Your questions, answered.

No referral is needed at all. You can contact me directly by phone, email, or the contact form above and book a session without needing to see a GP first. Sessions are privately billed at $150 per session, and you’re free to reach out whenever you feel ready — no waitlists, no gatekeepers.

The easiest way is to call or text me directly on 0418 744 377, or send an email to lee@renewandrevitalise.com.au. You can also use the contact form on this website.

I will respond promptly to discuss your availability, explain what to expect from the first session, and answer any questions you have before you commit to anything.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session — most people do. The first session is low-pressure and is really about getting to know each other. I will ask some gentle questions about what’s brought you here and what you’re hoping to gain from counselling, but there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with.

By the end of the first session, most people feel relieved, lighter, and more hopeful. You’re also under no obligation to continue if it doesn’t feel right — though most people choose to come back.

Yes. Everything you share in sessions is held in strict confidence. I adhere to the Australian Counselling Association’s Code of Ethics, which places a high value on client privacy and confidentiality.

There are only very limited exceptions — such as if I believe there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or if I am legally required to disclose information. These exceptions will always be discussed with you transparently whenever possible.

Counselling can be beneficial for almost anyone — you don’t have to be in crisis to benefit. People seek counselling for all sorts of reasons: navigating relationship difficulties, managing anxiety or stress, processing grief, working through a life transition, or simply wanting a safe space to think out loud.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re not quite yourself, counselling might be a helpful step. If you’re unsure, feel free to call or email me — I’m happy to have an informal chat before you commit to anything.

The first session runs 90 minutes and is relaxed and unhurried. All subsequent sessions are 60 minutes.

This varies significantly from person to person and depends on what you’re working through, your goals, and how you respond to the process. Some people find that 6–10 sessions gives them what they need; others prefer longer-term support over many months.

I will discuss this with you openly and regularly review your progress together. There’s no fixed programme — the number of sessions is always guided by what’s genuinely helpful for you.

Most people begin with weekly sessions, which helps build momentum and a strong therapeutic relationship early on. As you make progress, you might move to fortnightly or monthly sessions.

Ultimately, the frequency is something we will work out together based on your needs, schedule, and what feels most effective for your situation.

Yes. I offer sessions via Zoom or phone call for clients who prefer remote counselling or who can’t attend in person. Many clients find online and phone sessions just as effective as face-to-face — they remove travel time and can be accessed from the comfort of your own home.

For Zoom sessions, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you feel comfortable talking. I will send you a Zoom link before each online session.

For relationship counselling, there’s real flexibility in how sessions are set up. Both partners can attend in person, both can join remotely, or one partner can come face-to-face while the other connects via Zoom — whatever arrangement works best for your situation.

Life happens — I understand that. Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. A 24-hour notice period is appreciated where possible, as this allows the appointment time to be offered to someone else.

Please call or text 0418 744 377 or email lee@renewandrevitalise.com.au to make any changes to your appointment.

Counselling doesn’t stop when the session ends. I may suggest small exercises, reflection prompts, or practical tools to try between sessions — these are always optional and tailored to what you’re working on.

Many clients find that some of the most valuable insights and changes happen in the days between sessions, as the mind continues to process what was discussed. There’s no homework pressure — just gentle suggestions to support your progress.

Sessions are $150, whether in-person, by phone, or via Zoom. The first session runs 90 minutes; all subsequent sessions are 60 minutes. The same fee applies regardless of session length or format.

Medicare rebates are generally available for psychologists, but not for counsellors. I am an accredited counsellor (ACA Level 2), not a psychologist, so Medicare rebates do not currently apply to my services.

Some private health insurance policies do include counselling as an extras benefit — this varies by insurer and policy. It’s worth checking directly with your health fund to see what you’re covered for.

Payment is accepted by bank transfer prior to each session. A receipt is provided for all sessions, which you can use for any private health insurance claims or personal records. I will discuss payment details with you when you book your first appointment.

No — a brief phone or email enquiry before booking is entirely free. I’m happy to answer your questions, explain how I work, and help you decide if counselling with me is the right fit, before you commit to a paid session.

I understand that things come up unexpectedly. I simply ask that you give as much notice as possible when cancelling or rescheduling — ideally 24 hours in advance. This allows the time to be made available to someone else who may need it. Specific cancellation policy details will be discussed at your first appointment.

The Gottman Method is a research-backed approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, based on over 40 years of scientific study into what makes relationships succeed or fail. It is one of the most extensively researched couples therapy frameworks in the world.

The method focuses on building friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in the relationship. I am formally certified in this approach and use it with couples in my Toowoomba practice and via Zoom.

Not at all. While the Gottman Method is highly effective for couples navigating significant difficulties — such as recurring conflict, disconnection, or betrayal — it is equally valuable for couples who simply want to strengthen an already good relationship, improve communication, or prepare for a major life transition together.

Many couples seek Gottman-based therapy as a proactive step, rather than waiting until things reach a crisis point.

Sessions are conversational and collaborative. I create a structured but warm space where both partners have equal opportunity to be heard. You’ll explore specific concerns, work on communication patterns, and develop practical tools to use between sessions.

The first couple of sessions typically involve a relationship assessment — I will meet with you jointly and sometimes individually to better understand your relationship’s strengths, challenges, and history before developing a plan together.

Ideally, couples therapy works best when both partners are willing to participate. If your partner is hesitant, it can sometimes help to start with a single individual session to discuss the process and what they might expect.

If only one partner is available or willing, I can still work with you individually on relationship concerns — many people find individual counselling a helpful first step even when their partner isn’t ready to engage.

Yes. The Gottman Method includes specific protocols for working through betrayal, infidelity, and breaches of trust. It is a structured, compassionate process that supports both partners in processing what happened, rebuilding safety, and — where that is the couple’s goal — working towards genuine reconciliation and renewed trust.

This is sensitive and important work. I approach it with care, ensuring both partners feel safe and respected throughout the process.

Both are qualified mental health professionals, but their training pathways differ. Psychologists hold an undergraduate psychology degree plus postgraduate training and are registered with AHPRA. Counsellors, like me, typically complete dedicated counselling qualifications and are accredited with professional bodies such as the ACA.

In practice, both can provide effective talk therapy and support for a wide range of concerns. The main practical difference is that Medicare rebates currently apply to psychologists but not to counsellors, though some private health funds do cover counselling.

A large body of research shows that counselling and talk therapy are genuinely effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, and life challenges. The key factors that predict positive outcomes include the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the client’s own engagement with the process, and the use of evidence-based approaches.

I draw on evidence-based methods and place a strong emphasis on building a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship — both of which are associated with better outcomes.

I work with a broad range of concerns, including: relationship difficulties and communication breakdowns, anxiety, worry, and stress, grief and bereavement, health and wellbeing challenges (including chronic illness, cancer, disability, and carer support), maladaptive behaviour patterns and harmful coping strategies, self-esteem and identity, major life transitions, depression (in conjunction with GP care where needed), and general personal growth and self-understanding.

If you’re unsure whether your concern is something I work with, just get in touch — I’m happy to have a brief conversation before you book.

It’s important to raise this openly with me. Sometimes progress can feel slow, especially early in the process — but if after several sessions you don’t feel things are moving in a helpful direction, that’s worth discussing honestly. I will always welcome this kind of feedback and will work with you to adjust the approach.

If for any reason counselling with me isn’t the right fit, I will help refer you to someone who may be better suited to your needs. Your wellbeing is always the priority.

Supportive friends are wonderful and important — but counselling offers something different. A counsellor provides a professionally trained, completely impartial ear with no stake in the outcome. There’s no reciprocal emotional burden, no risk of judgement affecting the relationship, and no advice driven by the friend’s own experiences or biases.

I use specific therapeutic skills to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns in ways that conversation with a friend typically doesn’t — creating the conditions for genuine insight and lasting change.

My practice is located at 119 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba QLD 4350. The rooms are conveniently located with parking available nearby. For online sessions, you can connect from anywhere via Zoom or by phone.

Sessions are available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm — by appointment. Simply get in touch to find a time that suits you.

Just yourself — and a willingness to talk. There are no forms to pre-fill or documents to bring. I will guide the first session and gather any relevant background information through conversation in a natural, unhurried way.

If you’d like to jot down a few thoughts beforehand about what’s brought you in or what you’re hoping to get from counselling, that can be helpful — but it’s entirely optional.

You can reach me in several ways:

Phone/text: 0418 744 377
Email: lee@renewandrevitalise.com.au
Contact form: Via the contact page on this website

I typically respond to enquiries within one business day. If you’d prefer a callback at a specific time, just mention it in your message.