Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost, and for how long will I need counselling?
These are excellent questions. We cannot provide definitive timeframes for counselling, as it will vary from individual to individual and couple to couple. Ultimately, it will depend on how quickly you are able to move towards your goal.
Having said this, we can give some rough guidelines on length of counselling and cost. Irrespective of the need for counselling, individuals will often have weekly or fortnightly appointments for the first 4-8 sessions. This enables them to make good progress with whatever issue they are facing. Following this, most people gravitate towards monthly appointments for a few months, just to ensure that things continue to track in the right direction. Finally, you may want to have a “check-up” session every 6-12 months to maintain the progress you have made.
To learn more about our pricing and services, please visit our services page. Also keep in mind that we provide a free, 15 minute initial consult over the phone to assess your situation and explain our process
How will I know that I no longer need counselling?
Typically, you will have a fair idea that it is time to finish counselling. This will be because the primary reason for attending counselling has been resolved, and your goals have been achieved. For example, you might have started attending counselling because you felt like you were struggling to adjust to life amidst a grieving process following the death of a spouse. You are likely to stop attending counselling when you feel more comfortable regarding your grief and that you have adjusted (to some extent) to life without your spouse.
Having said this, counselling may also conclude because it appears that a particular goal that has been set looks unlikely to be achieved. For example, let’s say that a couple have been attending marriage counselling because they felt they were experiencing too much conflict in their relationship. For whatever reason, a couple may not be able to move towards this goal; let’s say that one person cannot reduce their defensiveness (see our blog series on how not to do conflict). In this instance, it may be best to cease relationship counselling, having explored first what it means for the relationship that desired progress has not been made.
Why should I choose R&L?
At Robertson & Ling, we offer a very specialised, effective skill set in interrelational
counselling and therapy. We do not offer general counselling. We only provide
services in couples counselling, adult family therapy individual relationship counselling,
and family law counselling; areas we can confidently give a high level of therapeutic support.
Your building feels a bit intimidating. What are your rooms like?
Our rooms are pleasant, comfortable and inviting to those who are seeking counselling.
They are also private and quiet, despite being in the CBD of Hobart.
What is your process for counselling?
Our process for each of our relationship counselling services are outlined on their respective information pages. These can be accessed by going to our therapy services page, or by visiting our couples counselling, adult family therapy, individual relationship counselling or family law pages. Alternatively, you can read one of our case studies, which provide a demonstration of our process.
What is the framework/method used for couples counselling?
Robertson & Ling use Gottman Clinical Method for couples and marriage counselling. This framework focuses on comprehensive assessment and counselling work in three key domains: conflict skills, friendship and intimacy, and ongoing connection (also known as shared meaning). For a more detailed explanation of the Gottman Clinical Method, please visit this page, or go to the Gottman website. For more information on couples counselling at Robertson & Ling, please go to our couples counselling page.
I’m not in a romantic relationship, but I still want to improve the health of one of my other relationships. Is this something for which I can receive counselling?
Yes, absolutely! Relationship counselling is certainly not just for couples or married couples. Robertson & Ling offer adult family therapy, which means that you can receive counselling for issues in your family relationships. We also offer individual relationship counselling, which can focus on helping you unpack and process past relationships that are still causing you distress and difficulty, or present non-romantic relationships that are causing challenges (such as with friends).
Do you do Christian Counselling?
No, our focus areas are couples counselling, adult family therapy individual relationship counselling, and family law. Having said this, one of our counsellors, Angus, is a Christian, and is happy to incorporate a Christian worldview into the counselling process.
Who is your accrediting body?
All counsellors at Robertson & Ling are accredited members with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). To learn more about the ACA, please visit their website.
I’m unable to make it into the office. Can I have an appointment via video or phone instead?
Yes. All our services are available either over the phone or via a secure online video conferencing platform.
What is parking like?
There are a number of easily-accessible carparks that are a short walk from Robertson & Ling. Public transport is also available nearby. Please view the map of our location below:
