Focuses on specific issues

• Provides short- to medium-term support

• Addresses present-day challenges

• Offers a safe, non-judgemental space for growth

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a deeper process that explores emotional patterns and underlying issues affecting your mental health. A psychotherapist may help you understand how past experiences shape your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Sessions with a psychotherapist often continue over a longer period, allowing time to work through complex concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Psychotherapists use a variety of approaches, such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and trauma-informed practices. The focus is on achieving lasting emotional change and improving your overall wellbeing.

You might choose psychotherapy if you want to explore complex emotions or gain deeper self-understanding.

Key Differences and Similarities

Aspect	Counselling	Psychotherapy
Main focus	Present-day challenges and coping skills	Deeper exploration of emotional patterns and past experiences
Duration	Short- to medium-term	Long-term, often ongoing
Practitioner title	Counsellor	Psychotherapist
Common concerns	Grief, stress, relationships	Trauma, anxiety, depression

Both counselling and psychotherapy aim to support your mental health and emotional growth. Choosing between them often depends on your personal goals and what feels most comfortable for you.

The Role of the Counsellor and Therapist

Your therapy experience in counselling or psychotherapy is shaped by the skill, training, and approach of the professional you work with. Counsellors and therapists use a range of methods to support your mental health in a safe, respectful environment.

Qualifications and Training

A qualified counsellor or therapist in Australia usually holds a formal degree or diploma in counselling, psychology, or social work. Many also undertake further specialised training in areas such as trauma support, emotional regulation, couples counselling, family therapy, addiction counselling, and more.

Registration with respected organisations like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) helps ensure high standards of professional practice. This registration typically requires ongoing professional development and clinical supervision.

Professional counsellors bring a foundation of specialised training, along with strong interpersonal skills that support a safe and effective therapeutic experience. These core counselling skills help create a respectful and collaborative space where growth and healing can take place.

Key counselling skills include:

• Active listening

• Empathy

• Ethical and professional boundaries

• Confidentiality and respectful communication

Checking a counsellor’s credentials before starting therapy can provide confidence and peace of mind.

Therapeutic Approaches Including Gestalt Therapy

Therapists use different approaches to help you reach your goals.Some focus on thoughts and behaviours, like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while others help you explore your feelings, experiences, and deeper emotional patterns.

Gestalt therapy is one example. It encourages you to focus on the present moment and become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this method, your therapist may use creative ways, like dialogue, visualisation, or body awareness, to help you notice patterns and understand how you relate to yourself and others.

Other therapeutic approaches you may come across include:

• Somatic therapy, which focuses on the mind-body connection to support emotional healing

• Person-centred therapy, offering a non-judgemental space for exploration and growth

• Solution-focused therapy, which highlights strengths and builds practical steps toward change

• Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, exploring how early life experiences and unconscious patterns influence present experiences

  
  

Sometimes, therapists combine different methods to suit individual needs, histories, and goals.

Establishing the Counselling Relationship

A key part of effective therapy is the relationship you build with your counsellor.This relationship is founded on trust, respect, and understanding.

Good counsellors create a safe space where you feel heard and supported while discussing sensitive topics. They maintain clear professional boundaries and keep all personal information confidential, except in rare situations where safety is at risk.

Your counsellor will support you in exploring what matters most to you, helping you make sense of your experiences and navigate change at your own pace. The direction of therapy can shift as your needs and insights evolve. This collaborative partnership fosters trust and empowers you to move toward meaningful change in your life.

Exploring Different Types of Therapy

Therapy can take place in different settings, and each offers unique benefits. Choosing the right format depends on your personal needs, comfort level, and lifestyle.

Online Counselling and Telehealth

Online counselling and telehealth allow you to attend therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home or any private space. You can connect with a counsellor or therapist through secure video calls, phone sessions, or encrypted messaging platforms.

Key advantages of online counselling include:

• Flexible appointment times to suit your schedule

• No need to travel to an office or clinic

• Greater privacy and comfort

• More options if you live in a regional or remote area

• May be more affordable than face-to-face sessions

  
  

Online therapy can be an excellent choice for addressing concerns like anxiety, stress, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. However, it may not suit everyone. Some people prefer in-person sessions for building trust, reading body language, or engaging in therapies that involve physical activities.

In-Person and Face-to-Face Therapy

In-person therapy takes place at a counsellor’s office, clinic, or therapeutic centre. Being physically present with your therapist can sometimes make it easier to build rapport, feel connected, and engage deeply in the therapy process.

Benefits of face-to-face therapy include:

• Clearer communication through body language and facial expressions

• A neutral environment away from home distractions

• Opportunities for more structured activities, such as art, play, or movement-based therapies

Face-to-face therapy may be particularly helpful for individuals who prefer a stronger personal connection or who need more intensive support.

Accessing Counselling and Psychotherapy in Australia

Finding support for your mental health is more accessible than ever. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or online therapy, a wide range of services are available across Australia.

Counselling Services Across Australia

Counselling and psychotherapy services are available throughout major cities, regional centres, and remote areas. You can access support through private practices, hospitals, community centres, or online counselling services designed for flexibility and privacy.

Common types of services include:

• Private counselling and psychotherapy practices

• Community mental health centres

• Specialist services for young people, couples, or families

• Online-only counselling platforms

Some providers focus on specific areas such as anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, or grief support. Many therapists offer detailed information about their backgrounds, areas of expertise, and therapeutic approaches to help you find the right fit.

How to Seek Help

In most cases, you do not need a doctor’s referral to access counselling or psychotherapy services. You can contact counsellors directly via their websites, email, or phone.Many providers offer easy-to-use contact forms for bookings or enquiries.

If you prefer to start with a psychologist under a mental health care plan from your GP, Medicare rebates may be available. However, private counsellors and psychotherapists often work outside the Medicare system and may charge a direct fee per session.

At Rising Phoenix Counselling, you can:

• Use a direct contact form to get started

• Book online counselling sessions at your convenience

• Learn more about Priscilla’s approach and background before deciding

Choosing a Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Choosing the right counsellor or psychotherapist is an important part of your journey. Working with someone who feels like a good fit can make therapy more comfortable, supportive, and effective.

Look for a professional who is properly trained and registered with an accredited body, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Checking a counsellor’s qualifications, experience, and areas of specialisation before booking your first session can help you feel more confident about your choice.

Your comfort matters. A good therapeutic relationship builds trust and creates a safe space for you to explore challenges, develop coping strategies, and grow.

When exploring your options, it can help to ask:

• Are you accredited by PACFA or ACA?

• What experience do you have with concerns similar to mine?

• What types of therapy approaches do you use?

Consider contacting more than one provider. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is an important part of setting yourself up for success in therapy.

Online Therapy: Benefits and Considerations

Online therapy, sometimes called telehealth, connects you with a professional counsellor or psychotherapist from the comfort of your own home. Sessions can take place through secure video calls, phone conversations, or encrypted messaging, offering flexibility and accessibility.

Comparing Online and In-Person Sessions

Aspect	Online Therapy	In-Person Therapy
Location	Home or private space	Therapy office or clinic
Commute	None	Required travel
Scheduling	More flexible options	May have fixed hours
Privacy	Must create a private space	Built-in private setting
Physical cues	Limited (video or audio only)	Full access to non-verbal cues
Pricing	Often more affordable	May include higher fees due to overheads

Online therapy offers convenience and accessibility, especially if you live remotely, have a busy schedule, or find it easier to open up from your own space. However, some people prefer in-person sessions to build trust through physical presence and full non-verbal communication.

There’s no right or wrong choice, what matters is what feels most supportive for you.

What to Expect in Online Therapy Sessions

Your first online therapy session usually covers your history, goals, and how the therapy process will work. Before your appointment, you’ll typically receive a secure video link or phone number to join the session.

To get the most out of online therapy:

• Find a quiet, private space without interruptions

• Use a computer, tablet, or phone with a stable internet connection

• Check your technology a few minutes beforehand

Therapists will often set some agreements around things like keeping your camera on or having a backup plan if the connection drops out.

Security and Confidentiality in Online Therapy

Most online therapy services use encrypted platforms designed to keep your information private and secure. Therapists in Australia are bound by privacy laws, including the Australian Privacy Principles, to protect your confidentiality.

It’s important to choose a private setting where you feel safe to speak openly.Using headphones and avoiding public spaces can help maintain privacy.

Your therapist will not record sessions without your permission. If you have any concerns about confidentiality or online security, it’s always okay to raise these during your first appointment.

Starting Your Counselling Journey

Beginning counselling is a big step toward understanding your feelings, building resilience, and improving your emotional wellbeing. Knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves and allow you to get the most from your experience.

Preparing for Your First Session

Before your first counselling session, it can help to reflect on what brought you to seek support. You might like to write down a few thoughts, concerns, hopes or goals you would like to explore. Having a few ideas in mind can make starting the conversation feel more natural.

Wear something comfortable, and if your session is online, test your technology beforehand. Finding a quiet, private space is important so you can focus fully during your time with your counsellor.

What Happens During Counselling Sessions

At your first session, your counsellor will explain confidentiality and how sessions work. You’ll discuss what brings you to therapy and set some initial goals. You set the pace, and your counsellor will guide you with care and respect.

Sessions typically last between 50 to 60 minutes. Depending on your needs, your counsellor may suggest techniques like journaling, mindfulness, or thought exercises to support your progress.

Making the Most of Counselling

Counselling is a collaborative process. Being open and honest, as much as you feel ready, can help deepen the work you do together.

Progress often happens through small, steady steps. Celebrating these changes, even the subtle ones, is part of the healing journey.

If you have questions about the process, your counsellor welcomes your feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

When might you prefer to seek support from a counsellor rather than a psychotherapist?

You might choose a counsellor if you are facing a specific problem and want support in a safe, non-judgemental space. Counsellors often help with immediate challenges such as stress, grief, relationship difficulties, or workplace issues.

If you're not looking to deeply explore your past but want practical coping strategies, counselling can be a helpful fit.

What can you expect in your first counselling or therapy session?

Your first session is an opportunity to meet your counsellor, talk about what brings you to therapy, and set some initial goals. You'll discuss how confidentiality works and have the chance to ask any questions you might have.

How many counselling sessions might you need, and how will you know if it’s working?

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and needs. You'll notice therapy is working when you feel lighter, approach challenges differently, or manage stress with greater ease.

Ready to Begin Your Counselling Journey?

At Rising Phoenix Counselling, I offer a calm and supportive space to reconnect with yourself, explore new perspectives, and navigate life’s changes at your own pace. You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re facing a transition, feeling stuck, or simply seeking space to reflect, therapy can support you in finding clarity and strength.

Together, we’ll work in a way that feels grounded, respectful, and affirming welcoming all parts of you, and all communities, including LGBTIQA+.

Through counselling, you can:

• Build more authentic and connected relationships

• Strengthen your inner confidence and self-trust

• Develop greater emotional awareness and resilience

• Create sustainable habits that support your wellbeing

When you feel ready, you’re welcome to book a session online or get in touch to start the conversation. Support is here when you need it.