Our counselling approach is not what you would normally find in other settings. We are unashamedly different because we understand that not everyone wants to sit in a strange room with a person they have just met, to share their precious stories.
If you would prefer to sit in a park under a tree, in the comfort of your own backyard, or do a ‘walk and talk’ session in your safe nature place, then our approach may be a refreshing and welcome change. There is a growing body of research showing that simply being in nature has a positive effect on your physical, social, emotional and mental well-being.
You can read more about How We Work using our integrative therapeutic approach incorporating narrative therapy, eco-therapy, art therapy and more. Lucy is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers, a member of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, Psychology For a Safe Climate and Nature and Wellbeing Australia. She has a current Working With Children Check (No. WWC1564166E).
For more information about what an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker can do for you, download this brochure.
Who will benefit from this therapeutic approach?
This approach may fit for you, if you are:
- Seeking relief from chronic stress
- Healing from the effects of trauma including domestic or family violence
- Living with the effects of ‘depression’, ‘anxiety’ or (insert your own name for a mental health concern)
- Suffering from physical pain, recovering from illness or surgery or adjusting to life with a disability
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts or self harm; seeking purpose for living
- Healing from grief or loss
- Experiencing a life transition or difficulties in relationships
- affected by extreme climatic events
- worried about the future of our earth or environmental concerns; eco-anxiety
- Wary of traditional talk therapies in an office setting
- Prefer spaciousness and room to breathe, rather than containment of four walls
- Seeking therapeutic support in a relaxing, natural setting where there is no pressure to eye-ball the counsellor
- Open to developing a stronger connection to the earth and using nature as co-therapist
- Open to using art materials to explore stories, thoughts and feelings where communication is tricky
- Open to exploring multi-layered stories of strength and resilience; unearthing your preferences for living going forward
You can also read 7 Reasons for Choosing Me as Your Therapist.
Who do you work with?
I have over 15 year’s experience working with children, young people and adults of diverse cultures, ages, abilities, sexualities and gender expressions. I work with children aged 6+ and their caregivers.
What about safety and privacy?
Working therapeutically outdoors can present different challenges such as bad weather, maintaining confidentiality where members of the public may be walking through, and health and safety concerns in the natural environment. We take extra care to assess for hazards, minimize risks and to protect your privacy as much as possible. Sometimes a change in the weather can turn into a learning experience or opportunity for working through ‘edges’. Nature sometimes works that way.
Where does counselling happen?
My therapeutic spaces are at Yintarini Farm, Seaspray (outdoors and indoors). We also offer outreach counselling services to Sale, Longford and Golden Beach, and utilise a variety of natural settings. We also offer sessions in the comfort and safety of your own backyard, home or school. You may also be eligible for tele-health services (video/audio).
How much does it cost?
As of January 2024, prices are as follows:
- On-site at Yintarini Farm, Seaspray or Walk’n’Talk session at Seaspray beach – $110 with a Medicare rebate of $85.20 (in consulting room rate)
- Outreach including sessions in outdoor spaces, home and school visits – $150 with a Medicare rebate of $109.75 (out of consulting room rate)
- Telehealth – $110 with a Medicare rebate of $85.20.
For those experiencing financial hardship and Pension Card holders, we offer Bulk billing through Medicare.
If in doubt, please contact us to discuss your circumstances.
How do I access services through Medicare?
Under Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, patients can receive up to 10 sessions of Focused Psychological Services per calendar year from an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Your GP will initially recommend a course of treatment of 6 sessions. After this time, we will send a short report back to your GP for review. Further courses of treatment can be recommended to access the remaining 4 sessions.
To qualify for a Medicare rebate for counselling services:
- Make an appointment to see your GP or paediatrician
- Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral letter to our service
- Contact us to make an appointment.
Our Policies
Download our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.
Download our Complaints and Feedback Policy. Download our Complaints and Feedback Form.
Download our Cancellation Policy.
We work in accordance with the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.
Can I talk to you first?
Yes. Feel free to give me a call to discuss your needs on 0417 927 657 or email via our Contact page.
I look forward to seeing you soon in nature.
Lucy
Texel
