Counselling for Mental Health issues 

The clinic applies a multimodal clinical approach to assessment and intervention. Counselling services are provided by registered psychologists or an accredited mental health social worker. Psychologists are registered with AHPRA. Mental health social workers hold accreditation through the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), not AHPRA, and are eligible to provide Medicare-rebated services under the Better Access scheme. Our counselling services from a mental health social worker or psychologist focus on promoting life skills, healthy brain function, and general wellbeing in children, adolescents, and adults either in person at the clinic or by Telehealth (Zoom). The following is a list of counselling modalities used along with a brief account of their usefulness. The modality used is tailored to the specific needs of each client

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is one of the most widely researched and evidence-based modalities. It focusses on identifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns and associated behaviours. CBT has proven effectiveness across a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It’s particularly valued for its structured approach and ability to produce measurable, lasting change (research.com).

2. Psychodynamic Therapy Rooted in Freudian theory, psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes and past experiences that shape current behaviour. It’s especially useful for those seeking insight into deep-seated emotional issues and patterns, and has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression and personality disorders (cuny.edu).

 3. Humanistic therapy encompasses several approaches, most notably Person-Centered Therapy developed by Carl Rogers, which emphasises unconditional positive regard, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a related framework within humanistic psychology (research.com). You may recognise Maslow's hierarchy of needs diagram below courtesy of Wikipedia.

4. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) SFBT is goal-oriented and concentrates on finding practical solutions in the present and future, rather than dwelling on past problems. Its brevity and focus on strengths make it well-suited for clients seeking quick, actionable change (cuny.edu).

5. Motivational Interviewing (MI) MI is a collaborative, client-centered approach designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change, especially in individuals struggling with ambivalence (such as those with substance use issues). Research supports its effectiveness in improving treatment adherence and outcomes (AJN The American Journal of Nursing).

6. Family and Couples Therapy These modalities address relational dynamics and are effective for families and couples experiencing conflict, communication breakdowns, or systemic issues. Approaches like Structural Family Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy have strong evidence bases (research.com).

Usefulness and Effectiveness Meta-analyses suggest that the effectiveness of a modality often depends on factors like the therapist/client therapeutic relationship, client preference, and the specific issue being treated. Combined treatments (e.g., medication plus counselling) may outperform single-modality approaches, particularly for complex conditions like depression (Health Services Insights). Overall, evidence-based modalities such as CBT, MI, and structured family interventions have robust support across diverse populations (research.com). These modalities represent the core options available to clients, each with demonstrated strengths for particular populations or clinical concerns.

How Counselling Can Help?

Counselling aims to assist in dealing with a range of difficult issues, from day-to-day concerns to more serious and long-term psychological problems. Counselling can help you gain a greater understanding of your feelings and help you make positive changes in your life. It can also help you set realistic goals for the future and turn those goals into actions. You will be expected to be an active participant in your therapy and may be given ‘homework’ as part of your behavioural change plan. Our therapeutic approach emphasises your strengths in achieving your desired outcomes.

Support for Counselling at BNC

Referrals & Rebates
You can access counselling at BNC through referrals from parents, carers, GPs, schools, or other health professionals. Under the Australian Medicare system, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year if you have a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, or a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Rebates may also be available through your private health fund, but eligibility varies—check with your insurer for details. Please note that Medicare fee rebates and session numbers are subject to changes from the Australian Government, check with your Medical referrer for details.
Gap fees apply— contact the clinic for current price list.

Nutritional Support
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) sets out clear nutrition guidelines, emphasising the importance of consuming a wide variety of foods from the five key groups to meet the population's nutritional needs and reduce the risk of chronic disease (NHMRC). Despite these guidelines, research has highlighted that many Australians still experience nutrient deficiencies, which have been associated with a higher risk of both physical diseases and mental health disorders (Starck et al., 2024; Shepherd & Gibson, 2013). Australian studies have also found links between inadequate nutrient intake and the prevalence of common mental disorders in women, reinforcing the critical role of nutrition in both physical and mental well-being (Jacka et al., 2012).

Australian clinical guidelines for ADHD and ASD recommend that when clinically indicated, clinicians consider lifestyle and dietary factors as part of a multimodal treatment plan . When  a psychologist considers nutritional factors may be relevant to a client's presentation, referral to a dietitian or nutritionist for individualised dietary assessment may be recommended as one component of a broader treatment plan.

Updated on 03/03/2026 by Dr Jacques Duff - BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology PhD; MAPS
Reviewed on: 05/03/2026 by Bernard Ferriere- Clinical Psychologist; BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS