FEES & FAQ

1.  How much will this counselling gig cost me?  I know this is what most people, including myself, always look for first in FAQs.  I really don't like having to scroll through reams of information looking for this, so here you go!

A 50 minute session is $85.00.    

Do you offer Medicare or Private Health rebates?    

No.  Many Therapists, like myself, prefer to offer a completely private service.    This means I can offer you the maximum level of convenience with minimal waiting periods, flexible appointment times, and very reasonable fees.  I do not believe in charging people hundreds of dollars when they need help.  

Payment methods:  EFTPOS, bank deposit, cash. 

2.  Will you think I'm silly for coming to you about my pet?  I’m used to dealing with my problems myself.  And isn't it trivial to come about a pet of all things?

Even by the time clients are ready to come and see me they still have this niggling fear that I will judge them or think they are silly for needing help in this area.  This is a common thought because pet owners experience what is known as "disenfranchised grief" i.e. grief that is not validated or recognised by society.  THAT is why you feel this way, not because you are weak or silly.

I am passionate about my job and passionate about reassuring you that seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.  The number 1 thing people need when grieving is support.  You are being true to yourself and listening to your real needs by seeking counselling support when you are grieving for your pet.   You are very welcome to come and share your grief.  It is my privilege and my honour to be with you at this time.  

3.   How many sessions will I need?

This varies for everyone.  Some people only need two or three; others decide they wish to come long-term, e.g. six to 12 months.  We can discuss this during your first session.  It's a collaborative process.

4.  What hours do you work?  

Monday:          10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Tuesday:          10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday:     6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Thursday:         6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Friday:               6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Saturday:          By appointment

5.  Do you offer remote counselling and where is your business? 

-  Yes, I offer remote counselling via Teams, Skype or phone.  I find these programs work best for remote counselling as others tend to cut in and out.  

-  For clients living in Townsville I offer counselling from Greenwood Estate.  I will provide you with the details prior to your first session.   

6.  Why do you only do pet owners counselling & enjoying your life counselling?

The short version is I am really living by my own beliefs and doing what feels right for me.  Up until June 2022, I did a variety of counselling as I have a background in Trauma Therapy.  However, as I'm getting older and wiser I really want to enjoy my life and do what I am truly PASSIONATE about, i.e. pet loss and finding enjoyment in life.

7.    Do you offer speaking engagements?

Yeppers.  I can talk at your event about the following topics:  

• Finding magical moments - why so serious?  
• Support for pet owners who are grieving

8.   Is it normal to feel nervous about contacting a counsellor for the first time?  

The simple answer is: YES, YES and YES!   There's nothing wrong with you for feeling this way; the majority of people feel like this because it's not like going to the shop or out for coffee.  You don't do it every day.  It's something that's out of your comfort zone.  I will help you to feel at ease when you first contact me, when we first meet, and during sessions. 

9.  How do I contact you?

You can click on the red circle with the white envelope at the bottom right of every page, or you can email me on beeyourselfcounselling@yahoo.com  Also feel free to text or phone me on: 0452 245663.  You will hear a message, in my voice, or I will answer your call.

If you have other questions, feel free to ask.  

Qualifications:  

Behavioural Science degree - James Cook University

Grad. Dip. Arts (Sociology) - James Cook University

Diploma of Counselling & Psychology - ICI

Pet Bereavement Counselling Certificate

Grief & Bereavement Counselling Certificate

Certificate IV New Small Business

My mantra when it comes to qualifications:  "People don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care." (Theodore Roosevelt) 

Memberships:  

1.  ACCPH - Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists & Hypnotherapists (Senior Member)

    Note:  I am registered with ACCPH as a counsellor, not a hypnotherapist.

2.  TASA - The Australian Sociological Association

3.  Member of the International Golden Key Honours Society - by invitation only for academic achievement

4.  Member of APLB (Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement) - worldwide association

ABN:  20355870391

Contact Madonna:  beeyourselfcounselling@yahoo.com   or phone or text:  0452 245663 

*Please Note:  Bee Yourself Counselling is not a crisis service.  If you are having suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self-harm, please call 000 or contact Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 to receive the assistance you need.