Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Riccardo is registered with PACFA; the national peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia. He holds a Bachelors in Counselling and a Diploma in Counselling. He is also a Gottman Institute certificated couples therapist.

A counselling session lasts around 50-60 minutes. Longer sessions can be organised as needed.

The frequency of counselling sessions can vary depending on your individual needs and goals. In general, it’s recommended to start with weekly sessions to establish a therapeutic relationship and make consistent progress. However, we can adjust the frequency of our sessions based on your progress and what works best for you.

The duration of counselling can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the issues being addressed, as well as your goals. Some clients may benefit from a few sessions, while others may need ongoing support for several months or even longer.

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic relationship, and I take it very seriously. I adhere to ethical and legal guidelines that protect your privacy and ensure that our sessions remain confidential. I will discuss the limits of confidentiality with you during our first session and answer any questions you may have.

As a therapist, I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating or nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time seeking therapy. Let me assure you that I will do my best to make you feel comfortable and safe during our first session.

During our initial session, we will discuss the reasons why you are seeking therapy and explore what you hope to achieve through the therapeutic process. We will also discuss any concerns or questions you may have about therapy.

Additionally, I will ask you some questions about your personal history, as well as your current lifestyle and circumstances. This will help me understand your unique situation and tailor the therapy to your specific needs.

Finally, I want you to know that therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to establish goals and strategies for addressing your concerns and achieving positive change in your life.

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about starting therapy, especially if it’s your first time. As your therapist, I want to assure you that it’s okay to feel this way and that I’m here to support you through this process.

During our first session, we can take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’ll do my best to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to express yourself.

It’s important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and you are in control of how much you want to share and when you want to share it. We can work together to establish goals and strategies that align with your needs and comfort level.

If you feel nervous during our session, you can always let me know. We can take a few deep breaths together, or I can suggest some relaxation techniques that may help you feel more comfortable. I’m here to support you and help you make progress towards your goals in a way that works for you.

During our first session, we’ll talk about the reasons why you decided to seek therapy and explore the specific challenges or concerns that you’re facing. I’ll ask you some questions about your personal and medical history, as well as your current lifestyle and circumstances.

This will help me to understand your unique situation and tailor the therapy to your specific needs. We’ll also discuss any questions or concerns that you may have about therapy or the therapeutic process.

Depending on your situation and what you’d like to achieve through therapy, we may talk about a variety of topics. For example, we may explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they impact your daily life. We may also discuss your relationships with others, your communication style, your coping strategies, and any stressors or challenges that you’re currently facing.

Ultimately, the goal of therapy is to help you achieve positive change in your life. Together, we’ll work to establish goals and strategies that align with your needs and help you make progress towards a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

It’s not uncommon for people to feel like they have nothing to say during the first therapy session. If you’re feeling this way, please don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal and understandable.

As your therapist, I’m here to help guide the conversation and create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. If you’re unsure where to start, I may ask you some open-ended questions to help you get started, or we can begin by exploring the reasons why you decided to seek therapy.

It’s important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and we can work together to establish goals and strategies that align with your needs and preferences. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure what to talk about, please let me know. We can take a moment to reflect on what’s coming up for you, or we can explore some techniques to help you feel more comfortable expressing yourself.

The effectiveness of counselling can vary depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. However, some signs that counselling is working for you may include feeling more self-aware, developing new coping strategies, making progress towards your goals, and experiencing improvements in your overall well-being.

If at any point during our sessions, you feel that therapy is not helping or you are not comfortable continuing, please let me know. Your comfort and wellbeing are my top priority, and I respect your decision to discontinue therapy if it’s not working for you.

It’s important to note that therapy can sometimes be challenging or uncomfortable as we work through difficult emotions or situations. However, it’s also important to prioritize your mental health and ensure that you’re getting the support you need.

If you’re feeling unsure about whether to continue therapy, we can talk about your concerns and explore any alternative options that may better suit your needs. For example, we may discuss adjusting the frequency or type of therapy, exploring different therapeutic modalities, or seeking additional support from other resources or professionals.

Ultimately, I want to ensure that you’re getting the support you need to achieve your goals and feel better. If you decide that therapy is not the right fit for you, please know that you can always come back if you change your mind or if you feel like you need additional support in the future.