Gianna Hazel Counselling & Therapy
Individualised Therapy based on the needs of each person.
The English word therapy comes via Latin therapīa from Greek: θεραπεία and literally means "healing".
Providing help for:
Trauma (Complex trauma, PTSD, Domestic & Family violence, Survivors of Child Sexual Assault & Neglect, Rape & Sexual Assault, Postpartum (or birth) trauma or depression)
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management
Grief & Loss
Relationship issues
Mental Health Management
Life changes & discovering or reinventing yourself.
About Me
Hi, I’m Gianna! I’m a counsellor and psychotherapist (and yoga teacher) and I have been living in Sydney for the last 15 years and now call the Illawarra home.
An avid traveller, I have lived overseas, basing myself in Italy where half of my family are from. I use an individualised approach to therapy. This means that I draw on different modalities in therapy depending on the individual needs of the client.
My philosophy is based in the person-centred approach, meaning that I believe the client is the expert in their own lives & hold many answers inside themselves (even if they are buried deep!). In saying that, I draw on a diverse range of therapeutic modalities in therapy, including and not limited to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Art Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Narrative Therapy. I also have an International certification in Brainspotting (which was previously known as natural flow EMDR).
I hold a Graduate Diploma of Counselling & Psychotherapy from The Australian College of Applied Psychology and am a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia Clinical Reg 25446). My work background is based mostly in NGO’s, working as a counsellor with Bravehearts, Odyssey House and The Benevolent Society. I am registered as a Victims Services counsellor.
I am predominantly a trauma informed- dual diagnosis counsellor, working across Trauma and Mental Health. This includes working with survivors of child sexual assault, domestic & family violence, postpartum or birth trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, sexual violence & various mental health issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attachment issues, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar I & II.
Therapy is such an individual journey & finding a therapist you connect with is imperative to the healing process. So please feel free to contact me for a chat or with any questions you may have.
Online Sessions
Secure online sessions by Zoom are available Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, to speak privately from the comfort of your own home.
Walk & Talk Therapy
A new service I’m trialling is to hold sessions at Thirroul Beach (1hr south of Sydney).
Sometimes it’s easier to speak about our challenges while moving and surrounded by nature.
Face to Face Counselling
Appointments are available at my warm office spaces in Erskineville (Mon) & Austinmer (Weds, Thurs)
It’s always good to meet in person for the first session to get to know each other. There is always the option to move online or continue face to face sessions.
Get in touch
FAQs
What can I expect of my first therapy session?
The first session is about getting to know each other. It is an opportunity for you to express your concerns or current presenting issues. It is also an opportunity to ask me whatever you need and to discuss any goals you may have.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral. Simply book an appointment online or by phone.
What are your rates?
Counselling sessions are 50mins, the price is $150 (or $130 for full time students) or $225 for 80mins (or $195 for full time students). I understand that therapy can be costly, therefore, I offer reduce rates to a percentage of clients who are currently experiencing financial difficulty - please contact me for further information. If you are a victim of violent crime, you may be eligible for free. counselling under Victim Services- check the NSW government website for eligibility requirements.
What type of payments do you accept?
I accept Cash, EFTPOS or Credit Card. I do not accept cheques. Bank transfers are only available for Zoom sessions and must be cleared before the session.
What is your cancellation policy?
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for cancellation or change of appointment. This is so that I can allocate someone else to your appointment time. Therefore, full fees apply if cancellation is after the 48 hours notice period.
What is the difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy?
Although there are large overlaps, counselling usually refers to more goal orientated and short term issues (such as managing stress at work) or developing a persons wellbeing. Psychotherapy tends to focus on deeper issues, this may be around trauma, grief, depression, personality structuring or developing greater insight of your “self”.
Can I claim a rebate through Medicare?
Unfortunately not. Registered counsellors are not currently able to offer the Mental Health Care Plan rebate.
Can I claim a rebate through Private Health Insurance?
Yes, currently Medibank Private, Bupa, AHM & many of the funds under the ARHG group offer rebates for Counselling.
Do you offer appointments outside your normal days and hours?
I do. I have some flexibility so please give me a call to discuss.
Do you offer counselling via Zoom?
I do. I prefer to use Google Meets as it is more reliable and secure. I understand it is not always possible for people to access counselling in person.