Counselling &
Psychotherapy.
A professional space to explore life’s difficulties, understand your experiences and work towards meaningful change.
At Smiling Hearts And Minds (SHM), counselling and psychotherapy are grounded in compassion, respect and collaborative professional care.
We support individuals, couples and families with emotional, psychological, relational and life concerns. Each person’s circumstances and goals are considered with care.
to be heard.
A space
to reflect.
Person-centred care.
Professional understanding.
Respect for your individual story.
Time to talk.
Space to understand.
Counselling and psychotherapy are professional therapeutic processes that support people in exploring emotional distress, life experiences, relationships and psychological wellbeing.
Counselling may focus on particular difficulties, decisions or transitions, while psychotherapy may involve deeper exploration of recurring patterns, personal history and emotional experiences.
These approaches often overlap. The work is shaped collaboratively according to your concerns, preferences, circumstances and therapeutic goals.
Sessions provide an opportunity to reflect, strengthen understanding, consider different perspectives and develop practical ways of responding to difficulties.
You do not need to have everything worked out before attending. An initial appointment can be used to discuss what brings you to therapy and whether the service is suitable for your needs.
Support for life’s
different challenges.
People seek counselling and psychotherapy for many different reasons. You may be facing a particular difficulty or simply wanting greater understanding of yourself and your experiences.
Thoughtful therapy.
Individual care.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach takes account of your experiences, relationships, strengths, cultural context and personal goals.
The therapeutic relationship is grounded in respect, collaboration and appropriate professional boundaries.
We work with you to understand your concerns and identify meaningful, realistic goals for the therapeutic process.
Depending on your needs, therapy may draw on cognitive-behavioural, acceptance-based, solution-focused, mindfulness, narrative, psychodynamic and other relevant approaches.
We recognise the influence of family, relationships, cultural backgrounds, identity, values and lived experiences on individual wellbeing.
The focus and pace of therapy can be reviewed collaboratively as your circumstances and needs change.
Individual and
relationship support.
SHM offers individual counselling and psychotherapy, as well as couple and family counselling, subject to the needs and suitability of those involved.
Individual counselling
& psychotherapy fees.
Choose an initial appointment if you are new to this service. Returning clients can select an ongoing session according to their existing treatment arrangements.
Returning client · Online or face-to-face
Full payment is required when booking. No deposits or partial payments are accepted. Book & Pay opens the SHM Client Portal, where you must select the corresponding appointment type.
Couple & family
counselling fees.
Couple and family sessions focus on relationships, communication and shared concerns. Participation arrangements and service suitability can be discussed before booking.
Returning clients · Online or face-to-face
Couple and family counselling requires consideration of participants’ circumstances and willingness to engage. If you are unsure which appointment is appropriate, please make an enquiry before booking and paying.
A 10-session package.
SHM offers a 10% discount on the normal session fee when a package of 10 sessions is paid upfront in one payment.
Each session is 60 minutes. Please enquire to confirm package suitability, the applicable total fee and package conditions before making payment.
The discounted package must be paid in full in a single payment. Deposits and instalments are not available.
Appointments that consider
your circumstances.
We understand that practical arrangements are an important part of accessing professional support.
Face-to-Face
In-person appointments are offered at 232 Main Road East, St Albans VIC 3021, by confirmed appointment and subject to availability.
Online / Telehealth
Online counselling and psychotherapy may be available where suitable. A private, quiet space and reliable internet connection are recommended.
English & Vietnamese
Counselling enquiries are welcome in English and Vietnamese. Please mention your language preference when making contact or booking.
A clear, respectful
way to begin.
You are welcome to ask questions before making an appointment. When you are ready, the booking process is straightforward.
Select Your Appointment
Choose the appropriate initial or ongoing session. If you are uncertain, make an enquiry before proceeding.
Book & Pay in Full
Select an available time in the SHM Client Portal and complete payment of the full session fee. No deposits or partial payments are accepted.
Prepare for Your Session
Your booking is confirmed after successful payment and booking confirmation. New clients may receive intake, consent and appointment information before the first session.
Clear fees.
Clear arrangements.
We ask that all clients review the payment, cancellation and rescheduling conditions before booking.
Before you book
Full payment of the appointment fee is required at booking. No deposits or partial payments are accepted.
Individual appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice without a cancellation fee.
A 50% cancellation fee ordinarily applies to individual appointments.
A 100% cancellation fee ordinarily applies to individual appointments.
All cancellation charges and refunds are subject to the applicable SHM policy, individual circumstances and Australian Consumer Law.
Questions before
your first session?
Understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision about seeking professional support.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling often focuses on particular concerns, choices or life challenges. Psychotherapy may involve deeper exploration of emotional experiences, longstanding patterns and personal history. There is considerable overlap, and the approach is adapted to your needs.
Do I need a GP referral to book counselling?
A GP referral is generally not required for privately funded counselling or psychotherapy. If you have a referral or a particular funding arrangement, please discuss the details before booking.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies according to individual needs, goals, circumstances and therapeutic progress. You can discuss an appropriate approach during your appointment.
What happens at the first appointment?
The initial session provides time to discuss your concerns, relevant background, expectations, goals and any questions about therapy. It also helps determine whether the service is appropriate for you.
Are online sessions available?
Yes. Online counselling and psychotherapy may be available, subject to suitability and appointment availability. A private and confidential environment is important for Telehealth appointments.
Are sessions confidential?
SHM respects client privacy and professional confidentiality obligations. Confidentiality has legal and professional limits, which are explained during intake and consent.
Can I receive counselling in Vietnamese?
You are welcome to enquire about counselling and psychotherapy in English or Vietnamese. Please mention your preferred language when contacting SHM.
Can couples and families book together?
Yes. SHM offers couple and family counselling where appropriate. Service suitability, participation, consent and confidentiality arrangements may need to be discussed before the first appointment.
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full fee?
No. SHM requires full payment of the session fee at the time of booking. Deposits and partial payments are not available.
What is the 10-session package discount?
SHM offers a 10% discount on the normal session fee when a package of 10 sessions is paid upfront in one payment. Please enquire about package suitability and applicable conditions before purchasing.
What if I am unsure which service to book?
You can make an enquiry before booking and paying. A brief explanation of the support you are seeking can help clarify an appropriate next step.
Your next step
can begin here.
Whether you are considering individual counselling, psychotherapy, couple or family support, we welcome your questions. You can book an appointment or make an enquiry before deciding how to proceed.
SHM is not an emergency or crisis response service. If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.