The Help Center

Can you help us manage our relationship difficulties?

Drawing on 50 years of research from multiple experts in the field, I have the tools to help guide you and your partner to reconnect and strengthen your relationship. If you are committed and open to the process, I hold hope that you will be able to bring about healthy change in your relationship. Even if your partner isn't ready to come in yet, you and I can begin work together.

What about other relationship difficulties?

I can work with you to make sense of difficulties in other relationships by exploring patterns of behaviour and understanding the impact of your experiences. We'll talk about how you want to do life, what's important to you, and how to go about making it happen.

What other kind of difficulties can you help with?

Difficulties emanating from childhood developmental trauma (adverse childhood experiences), relationship conflict, betrayals/infidelity, emotional difficulties such as anger and persistent sadness, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and addictive or unhelpful behaviours such as binge eating or abstinence, alcohol or substance abuse, smoking. No need to feel hopeless or stuck in these behaviur patterns; we'll work towards empowering you to make healthier choices.

I enjoy working with young adults as you navigate this transitional stage.
Our experiences, the stories we tell about ourselves, the stories we are told, have the power to shape us. Whatever you are going through, we can work through it together.
You are not alone.

What can I expect in a counselling session?

With your goals in mind, we will work to understand how your difficulties have come to be. Drawing on your strengths and resources, we explore ways for you to find your way forward. We will work at your pace, utilising evidence-based strategies that you are comfortable with. You are always in control.

Counsellors use different approaches to help clients navigate their particular difficulties. To help you with relationship difficulties, I draw largely on Emotion Focussed Therapy, The Gottman Method, attachment theory and somatic approaches. Working with you alone, I utilise Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Self-Compassion, attachment and developmental theory, somatic approaches and Sandplay, all backed by scientific research.

We'll talk, pay attention to what you're experiencing, we might meditate, we play with ideas and imagine - you are always in control and I will be lead by you. Your safety and stability is priority.

What exactly will we do in a counselling session?

We'll talk through what's happening to you now that's creating difficulties in life. We work to make sense of your experiences by processing your thoughts, emotions, memories & felt experiences to understand what's creating the difficulties. We'll then explore the changes you want to be and see in your life.

We use a variety of interventions, largely dictated by what you're comfortable with, to achieve your goals. At all times, you are in control of the session.

How many sessions will I need? How often will we meet?

We work together to decide what will work best for you, to help achieve the results you want. Usually meeting weekly to begin with until we gain traction is helpful. Thereafter, sessions may be spread out to fortnightly, then monthly or so to maintain gains. You are in control.

How are you different to other counsellors?

Like leaves on a tree we are different in personality, we have different outlooks and histories, we are drawn to different approaches. My particular areas of interest include helping clients develop fulfilling relationships in both intimate relationshionshps as well with broader social networks, & healing from difficult childhood experiences. I would welcome a chat with you before you make an appointment, so you can decide if I'm the best person to walk alongside you. Deciding to engage the services of a counsellor is not a small decision.

As a university trained counsellor, I am always updating my knowledge so I can help you in the best possible way. I maintain registration with peak Counselling Professional bodies PACFA, CCAA & ACA, and abide by the Counsellor's Code of Conduct & Ethics. I participate in regular Supervision to ensure best practices. Your safety and well-being is my prime concern. You have the right to lodge a complaint with a counsellor's Professional body. This is to protect you and the reputation of the profession as a whole.

What are your fees and how long is a session?

Relationship counselling fee: $200/hourly session
Individual counselling: $150/hourly session
Sessions generally last 60 minutes. Extended sessions are available on the booking site - whilst exhausting, intensive sessions may also allow us to make headway faster.

With your permission, I will occasionally reach out to you between sessions to 'check in' via text or email.

I encourage you to let me know how our sessions are impacting on you. You are not a number to me. Your on-going well-being is my concern.

How & where do we meet?

Thanks to technology, counselling sessions can be conducted online, for your convenience, wherever you are in the world, through PsychologyToday's dedicated video platform 'Sessions' https://sessions.psychologytoday.com/colleen-dibiamaka.

We can meet face to face in my counselling room in Seaton, Adelaide or we can talk over the phone if you have a quiet and confidential space to speak.

Access

Secure free parking is available on site.

1 Clark Terrace, Seaton can also be accessed by bus and train with Seaton Park Station and bus stops 29 & 30 a few metres away from the premises. The office is wheelchair friendly with level access. Toilets available on site.

I have NDIS funding. Can you help me?

Yes, for sure. You can use your NDIS funding if you are plan-managed. I can co-ordinate with your plan manager so you can focus on the work of healing.

$150/hourly session

I have a care plan from my GP. Can you help me? Can I claim the cost from my private health insurer?

Unfortunately, Counsellors do not have access to Medicare rebates so Mental Health Care Plans are not required to see a Counsellor.

It is worth checking for any out-of-pocket expenses for consultations with your Psychologist to weigh up the costs involved.

I endeavour to return your call within 24 hours and can generally see you within a week.

Members of BUPA, Medibank, ahm, Grand United, Doctor's Health Fund, Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, St Lukes Health & Phoenix Health may be eligible for counselling rebates from your Fund depending on your policy benefits.

Please advise your counsellor & check with your health fund.

I'm really anxious. I've never shared (this) with anyone before.

It completely makes sense that you might be anxious sharing with a stranger the things you've kept to yourself for so long. From the outset I can teach you some strategies to help you manage any nerves. Then we'll work at your pace so you're comfortable. I encourage you to keep communicating with me what's happening for you in session. Your safety and comfort is always my priority.

I don't live in Adelaide or even in Australia. Can I still access your services?

Absolutely. Reach out via the contact form or make an appointment online. We can chat through any secure online media, although I use Psychology Today's dedicated video platform 'Sessions'. No apps or downloads required and you can use any electronic device. Here is the link: https://sessions.psychologytoday.com/colleen-dibiamaka It's that easy. I'll email you a form to complete prior to our meeting. Payment is via credit card charged just prior to our appointment. I'm also available for a brief chat prior to you booking, so you can decide if I'm the person to walk alongside you.

Training, Qualifications & Registrations

M Counselling Practice, Grad Dip Adult Ed, Cert IV Training and Assessment

Gottman Method Level 2 Cert, Gottman Treating Trauma & Affairs, Couples & Addiction Recovery, TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilisation Treatment). I participate in regular training to update my knowledge to provide you with current, relevant guidance, focussing on areas of trauma, relationships, somatic therapies, mindfulness and self-compassion.

ACA L2 18046

PACFA Prov member 26460

CCAA Grad member 500799

College of Relationship Counsellors

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