Family therapy ultimately seeks to facilitate couples and families in the healing of relational pain and injury through repair and reconciliation. It has a focus on systems theory which views the value of the individual in the context of all social relationships. What does that mean? It’s a bit like a child’s mobile that hangs from the ceiling; if one part of that mobile is moved, all of the other parts of the mobile start bobbing up and down until the mobile is re-balanced. The function and health of the family system is similar – all of the members are connected to and act in relation to one another.
The family therapist seeks to nurture and promote change and development within the family system that will benefit the family members and unit as a whole. Therapy is structured to catalyse relational healing, strength, wisdom and support, as well as address inter-generational transmission of trauma, grief, unhelpful core beliefs and other significantly impacting issues.
At Bethesda, you can take advantage of both counselling & psychotherapy services – But what exactly is the difference?
Counselling and Psychotherapy do overlap but there are distinguishing features that set them apart. Generally, the focus in counselling is on specific problems, life adjustments, skills acquisition and problem solving. Counselling seeks to foster a sense of emotional empowerment in clients and is less intensive than psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is more concerned with the deeper healing and restoring of the personality or self. It involves healing from the past and promoting the development of insight and self- awareness and understanding.
Your counsellor will work collaboratively with you to determine whether you will benefit more from a counselling or psychotherapy approach in your sessions.
Our mission is to offer professional counselling and psychotherapy services that are fair, affordable and accessible. As a private service provider, Bethesda offers standard and concession fees.
Medicare rebates are not available through Bethesda Counselling due to the government’s exclusion of Counsellors & Psychotherapists from the Better Access to Mental Health Policy. Our fees are, however, extremely affordable compared to the recommended fees for psychologists of $311 per 50minutes. The Medicare rebate on psychology services is $96.65 leaving you with a gap of $214.35. Our fees are between $140 – $160 per 60 minutes and are significantly more affordable.
If you have private health insurance with BUPA, Medibank Private, AHM, Police Health Fund, Teachers Health Fund, Phoenix Health, Saint Luke’s Health or Grand United, your policy may allow you to claim for counselling services. (Please check with your provider)
The fees below are per session and to be paid in CASH or EFT before or on the day of your appointment.
Standard, EAP & Self Managed NDIS
– $160 for 60 minutes
– $200 for 75 minutes
*Please note all couples sessions are 75minutes.
Concession (Health Care Card, F/T Independent Students ie not living at home, Pensioners & those affected by Covid-19)
– $1400 for 60 minutes
– $175 for 75 minutes
*100% of your normal fee is usually payable if you give less than 48 hours notice of cancellation (Exceptional conditions considered)
The SPACE for GRACE Soul Care Retreat (Sept 2026) – A 3 night retreat designed to give you the space and grace for pursuing your own personal growth journey – we draw from a range of expressive therapy techniques including mix media art practices, journalling & free writing, music & nature immersions, Christ centred meditation and mindfulness. (no art experience necessary – I’ve got you covered), Single: $1380, Twin Share: $1079
Grief Recovery Method Program ~ 6 week evidence based ONLINE GROUP (2026) ~ a compassionate and safe small group meeting for 2 hours online each week for 6 weeks. This program facilitates understanding of your grief and offers small but significant steps for you to take that will support you in feeling less alone, overwhelmed, stuck and helpless in your pain.
1 day Tree of Life Workshop (2026) A creative & strength-based workshop to help you identify and craft the stories of your life into hope, resilience & inspiration. Ancient Tea Ceremony, Plant Based Lunch & afternoon tea plus all supplies & full facilitation of Tree of Life tool. $169
That is difficult to say without an initial assessment of your concerns, issues and goals. Counselling can range from solution focused brief therapy through to more intense, longer termed psychotherapy. Your counsellor will be able to give you a recommendation after your initial consult.
At your first session, your counsellor will invite you to share your concerns and issues and ask you what you are hoping to achieve through counselling/therapy. This first session is mainly focused on getting to know you, what’s going on for you and for assessment of your holistic needs. With this information, your counsellor will then be able to collaboratively develop a plan with you that meets your personal needs and give you an estimate of how many sessions you may require.
For individual sessions, please allow 60 minutes. For couples & families, please allow 75 minutes. Extended sessions are available upon request and often highly valued by those seeking couples or family therapy or who are travelling distances to attend counselling.