I think every new client can relate to this. It seems weird to be talking to someone you don’t really know about all the stuff that’s happening in your life. In reality, the very fact that you don’t know me or have to deal with me outside of our time together actually creates a wonderful safe space where we can discuss and explore any problems you have. For many clients the regular time we spend together can be a wonderful haven and a space to actually reach some clarity around what needs to change.

It's amazing how difficult it is for all of us to find spare time and the money to take care of ourselves. Because of this, I've tried to make available a number of ways you can work with me. You can register on my website www.shirleyhicks.com.au and register for my free monthly newsletter which is packed full of tips and techniques , join the monthly teleseminar program which provides a forum to listen and explore a whole range of topics or join the monthly VITALITY get together.

There will be some of you reading this however who are ready to make the changes now. If this is you then pick up the phone and call to make an appointment to see me at the clinic. For those of you on the Gold Coast you can call me on 5597-0669 or for Brisbane clients the best number to get me on is 0419 800412.

You're not, until you give me a try. I have been practising for 15 years, initially as a Naturopath and then I went on to do additional qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am a Professional Member of the Australian Counselling Association- one of the major governing bodies in Australia for professional counsellors and psychotherapists. To take all the risk out of seeing me and because I am so convinced that I can be of support to you , I'm willing to refund your first appointment fee if you decide that I can't help you after our first session together.... and I'm happy for you to keep the complimentary e-book , 16 EASY STEPS TO RENEW YOUR ENERGY AND STOP WORRY AND ANXIETY. I want to take all the worry out of you taking this next step, because I know that you will feel better for just making that call and coming to talk.

One out of every two clients I see tell me this... and you know we've found together that the best place to start is wherever you are on the day that we connect. So you don't need to prepare - you just need to make the call and get to your first appointment. The rest is relatively easy and in all the years that I have been practicing I have found that clients always start their story in just the right spot.

That's absolutely OK. You can connect with me just by signing up to my monthly free newsletter at www.shirleyhicks.com.au and get to know me that way. You will know when the time is right to take that next step..... in the meantime use the resources available on my website... call me if you just want to talk and ask me any other questions. I have found that clients always find the right time to make that first appointment. In my experience if what you've read here really makes sense , then now is most probably the best time to act- whether you feel you're ready to talk or not. Without a doubt, once we connect the right words will just come.... and after all I can only see so many people a week , so if you don't want to have another day like today then give me a call on 5597-0669 if you live on the Gold Coast or 0419 800412 if you live in Brisbane.

Unfortunately at this stage the Australian Government or the majority of health funds don't provide a rebate facility for qualified counsellors. To address this inequity which limits consumer choice and access to the broadest range of support services available , I have added lots of extras to the service that I provide which clients have told me they find invaluable:

• NO COST phone and email support in between scheduled appointments
• Regular client newsletters and updates on the latest health happenings
• Free access to the clients only section of my website which contains a wealth of FREE e-books and offers
• Specialised information sheets specific to what you are interested in
• Discounts on workshops
• First appointment fee rebate if you decide that I can't be of help
• Australian Unity Health Fund Rebate
• Extended hours- early morning and evening appointments
• EFTPOS, Credit card, cheque or cash payment facility

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood disorders
• Social phobias
• Insomnia
• Performance anxiety
• Disordered eating
• Post traumatic Stress Disorder
• Grief & loss
• Poor self esteem and lack of confidence
• The emotional upset that often comes with a major life threatening health crisis such as cancer, heart problems and stress related conditions

Appointments are either 60mins or 90 mins. Initial consultations are usually 60 minutes, however if warranted a 90 minute consultation can be arranged. In the first consultation she will have a talk with you to understand what's been happening for you and why you've come to see her. In this first consultation, Shirley will explore with you how she may be able to assist and together an agreement will be made as to how many consultations may be required.

There is no magic number for the right number of consultations. Sometimes after only one visit people feel they have enough to go on with. However you can expect most probably to come and see Shirley at least anywhere between two to six sessions , either at a weekly or fortnightly interval... it really depends on what you want to cover and your available time.

For some clients, Shirley may even enter a longer term arrangement with you to provide ongoing support through a difficult time... all of this is discussed in your first session, reviewed in subsequent sessions and can be changed at any time.