Got questions about my counselling services?

Can’t find your answers here? Please email me at hello@deannelove.com

What therapeutic modalities do you use?

I value each person as a multifaceted and unique individual, so each session is crafted to meet their needs. My style is an eclectic, evidence-informed approach, drawing on Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and more. I work with folks navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, LGBTQIA+ experiences, ADHD, anger, relationship dynamics and more.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no right answer to this; it is up to you and the support you feel you need. Some people come for a short term and some desire ongoing support. Weekly or fortnightly counselling is invited for therapeutic change and relational growth. I don't set a minimum or a maximum. You can try one session and decide it's not for you, or keep coming back for as long as it's genuinely helpful. 

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

Not at all. You don't need a diagnosis- ADHD, autism, or otherwise- or a crisis to reach out. Whether you're neurodivergent, wanting mental health support or have other support needs, that is accepted and affirmed here. Therapy isn't just for when things fall apart; it's also for figuring things out, feeling more like yourself, or having somewhere to land. You deserve to be supported in the way you need.

How do I book sessions?

You can email me at hello@deannelove.com

I suggest we have a free catch-up call first to see if we are a good fit and then we can work out a frequency of sessions that work for you.

There is no pressure to continue and no obligation after the initial catch-up call. Finding the right therapist for you can be a journey so I want to make the process as low-impact as possible.

Do I need a mental health care plan?

No and here's the good part: because counselling sits outside the Medicare rebate system (which is reserved for psychologists and GPs), you get to skip a few steps. No GP visit required first. No referral. No Mental Health Care Plan to arrange before you can even book. No 10-session limit. I have crafted my fees to align with this. 

What do sessions cost?

The initial catch-up call to see if we are a good fit is free (20 minutes). Reach out anytime to book that via hello@deannelove.com

Single session $120. Book as you need.

A season of support $690(6 sessions over 3 months). Includes a check-in between sessions if needed. Works out to be $115 per session

Ongoing support $450/month(4 sessions, once weekly). Invoiced monthly, for when you want steady, regular support. $112.50 per session

I also have a limited number of sliding scale spots.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Masters of Counselling (ACA Level 2 registration), working toward full PACFA registration. My training is grounded in relational, person-centred, trauma-informed, and somatic approaches. I also have a Bachelor of Education and taught at primary schools both in Australia and Japan for a decade. In Australia, I worked closely with children who required diverse support for neurodivergence and trauma. I have a Bachelor of Commerce, where I first bumped into my love of psychology and human behaviour. I have been in private practice as a movement facilitator for the last two decades, supporting and training humans around the world. 

Do you offer telehealth / online counselling sessions only, or in-person too?

All counselling sessions are online/telehealth. This means wherever you are in Australia or internationally, you can access support from somewhere that already feels safe to you: your couch, your bedroom, wherever that is. It also means we're not limited by geography; you don't need to live in Melbourne to work with me. I am located on the north side of Melbourne, Australia. 

Do I have to be LGBTQIA+?

Not at all. This is a space that's genuinely affirming for LGBTQIA+ folks, but it's not exclusive to it. Anyone is welcome here, whatever your identity. Wherever you land, you don't have to explain or justify it to be here. I work with folks of all sexualities, genders, cultures and backgrounds. 

Do you offer sliding scale or reduced fees?

Yes, I want support to feel accessible and as an affordable counsellor, I offer a sliding-scale reduced rate for those who need it. I don't want fees to be the reason you can't access support, so if cost is a barrier, please reach out and we'll find what's workable for you. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Need to cancel or reschedule? Just give me 48 hours' notice. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur a fee. Though that can be waived for genuine emergencies.

What happens in sessions?

We meet where you're at, every time, what that looks like changes session to session. Sometimes it's conversation. Sometimes it's slower, more somatic work, tuning into the body, the nervous system, whatever's actually present. This isn't me running through a checklist while you talk. It's a real conversation, and how you show up shapes where we go. You may land with specific pieces you want to work with or you may come to sessions with a sense or a vision of what you would like to work towards. Oftentimes the sessions become a space where you get to practice, explore and for us both to stay curious to what is emerging.

Are all sessions confidential?

Yes confidentiality is at the core of this work. The only exceptions are the legal and ethical ones, like risk of serious harm to yourself or others, and I'd talk it through with you before acting on that wherever possible.

Where are you located?

I'm based in Coburg, Melbourne, but because all counselling sessions are held via Telehealth online, I work with people right across Australia and some clients from other countries too. 

Do you offer couples counselling, or only individuals?

Right now, I work with individuals one-on-one. This may include working with relationship dynamics, fractures and wounds. I don't currently offer relationship counselling, whether that's for couples counselling, partners, polycules or other relationship configurations.

What if I want to end sessions or take a break?

You're free to pause, take a break, or end our work together whenever it's right for you. If it'd help, I'm happy to offer a closing session to wrap things up, or point you toward another practitioner if that feels like a better fit. This is your process and you get to decide what it needs.

Who do you work with?

Whatever your experience, background, or identity, this is an affirming, trauma-informed space. You are welcome here. Including but not limited to:

  • anxiety and chronic stress

  • grief and loss

  • trauma, including complex and childhood trauma

  • major life transitions

  • illness or life after/during diagnosis/treatment/Cancer

  • identity exploration, including sexuality and gender

  • neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism

  • relationship patterns and dynamics

  • nervous system overwhelm or burnout

  • disconnection from the body

Is there a waitlist / how soon can I get an appointment?

There's no waitlist, as an online counsellor working via Telehealth, I can usually offer appointments within the same week you reach out. Email me directly and I'll let you know the soonest available time. I can also be flexible with timing and have some evening spots available at the moment.