Frequently asked questions
All practitioners at Living Authentically Counselling have tertiary qualifications in mental health and psychology. They are committed to undertaking continuing professional development courses to further their training in areas of practice interest, as listed under their profiles on our website, and engage in regular supervision with trained social workers and counsellors.
Additionally, all of our practitioners are registered with the Society of Australian Sexologists and other peak bodies such as the Australian Association of Social Workers, AusPATH and the Sexual Health Society of Queensland.
No, our practitioners do not provide somatic and touch-based sex therapy. We are trained in evidence-based talk therapy modalities and will never engage in touch with you during our work together.
Our practitioners may suggest homework or strategies that involve touch or physical intimacy for you to practice outside of counselling sessions, and in the privacy and comfort of your own space.
For more information, please refer to section 10.8 of Society of Australian Sexologists Code of Ethics, of which all of our practitioners are bound by:
10.8 Sexual Contact
10.8.1 Members must not sexually exploit clients, supervisees or students. That is, a member shall not engage in sexual misconduct, conduct or practices of a sexual or sensual nature, or offer services
that are sexual or sensual in nature.
10.8.2 This includes member/client nudity, genital touch and purposeful sexual response elicitation.
10.8.3 Physical examination and/or procedures must only be performed by a health professional
registered with AHPRA (or state registration board), specifically trained and qualified for the
procedure, and following the prescribed ethical guidelines.
10.8.4 The Society of Australian Sexologists prohibits sexual relationships between members and their clients or any behaviour that could be reasonably construed as sexual.
10.8.5 A Member will not accept, as a client, a person with whom they have knowingly engaged in sexual activity.
10.8.6 If a therapeutic relationship has been developed, the protection of that client’s rights can only be ensured by considering him/her to always be a client. The therapeutic relationship precludes a
sexual relationship between the client/s and the therapist at any time in the future.
Unfortunately, our team are not able to offer bulk-billed sessions, but we do offer a limited amount of significantly discounted slots for folks experiencing financial hardship. We also offer concession rates for students and low-income earners. Please see our fee structure page for more details and contact us if you would like to enquire about applying for a financial hardship rate.
We understand the importance of young people being able to access LGBTQIA+ affirming therapeutic supports and the safety risks that may be involved with disclosing this to family or caregivers, especially in light of the current political climate. We also are acutely aware of our professional and ethical responsibilities as mental health practitioners, and are bound by the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Practice Standards, and the Society of Australian Sexologists Code of Ethics.
Our practitioners can support young people from 16 years of age and do not require parental permission so long as the practitioner is able to deem the young person Gillick Competent and the young person is able to independently cover the cost of session fees.
We welcome parents, guardians and caregivers to actively be on board with supporting their young person to access LGBTQIA+ affirming therapeutic services.
Unfortunately there is no rebate available through Medicare for our practitioners at this time. Due to this, we have calculated our fees to be similar to the out of pocket that you would usually be charged when seeing a psychologist or mental health accredited social worker.
We are committed to making therapy as accessible and affordable as possible, and we have concession rates and limited financial hardship rates available for individual counselling sessions.
Currently sex therapy is not covered through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but you may be able to see our Accredited Social Worker if your sessions align with your goals and the disabilities listed on your plan.
For example, if you are an Autistic person with Autism Spectrum Disorder listed on your plan, and one of your goals centers around building capacity to form healthy relationships, our Accredited Social Worker may be able to see you to work on this goal together.
The line item for capacity building therapeutic social work services is 15_621_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Social Worker and falls under Capacity Building > Improved Daily Living funding. Please see our fee structure page for outlined rates for NDIS referrals.
You will also need to be plan or self-managed to be eligible to see our Accredited Social Worker, as we are currently not a registered NDIS provider.