FAQ

Yes. We provide online counselling for individuals and expat couples via secure video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy and offer the convenience of connecting from your own home, whether you are in Australia or overseas.

This practice may use approved AI technologies to assist with administrative and documentation tasks. AI does not replace professional clinical judgement. All clinical decisions, records, reports, and recommendations are reviewed by and remain the responsibility of the psychologist. Any use of AI involving client information is managed in accordance with professional, ethical, privacy, and confidentiality obligations, including relevant guidance from AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia.   

We use Cliniko, a secure, encrypted video conferencing platform that protects your privacy and confidentiality. You’ll receive a private link before each session; simply click the link at your appointment time to join.

You’ll need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
• A private, quiet space where you can talk openly
• Headphones (recommended for better audio quality and privacy)
• Is online counselling as effective as in-person therapy?

Research shows that online counselling is just as effective as face-to-face therapy for most relationship and mental health concerns. Many clients prefer it because they feel more comfortable in their own environment, and it eliminates travel time.

Absolutely. Many couples I work with are located in different cities or even different countries. You can each join from separate locations or together from the same room.

Simply visit the Contact Page and send us an email. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 to 48 hours.

Yes. We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone or video consultation so we can discuss your needs, answer your questions, and determine whether we are a good fit to work together.

The first session is focused on understanding your story. We’ll discuss what brings you to counselling, your relationship history, and your goals. We’ll also explain my “You, Me and Us” model and how we can work together.

Individual and couples counselling sessions run for 60 minutes.

We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones, including evening and weekend appointments where possible. We operate on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Yes. We regularly work with international clients and can often arrange appointments outside standard business hours to accommodate significant time differences.

Life happens. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) may incur a fee unless due to illness or an emergency.

Most clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions. As progress is made, sessions can be scheduled less frequently.

All sessions are $230 AUD if you are based in Australia and $250 AUD if based overseas.

We accept bank transfers. Payment is required before each session or at the time of booking.

For Australian clients:

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. I can provide receipts for you to submit your claim.

For international clients:

Please check with your health insurer to determine whether telehealth counselling is covered under your policy.

Yes. Everything you share is kept strictly confidential, subject to the same legal and ethical requirements as in-person therapy.

Yes. We use Heidi Health to record and document counselling sessions. Heidi Health complies with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act and is ISO 27001 certified for information security.

Confidentiality may only be broken in rare circumstances, such as:

If there is a risk of serious harm to you or another person

If there is suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable person

If disclosure is required by law or court order

These limits will be explained at the beginning of our work together.

Rod helps individuals and couples create meaningful change, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. His counselling approach combines Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based practices to provide practical, effective support tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

Rather than focusing solely on problems, he help clients identify their strengths, build on what is already working, and develop realistic strategies for achieving their goals. Using evidence-based CBT techniques, he explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact, creating opportunities to break unhelpful patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. Mindfulness practices further support this process by increasing self-awareness, emotional balance, and resilience.

For couples, Rod offers a distinctive relationship model called "You, Me, and Us." This approach recognises that thriving relationships are built on three essential foundations: the wellbeing of each partner as an individual, and the health of the relationship itself. By focusing on all three areas, couples can improve communication, deepen emotional connection, resolve conflict more effectively, and create a stronger, more satisfying partnership.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, or seeking personal growth, the goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative environment where you can gain insight, develop practical tools, and create lasting positive change.

We work with couples and individuals on:

• Communication difficulties
• Infidelity and rebuilding trust
• Relationship transitions and major life changes
• Pre-marital counselling
• Separation and divorce support
• Healing from past relationships
• Rekindling intimacy and connection
• Parenting challenges
• Work-life balance and relationship stress
• Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?

Yes. We welcome clients of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Individual counselling can still be highly beneficial. Positive changes in one partner often lead to meaningful changes in the relationship.

I have more than 40 years of experience in counselling and relationship therapy. I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology and am registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Yes. I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and maintain professional indemnity insurance in Australia through AON.

If we are disconnected:

Try rejoining using the same meeting link

If that doesn’t work, I will call you by phone

We can continue by phone or reschedule the remaining time at no additional cost

I’m not very tech-savvy. Can I still do online counselling?

Absolutely. The process is simple, and I’m happy to guide you through it. If you would like, we can arrange a brief test call before your first session.

Yes. A smartphone is fine, although a tablet or computer often provides a better experience.

Couples counselling works best when children are not present so both partners can speak freely. If childcare is difficult, please let me know and we can discuss options.

Counselling can help you explore your options respectfully and make informed decisions about the future of your relationship.

Every couple is different. Some experience significant improvement in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Many couples attend between 8 and 12 sessions.

Yes. I have written the book Dealing with Marital Challenges: A Model for Healthy Relationships During Difficult Times, available on Amazon, and I provide practical exercises and resources where appropriate.