I know reaching out for support can bring up a mix of curiosity and hesitation.

Here are answers to some of the common questions women ask before beginning trauma counseling with me, either in Shepparton or online across Victoria.

🕊️ How long before I can see someone?

I usually have space within a couple of weeks. If you need something sooner, let me know — sometimes a cancellation opens up.

📍 Do you offer trauma counselling outside Shepparton?

Yes. I work with women across the Goulburn Valley region who can attend in person at my Shepparton office, as well as online with women across Victoria and wider Australia.

This includes nearby communities like Mooroopna, Tatura, Numurkah, Echuca, and beyond.

If you're wondering whether in-person or online therapy is the right fit for you, you're warmly invited to book a free Q&A call to explore your options.

🔄 How many sessions will I need?

That depends on you; your goals, your strengths, your support, and what life is asking of you right now. Some women feel resourced after just a few sessions. Others stay longer to work through deeper layers.

We’ll check in regularly and review what feels supportive. As a guide, 6 to 8 sessions is a good starting point.

✨ When will I notice a change?

For many women, small shifts arrive early such as an aha moment, a breath of relief, a better night’s sleep, a new choice in an old pattern.

Lasting change takes time. Therapy isn’t about quick fixes, but about supporting your nervous system so it can support you for the long run.

💸 Can I use Medicare or Private Health?

Yes. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with a Medicare provider number, I offer Medicare rebates with a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Please note I don’t offer bulk billing.

Some private health funds (like Bupa) may also offer rebates. Please check with your fund directly.

Need details for your GP or insurer? Fax: 0251879205 or email:[email protected] addressed to Serenity Counselling and Consulting Services, Shepparton

🧭 Are there other funded options?

Carer Gateway: Up to six sessions funded, with a referral.

Victorian WorkSafe: Requires a GP referral and insurer confirmation.

Victorian Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS): If you’ve been approved, you can begin with a 50-minute session.

🤔 What if I’m not sure what to book?

That’s completely normal. You’re welcome to start with a 50-minute counselling session — we’ll shape the work together as we go.

Or, if you’d prefer to meet first, book a free Q&A call to get a feel for what trauma therapy is like.

Book a free Q & A call

🗓️ What’s your cancellation policy?

Life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least two full business days’ notice so I can offer the spot to someone else.

Sessions cancelled with less notice are charged the full fee.

🌱 What if my question isn’t here?

You’re warmly welcome to reach out. Visit the Contact Page →

Let's begin where you are

Finding the right therapist is a courageous step and one that deserves space, honesty and compassion.

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If this feels hopeful, I warmly welcome you to book a session.

Crisis & 24/7 Mental Health Support

If you are in crisis or at risk, please contact (Australia):

  • Emergency: 000

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

  • Your local Mental Health Triage

  • If you are in the Goulburn Valley region, support is also available via Mental Health Triage:1300 369 005

(All above numbers are 24/7)

If you are seeking support but not in crisis (Australia):

  • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24/7 support)

  • Griefline: 1300 845 745 (8am–8pm, 7 days/week)

  • Parent Line (Victoria) :13 22 89 (8am–midnight, 7 days/week)

  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 support for ages 5–25)

  • Safe Steps (Family Violence): 1800 015 188 (24/7 family violence response)

  • 1800 RESPECT (Sexual Assault/DV) : 1800 737 732 (24/7 national sexual assault/domestic violence)

I, as a South Indian woman, owner and practitioner of Serenity Counselling and Consulting Services acknowledges the Yorta Yorta people as the Traditional Custodians of the unceded land, waters and community where I live and work. I acknowledge the tribes of Aboriginal people who lost their connection to the land, waters and community during colonisation. 

I extend my respect to the Ancestral wisdom, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I also pay my respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visiting this website and accessing service via Serenity Counselling and Consulting Services.

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I strive to provide a space that is inclusive of your disability, neurodivergence, diverse bodies, participants from  LGBTIQASBP+ communities , race, skin colour, and ethnicity where your lived experience is valued, your voice is heard and respected. I am committed to offer a space where your strengths and expertise is celebrated. I am committed to continue my process of unlearning of internalised -isms and learning from lived experience voices. 

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I am dedicated to offer a space that is evolving with listening and reflecting of experiences of participants that I have a the honour of working with, colleagues that generously shares their wisdom as well as the teachers I have the privilege of learning from.

Serenity Counselling & Consulting Services
 

A lit lantern space for the weary, inviting you back to yourself.

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Copyright 2025. Serenity Counselling and Consulting Services. All Rights Reserved.