Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Thumos, whilst we tailor our services to the needs of each client, we understand that it is helpful to know in broad terms the kinds of supports provided.
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Please contact us should you have a query that goes beyond this general list.
Our focus is supporting people through periods of challenge, change and uncertainty. Our services are primarily:
Please note a Thumos practitioner will not ordinarily provide counselling to both individuals in a family group as well as the family group as a whole at the same time. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, individuals and groups are usually seen by different practitioners.
Our approach is grounded by the three pillars of Understanding, Change and Connection. Within this we are able to support our clients in navigating many of the challenges life presents.
Our team also has a depth of experience and ongoing practice focus in the areas of:
Please note the above list is a general summary only. In some cases the needs of a client may require treatment by more specialised mental health professionals, or a multi-disciplinary approach. Thumos practitioners only provide counselling support within the boundaries of their skills and experience and will refer clients to higher levels of care if required.
Thumos is a counselling and psychotherapy service and as such does not provide assessments, reports or diagnoses. We can support our clients in working with the most approporiate professionals (eg. psychologists or psychiatrists) in obtaining formal diagnoses if required. With our clients’ explicit consent, we will also work with their other cllinicians and support professionals to faciliate an integrated care model. Please note Thumos does not provide court reports unless mandated by law.
A GP referral is not required and clients can engage directly with Thumos.
Practitioners at Thumos hold Masters-level qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy. All practitioners are members of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Thumos has comprehensive governance processes in place to ensure all services are delivered within the scope of the National Standards and Codes of Ethics and Practice for both ACA and PACFA. Thumos is also regulated by a number of legistlative instruments including the Privacy Act, Health Records Act and Mental Health Act. Thumos always works to act in the client’s best interests including upholding client confidentiality and ensuring ongoing informed consent and autonomy in client decision-making.
As Thumos works with children and young people, all staff hold current Working With Children Checks and National Police Checks in addition to their professional registrations. A copy of our Child and Youth Safety Policy is available here.
Thumos is committed to ensuring all sensitive client information is stored securely, and that electronic records are stored on Australian-based servers wherever possible. Internal Thumos systems are also based on Australian servers whenever possible and appropriate cyber-security protections are in place for all sensitive applications. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available here
Thumos is a counselling and mental health service. At this time Medicare rebates are not available for our services. Clients with private health insurance cover or NDIS funding may be eligible to receive rebates from their insurer for Thumos’ services in some cases. As this is highly variable please contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.
Our pricing is tailored to the needs and circumstances of each client and discounted rates may be available in situations of financial distress or reduced capacity. All costs will be discussed and agreed transparently prior to the commencement of any treatment program. Please click here for our current general fee structure. Please note these fees are indicative only and are subject to change and variation based on individual client needs.
Thumos does not generally provide counselling services remotely, unless an exceptional circumstance applies and there is prior agreement between the Thumos practitioner and client.
In our experience, clients often make better progress toward their goals if they attend regular face-to-face counselling sessions.
Seeing our clients face-to-face also allows Thumos to uphold our requirements with regard to privacy and confidentiality as well as client safety.
The frequency and number of sessions required to deliver the best chance of a positive therapeutic outcome will differ greatly for each client, based on their individual circumstances.
Thumos does not provide an ‘off the shelf’ course of therapy. Treatment plans and goals are agreed with each client in the early stages of their engagement with us, and are also reviewed regularly to monitor progress and adapt to any change in client circumstances.
Yes. We understand that many of our clients have education and work commitments and so we offer appointments on weekdays until 8pm and on Saturdays from 9am until 6pm. Appointment times are subject to availability and will vary by day and location. Please note we do not operate on Sundays or public holidays.
Payment is required prior to, or at the time of each counselling session. We accept all major electronic payment methods (eg. credit/debit Mastercard and Visa, EFTPOS). We do not accept cash or cheques. As per our fee structure please note that cancellation and administrative fees may apply in some circumstances.