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, 30 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 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 grief, relationships, parenting and family law; 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 the process for couples therapy?
At Robertson & Ling we meet with each individual first and do an intake session. This is a structured process that involves asking questions about different parts of the relationship. This allows us to gain a thorough understanding of the current issues and strengths, as perceived by each person.
Seeing people individually to begin with also means that we can do our required screening for Family Violence. Furthermore, it gives both clients the best opportunity to describe accurately and honestly what is happening in the relationship.
The following session will be a couples counselling session. Goals are agreed upon by both the couple and the counsellor, and are guided by the intake assessments.
Subsequent sessions will primarily be couple sessions, though some additional individual sessions may occur if it appears this will best serve the relationship as a whole. Please visit our Relationship Counselling page for more information.
What is the framework/method used for couples therapy?
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 a detailed list of ways in which counselling can benefit couples and marriages, please go to our Relationship 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! Any kind of relationship falls under the definition of “relationship counselling.” You can receive counselling for issues with family or friend relationships, or for past relationships that are still causing you distress and difficulty. Relationship counselling is certainly not just for couples or married couples. To read about who can benefit from relationship counselling, please visit our Relationship Counselling page.
Do you provide counselling for children?
Yes, we provide counselling for children 7 years and over. A parent will need to complete
an initial intake session first (please contact for more details). Furthermore, insuring that children
feel safe and welcomed is important to Robertson & Ling. In addition to having warm and inviting
counselling rooms, we have a number of soft toys available for children, as well as colouring-in
materials and card games.
Do you do Christian Counselling?
No, our focus areas are grief, relationships, parenting 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.
How much will a counselling session cost?
Prices for counselling vary. Please refer to our Services or Parenting Courses page to see our current prices.
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 Zoom or phone instead?
Yes. We offer parenting, grief, family law and relationship counselling over the phone or via Zoom.
Where is the closest parking?
Trafalgar Place Car Park is just around the corner from Robertson & Ling. Public transport is also available nearby. Please view the map of our location below:
