top of page
Spontaneous Kiss

What to Expect

At Hills Relationship Centre, we understand that entering therapy can feel both hopeful and uncertain. Our approach centres around creating a compassionate, personalised journey where you feel comfortable and empowered. Counselling here is a collaborative process that involves exploring your experiences, identifying concerns, and working together to find strategies for enhancing well-being and improving your life and relationships.

​

Our Intake Process

When you first reach out to us, you will be guided through a simple intake process over the phone. This allows us to understand your unique needs and preferences, and match you with the counsellor who best aligns with them. Our goal is to connect you with the support most suited to your situation. Once your intake is complete, your initial session will be scheduled, and you’ll receive all necessary details by email.

​

Your Initial Appointment

During your first session, your counsellor will provide an overview of what you can expect from the counselling process and address any questions you may have. Your counsellor will take the time to understand what’s brought you to therapy, including your current challenges, past experiences, and personal goals. This session is a chance to share what feels important to you in a safe, confidential environment. Together, you and your counsellor will discuss what you’d like to focus on in your sessions, setting the groundwork for your journey ahead. This first session is all about establishing a connection and giving you a comfortable space to begin. At the end of the session, we will help you with payment and discuss future appointments.

​

Relationship Counselling

Relationship counselling at Hills Relationship Centre offers a supportive, collaborative space where couples can explore and strengthen their connection. In the initial session, your therapist will help you identify core concerns and establish shared goals for therapy. As you work together, you’ll learn evidence-based tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and deepen emotional intimacy. Through guided exercises and constructive discussions, you’ll develop skills that not only address current challenges but also support a healthy, resilient relationship in the long term. Whether you’re navigating specific issues or simply enhancing your bond, we’re here to help you build a lasting, fulfilling partnership.

​

Children’s and Teen Sessions

For children, the first session is typically conducted as a parent or guardian session without the child present. This allows us to fully understand your concerns and discuss the therapy approach best suited for your child. For older teens, it’s common for them to attend this first session alongside their parent or guardian if they wish.

The following sessions are child-focused, allowing the counsellor to work directly with the young person and begin forming a therapeutic relationship. As a collaborative service, we actively engage with parents, family members, and other care professionals as requested to support the child’s ongoing care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cost & Duration
    Individual and Children's counselling is $150. Relationship and Family counselling is $220. All sessions go for 60 minutes.
  • Payment
    Payment is typically made at the end of each session. We accept card and cash. For Telehealth or new clients, payment may be processed 2 business days prior to your appointment using the card details provided to us.
  • Do I need a referral from my GP?
    You don't need a referral to access our services. If referred by a GP, lawyer, or other professional, we may ask for their contact information to coordinate care if needed.
  • Do you accept the Mental Health Care Plan?
    The Mental Health Care Plan covers psychology services, not counselling. For this reason, we are unable to accept mental health care plans.
  • Are rebates available with Medicare? What about private health insurance?
    Medicare does not offer rebates for counselling services. Rebates are available with Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, CUA Health (Telehealth only). Rebates are available with Bupa only if you are working with Toni Stephan. Contact your provider to confirm your coverage. Unfortunately, rebates are not available with HCF or Medibank. You will be required to pay for your session in full. Upon payment, an itemized invoice will be emailed to you, which you can submit to your health fund to make a claim. Note: Counselling and psychology differ, and not all health funds cover counselling services. Please check with your provider before booking to avoid any disappointment, as this is out of our control.
  • Commitment
    For counselling to be effective, you will need to make a commitment to our work, be open to look at what you bring into your life and relationship (both positive and negative) and commit to creating change where it is needed. If you attend counselling sporadically, you may not achieve the results you are looking for. To help to ensure your counselling journey is a successful one, it's important to attend frequently and consistently, as recommended by your counsellor. When these conditions are met, there is an excellent chance that we can not only help you get your life and relationship back on track but take you to an even stronger place.
  • How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
    As a leading provider in the Hills District, our services are in high demand. Usually, you should be able to make an appointment within a week or so of contacting us, but high-demand times may have a waitlist. Booking in advance is recommended. You can book in and view our availability online by clicking here.
  • Do you offer weekend or after-hours appointments? What about urgent appointments?
    Our centre is closed on weekends. After-hours sessions are available, but availability is limited. While we will always do our best to accommodate your preferred day and time, there may be a wait before we are able to offer you an after-hours appointment. Counselling services are provided by appointment only. If you need urgent or crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or your local acute care mental health team.
  • What is the difference between counselling and psychology?
    Counsellors work with individuals, couples, children, and families to help them cope with everyday stressors, relationship issues, personal or mental health challenges. Counsellors will use a range of therapeutic tools and techniques to help clients understand and explore their behaviour, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Although there can be some crossover with counselling and psychology, working with a psychologist often also includes clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe mental illness.
  • Do you work with individuals or only couples? If my partner doesn't want to come, can I come on my own?
    We work with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families, including those needing support after a relationship ends. If your relationship needs help and your partner is not willing to attend relationship counselling at this stage, you can work with us on your own. While it is ideal if both partners attend relationship counselling, it is not completely necessary. You can still achieve excellent results attending relationship counselling without your partner being present.You will learn new tools and strategies that can help your relationship. When one person makes changes, it can and does change the dynamic in the relationship.
  • How many sessions will I need to attend?
    The number of sessions needed to see change varies between each individual and couple. The unique challenges you bring into counselling will affect the number of sessions required. Some individuals and couples only require one or two sessions. Some couples have been suffering for many years with complex and intricate challenges and require more long-term relationship counselling. Regular attendance is directly related to having a positive counselling experience and achieving your therapy goals. ​
  • Where are you located? Can we still work together if I don't live nearby?
    Our office is located at 3.15/20A Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153. If you don't live locally or are unable to attend in person, we also offer counselling services online via Telehealth.
  • Privacy & Confidentiality
    Confidentiality is very important to us, as it helps you feel comfortable and build trust in us and our services. We keep all shared information private and confidential, except in certain circumstances: Legal Requirements: If required by a court subpoena. Risk of Harm: If we believe you are at risk of harming yourself, someone else, or if someone is harming you. Written Consent: With your written permission, we can share specific information with another party, such as a doctor, psychologist, or family member. For more details, please review our Privacy & Confidentiality Policy or reach out to our team. Your counsellor will also discuss this with you in more detail at the start of your initial session.
  • Cancellation
    We require 2 business days' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. If changes are made outside of this timeframe, the full session fee will apply, regardless of the reason. Missed appointments will also incur the full fee. For more details, please contact our team or review our Cancellation Policy.
  • Our Policy
    Hills Relationship Centre offers a supportive, inclusive environment where our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the best possible counselling experience. Our policy helps to ensure a respectful, empathetic, and therapeutic experience for every client, and answer any other questions you may have. Please take a moment to review our policy.
bottom of page