Frequently Asked Questions...

During our sessions, you can expect a calm, relaxed, trusting and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings and concerns. We'll work together to identify your goals and develop strategies to address them. At all times, we'll be guided by what you'd like to discuss, and we'll work at a pace that is comfortable for you. If there are difficult things you'd like to talk about, we'll make sure you have some effective grounding and calming techniques in place before we start, so you can face the difficult things knowing you are in control of your emotions and can settle your body anytime, as needed.

The duration of a Counselling session (Intake / Ongoing / 'Talk & Tread') is 60-minutes, a Peer Supervision session is 45-minutes, while a Student Support (tutoring) session is typically 45 minutes in length.

Counselling (Intake / Ongoing / 'Talk & Tread') is $140.00 for a 60-minute session, Peer Supervision is $90.00 for a 45-minute session, while Student Support (tutoring) is $90.00 for a 45-minute session. A 50% deposit is required upon booking. The remaining 50% of the session fee will be processed electronically at the beginning of your session. 

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​*Please note: Small Steps Counselling cannot offer Medicare, Private Health Fund or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) rebates at this time. However, I recommend taking the time to explore how much you would pay / save if you accessed a service offering those rebates and compare that fee to mine. You may find that my services are less expensive or similar in cost. No referral or MHCP is needed to access Small Steps services. 

Aside from 'Talk & Tread' Counselling, which takes place outdoor along an Inner North Brisbane walkway - Sessions offered by Small Steps Counselling are Telehealth (online) sessions. Tele-health sessions provide the same level of support, attention and confidentiality as in-person sessions, though they allow you to access therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own space. 

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​*A link to the Tele-health portal will be sent via email upon booking.

Clicking on any of the "book now" buttons on this website will take you to the client booking portal. Here, you can schedule your session and create a client account to manage your bookings and payments.

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​*Please note: When you create an account, any information you input into the Client Management Software (Halaxy) is strictly protected by privacy and confidentiality legislation. As I am a sole practitioner, I will be the only person besides you, able to view your information.

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​*All new Counselling clients are required to attend an Intake Counselling session as their first booking.

Life happens and I understand that sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your session.

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​*Please note that Small Steps Counselling is a fee-for-service organisation that requires you to provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel your session, and at least 48 hours' notice if you need to reschedule your session - in order to avoid a cancellation fee. 

No, not at all. The purpose of the 'Talk & Tread' sessions is not exercise or improving fitness. These sessions are nature-based and movement-oriented to offer people a different, fresh and natural forum for discussing their concerns. One that may feel more relaxed and less intimidating and provides beneficial physical and mental stimulation. The "treading" we do happens at a pace you are comfortable with.

No, is the short answer here... Whilst you may enjoy getting out in the fresh air and riding your bike, scooter, skateboard or the like, 'Talk & Tread' Counselling is most effective when we can keep pace, navigate the path alongside each other and are able to communicate in a way that is conducive to you feeling heard, understood and supported. 

It's normal to feel uncertain or apprehensive about accessing help, especially if it's your first time doing so. I'm available to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns you may be feeling. Please feel free to either email me at kristy@smallstepscounselling.com.au or reach out via the "contact me" section below and we can explore whether my services are the right choice for you.

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​*I do my best to offer speedy replies, though please allow up to 24-hours for my response.

Even as a counsellor, it’s important to recognise that we, too, can benefit from the same support we offer our clients. The emotional toll of holding space for others, navigating complex cases, and managing our own personal challenges can lead to burnout, stress, compassion fatigue or even apathy. Seeing a counsellor offers you a space to process your own emotions, gain fresh perspective and receive support. It helps ensure you're taking care of your own mental health, so you can continue to provide the best care to your clients. Counselling for counsellors is about self-care, maintaining resilience, and enhancing your professional practice.

As a counselling student, you’re learning to navigate both the academic and personal challenges of your journey to becoming a qualified counsellor. While you're gaining skills to support others, it's equally important to address your own emotional and mental well-being. Seeking counselling with Small Steps can provide you with a space to process any personal issues that may be arising during your training, such as stress, self-doubt or difficult emotions triggered by course content. It’s also a great way to experience being a client, deepening your empathy and understanding (and practical know-how) for your future clients. Accessing counselling during your student phase, can help you stay balanced and focused as you move forward in your studies and future practice.

Good question! While student support centres can offer valuable and often cost-effective services, a counsellor like me, who specialises in working with counselling students and new graduates, understands the unique challenges you face in this field. I bring specific insight into the emotional demands of studying and starting a career in counselling, as well as the personal triggers and professional pressures that come with it. My approach is tailored to support your development as both a student and a future practitioner, offering deeper exploration of the personal and professional issues that arise during your training. This sort of specialised support can help you manage your stress, build your resilience and develop your self-awareness in a way that prepares you not only to complete your studies, but to thrive in your future practice.