Frequently asked questions

All sessions are conducted online via video streaming or over the telephone.

What is the difference between Family Therapy and individual therapy?

It’s really just a difference in the focus but depends largely on the therapist’s approach. For example, the current model of “diagnosing and treating” mental health conditions leans towards individual therapy and remedying the individual’s pathology. Whilst family therapists accept individuals do suffer from biological dysfunction and individual distress, they are more concerned with how the clients' system (e.g family, friends, school, workplace) can be engaged and harmonised to support and bring out the best in them. Family therapy does not offer any “magic bullets” but rather a respectful process of engagement to help people develop more peaceful and satisfying lives.

How long do sessions last? How many sessions are recommended? How frequent are sessions?

Consultations are usually one hour. The number of sessions depends on your needs and goals, but keep in mind it does take time to make changes. If you want to make sustained changes you will usually need to commit to several sessions. Most people have between 6-25 sessions. Often sessions are weekly to begin with but likely to be spaced out to fortnightly or longer.

Who should attend Family Therapy sessions? Are the sessions appropriate for children?

For couples facing relationship difficulties it would be usual to see the couple together first but attendance at future sessions may vary. Janelle is not offering telehealth appointments with children, but can address family, parenting and relationship issues with adults online.

How does confidentiality work in family therapy?

Your confidentiality and privacy is very important to us from an ethical, legal and therapeutic position. All information collected is kept confidential and stored securely, unless you have given consent for it to be shared with other parties. As an accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Janelle adheres to strict codes of conduct and confidentiality of the AASW. Client anonymity is maintained during professional supervision.

When Janelle is consulting with 2 or more related clients, any sessions with individuals remain confidential, however individual communication that compromises future joint sessions will need to be addressed, and the possibility of referral to another therapist may be required.

The only exception to confidentiality is when there is information to suggest that someone may be at risk of significant harm to themselves or others - actions will be taken to ensure the person’s safety; and when client files are subpoenaed by courts of law.

Personal contact details may be used to communicate useful information about our services or other resources. We may use third party systems for this. You can unsubscribe from these at any time by advising us or using the unsubscribe link in the email correspondence.

Can Janelle provide me with a reference or report for my court case?

No. Janelle's focus is on therapeutic services, therefore she does not provide reports or assessments to third parties.

Janelle does not offer family therapy during legal proceedings of custody, property or domestic violence.

Can I text, email or facebook Janelle when I need to?

If you need to contact us regarding appointment or administrative issues, please email: admin@janellehoman.com

Text messaging is used to confirm appointments, and is available for last minute communication regarding your appointment.

Janelle does not use social media with clients, and encourages you to make online appointments to discuss your counselling needs. (We cannot read and respond to lengthy emails between sessions.)

For urgent and after hours services please refer to my contact page.

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments can be made by emailing: admin@janellehoman.com - please leave your preferred contact (email/phone and time). We do have a waitlist, but can offer some other resources and advise you about future services as they become available.

What is the cost for a session?

My private fee is $300 per hour. Payment is due on the day.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Please note, we permit 2 cancellations before future appointments are reallocated to other clients or those on our extensive waitlist.