Counselling
What is counselling?
Counselling is usually a 1:1 conversation between you and a qualified Counsellor to discuss what is going on for you, and how you might like to better manage your life. Our sessions last for 60 minutes.
Benefits of counselling
The benefits of counselling include:
better understanding of yourself
your recurring emotions and reactions
your personal resources
the development of skills
better relationships with partners, colleagues, friends and family
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist or a psychiatrist?
​It's important to find the right supports for you. At MISA we only have counsellors, but you may also have a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of your care team.
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Counsellors typically focus on present-day issues, emotional support, and self-understanding. All MISA counsellors are Degree or Masters qualified, and are registered with voluntary professional associations like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or PACFA. You do not need a mental health care plan to see us.
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Psychologists can support you with the same issues, and can also complete assessments or diagnosis. Having a Mental Health Care Plan can get you a subsidised rate to see a psychologist.
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Psychiatrists specialise in the medical model of mental illness. They focus on biological factors, complex conditions (such as schizophrenia or severe bipolar disorder), can prescribe pharmacological treatments, and coordinating hospital admissions.
What about Relationship or Family Counselling?
Relationship or family counselling is a different form of therapy that helps couples and family members improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their interpersonal bonds.
Rather than taking sides or treating individuals in isolation, the counsellor views the relationship itself as the client and works collaboratively with all parties to transform the dynamic. It focuses on identifying patterns within the connection rather than placing blame on any single person.
It may include
- improving communication
- understanding perpetual issues
- building skills to navigate better in future
- or it may include negotiating a separation.
overcome blocks in your relationships
