End-of-Life Counselling

What is End-of-Life Counselling?

End-of-life counselling provides emotional support for people living with a life-limiting illness, as well as for the family members, friends and carers who are sharing that journey.

Unlike medical treatment, end-of-life counselling focuses on the emotional, relational and personal aspects of living with serious illness.
It offers a confidential space where people can:
  • Talk openly about their experiences.
  • Explore hopes and fears.
  • Reflect on life and relationships.
  • Strengthen communication with loved ones.
  • Navigate uncertainty.
  • Discuss personal values.
  • Explore meaning and legacy.
  • Receive emotional support throughout changing circumstances.

​There is no "right" way to experience serious illness or the end of life.
Every person's journey is different.

Counselling recognises this by providing individualised support that respects each person's values, culture, beliefs and personal choices.
Importantly, end-of-life counselling does not replace medical care, palliative care or hospice services. Instead, it may work alongside your healthcare team to support emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
Living Well While Living with Serious Illness

Although end-of-life counselling acknowledges the realities of serious illness, it is not solely about preparing for death.
It is equally about supporting people to continue living as fully and meaningfully as possible.

Many people receiving palliative or supportive care continue to experience moments of joy, connection, laughter and purpose.
Counselling can provide space to focus on what continues to bring meaning, including:
  • Spending time with loved ones.
  • Sharing memories.
  • Strengthening important relationships.
  • Celebrating life achievements.
  • Creating new memories.
  • Participating in meaningful activities where possible.
  • Expressing hopes, wishes and personal values.
  • Finding comfort in everyday moments.
Everyone defines quality of life differently.
Counselling supports people to identify what remains important to them and explore ways to continue living in accordance with their values throughout every stage of their journey.
Every Journey is Unique

No two people experience serious illness in the same way.
Some people wish to talk openly about what lies ahead.
Others prefer to focus on everyday life.

Some want to reflect on their life story, while others simply appreciate having someone who will sit with them, listen and acknowledge what they are experiencing.

There is no expectation to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Counselling is guided by you.

Sessions move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of your individual needs.
Hope Can Take Many Forms

When people hear the words "end of life," they often think hope disappears.
In reality, hope often changes rather than ends.
Hope may become:
  • Spending meaningful time with family.
  • Finding comfort and peace.
  • Maintaining dignity.
  • Strengthening important relationships.
  • Completing personal goals.
  • Leaving a legacy.
  • Sharing stories.
  • Making memories.
  • Feeling heard and understood.
Counselling provides a space where these hopes can be explored without judgement.

​Our role is not to tell you what your journey should look like, but to walk alongside you as you navigate it in a way that reflects your own values, beliefs and wishes.
Who Can Benefit From End-of-Life Counselling?

End-of-life counselling is not only for people who are approaching the end of life.

It may also provide valuable emotional support for family members, partners, close friends and carers who are navigating this journey alongside someone they love.

Everyone experiences serious illness differently.

Some people want to talk openly about what they are experiencing, while others simply appreciate having a compassionate, independent person who will listen without judgement.

At Belong Health, counselling is always tailored to the individual.
There is no expectation that everyone will experience the same emotions or cope in the same way.

​Support is guided by your goals, values, beliefs and circumstances.
People who may benefit from end-of-life counselling include:
  • Individuals living with a life-limiting illness.
  • People receiving palliative care.
  • Older adults preparing for later life.
  • Family members.
  • Partners and spouses.
  • Adult children supporting ageing parents.
  • Parents supporting an adult child with serious illness.
  • Friends and significant others.
  • Family carers.
  • People experiencing anticipatory grief.
  • Individuals wanting to reflect on life, meaning and legacy.
  • People adjusting to significant changes in health or independence.
There is no "right time" to seek counselling.

Some people seek support shortly after receiving a diagnosis, while others access counselling much later.
Counselling is available whenever emotional support feels helpful.
Supporting People Living with a Life-Limiting Illness

Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis often changes more than physical health.

It can affect relationships, routines, hopes, future plans and a person's sense of identity.
Some people experience uncertainty.
Others feel overwhelmed.

Some continue much as they always have, while occasionally wanting space to talk about what they are experiencing.
Every response is valid.

Counselling provides an opportunity to explore these experiences in a way that feels safe and respectful.
Depending on your individual circumstances, counselling may provide support while you:
  • Adjust to a recent diagnosis.
  • Process changing emotions.
  • Explore hopes and priorities.
  • Strengthen relationships.
  • Prepare for future conversations.
  • Reflect on important life experiences.
  • Maintain emotional wellbeing.
  • Navigate changing independence.
  • Continue participating in meaningful activities where possible.
Counselling does not attempt to take away uncertainty or provide false reassurance.
Instead, it provides compassionate support while helping people focus on what remains important to them.
Supporting Families and Loved Ones

Serious illness affects entire families.
Partners, children, siblings, parents and close friends often experience their own emotional journey while supporting someone they care deeply about.

Family members may find themselves balancing many responsibilities, including:
  • Providing emotional support.
  • Attending medical appointments.
  • Helping with everyday activities.
  • Managing changing family roles.
  • Supporting children.
  • Making difficult decisions.
  • Coping with uncertainty.
  • Navigating changing relationships.
Many people spend so much time caring for someone else that they forget to care for themselves.

Counselling provides family members with a safe place to acknowledge their own experiences while continuing to support the person they love.
Support may include opportunities to:
  • Explore difficult emotions.
  • Build resilience.
  • Improve communication.
  • Navigate family dynamics.
  • Prepare for future changes.
  • Strengthen important relationships.
  • Develop healthy coping strategies.
Looking after your own emotional wellbeing is not selfish.
It is an important part of being able to continue supporting others.
Supporting Family Carers

Providing care for someone with a life-limiting illness is often one of the most meaningful roles a person will ever have.
It can also be physically, emotionally and mentally demanding.
Carers frequently balance:
  • Medical appointments.
  • Daily care needs.
  • Household responsibilities.
  • Employment.
  • Family commitments.
  • Financial concerns.
  • Emotional support for others.
During this time, carers often place their own wellbeing last.

Counselling provides carers with a supportive environment where they can:
  • Talk openly about their experiences.
  • Recognise signs of stress.
  • Explore changing emotions.
  • Develop healthy coping strategies.
  • Maintain resilience.
  • Strengthen self-care.
  • Feel heard without judgement.
Supporting carers ultimately supports the whole family.
Family Change Can Also Involve Loss

Children may experience a sense of loss when parents separate, they move house, change schools or familiar routines and relationships change. Recognising what the young person feels they have lost can help adults understand why adjustment may take time.

Related guide: Family Changes & Adjustment in Children & Teenagers
Life Transitions Can Also Involve Loss

Not every experience of loss involves a death.

Moving away from home, ending a relationship, leaving a workplace, changes in health, children moving out or retirement can involve losing familiar roles, routines, relationships or expectations about the future.

A change can be right for you while still involving something you miss.
Explore Life Transitions & Coping With Change
Anticipatory Grief

Many people are familiar with grief following the death of a loved one.
Less well known is anticipatory grief.

Anticipatory grief refers to the grief that may occur before a person's death, often following a life-limiting diagnosis or during progressive illness.
People experiencing anticipatory grief may notice many different emotions, including:
  • Sadness.
  • Worry.
  • Fear.
  • Anger.
  • Guilt.
  • Relief.
  • Hope.
  • Gratitude.
  • Uncertainty.
These emotions often exist together.
There is no "correct" way to experience anticipatory grief.

Counselling provides a compassionate space where these emotions can be explored without judgement while helping individuals develop strategies that support emotional wellbeing throughout this journey.
Meaning, Legacy and Life Review

As people reflect on their lives, many begin thinking about the experiences, relationships and values that have shaped who they are.
For some, this reflection happens naturally.

For others, it becomes particularly important following a serious illness or during later life.
Counselling may provide opportunities to explore:
  • Significant life experiences.
  • Personal achievements.
  • Family stories.
  • Important relationships.
  • Values and beliefs.
  • Lessons learned.
  • Hopes for loved ones.
  • Personal legacy.
Legacy is different for everyone.
For some people it may involve sharing family stories or passing on wisdom.

For others it may be writing letters, creating memory books, recording important moments or simply spending meaningful time with loved ones.

Counselling provides a supportive environment where these conversations can occur in whatever way feels right for the individual.
Navigating Difficult Conversations

Many people living with serious illness, and their families, find some conversations difficult to begin.
People may worry about saying the wrong thing, upsetting loved ones or not knowing how to express what they are feeling.
Counselling can provide support when navigating conversations about:
  • Changing health.
  • Personal wishes.
  • Family relationships.
  • Forgiveness.
  • Gratitude.
  • Hopes.
  • Fears.
  • Legacy.
  • Saying goodbye.
Importantly, counselling never forces these conversations.
Instead, it helps people explore them at a pace that feels comfortable, while respecting each person's readiness, values and preferences.
Every Journey is Unique

No two people experience serious illness, caregiving or end-of-life planning in the same way.
Some people want to talk often.
Others prefer occasional support.
Some wish to focus on practical planning, while others want to spend time reflecting on relationships, memories and what gives their life meaning.

At Belong Health, counselling is always centred around the individual.
Support is flexible, compassionate and tailored to what matters most to you and those closest to you.
What Happens During End-of-Life Counselling?

One of the questions people often ask is:
"What happens during end-of-life counselling?"

There is no set agenda and no expectation that you need to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Some people wish to talk openly about their illness.
Others prefer to focus on everyday life, family, relationships or simply having someone who will listen without judgement.

Counselling is guided by you.
​
Your counsellor works alongside you to create a safe, respectful and compassionate environment where you can explore whatever feels most important during that stage of your journey.
Support always moves at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Before Your First Appointment
When you first contact Belong Health, our friendly administration team will answer any questions you have and discuss the most appropriate appointment options.
We understand that reaching out during this time can feel overwhelming.
Our aim is to make the process as simple and supportive as possible.
Many people choose to begin with our free 20-minute Meet & Greet, giving you and your family an opportunity to meet the counsellor, ask questions and decide whether counselling feels like the right fit.
There is no obligation to continue afterwards.

Your First Counselling Session
The first appointment is about getting to know you.
Rather than focusing solely on illness, your counsellor takes time to understand:
  • Your story.
  • Your values.
  • Your important relationships.
  • What matters most to you.
  • Your hopes.
  • Your concerns.
  • Your goals for counselling.
Every person's priorities are different.
Some people want practical emotional support.
Others wish to reflect on their life, strengthen family relationships or simply have someone to talk with.
There are no expectations and no pressure.
Counselling adapts to your individual needs.

Ongoing Counselling Sessions
As counselling continues, sessions evolve around what is most important to you.
Depending on your circumstances, counselling may involve opportunities to:
  • Explore thoughts and emotions.
  • Process uncertainty.
  • Strengthen important relationships.
  • Prepare for future conversations.
  • Reflect on meaningful life experiences.
  • Explore hopes and personal values.
  • Develop practical coping strategies.
  • Support emotional wellbeing.
  • Celebrate important moments.
  • Continue focusing on quality of life.
Support remains flexible and changes as your needs change.
Some people attend counselling regularly, while others access support only occasionally.
There is no "right" way to participate.
Family Members May Also Be Involved

With your consent, family members or significant others may participate in counselling where appropriate.
This can provide opportunities to:
  • Improve communication.
  • Share important conversations.
  • Explore family concerns.
  • Strengthen relationships.
  • Support one another through changing circumstances.
Every family is different.
The level of family involvement is always guided by your wishes and what feels most helpful.
Counselling and Palliative Care - What's the Difference?

Many people wonder whether counselling is the same as palliative care.
While both services support people living with life-limiting illness, they have different roles.
Understanding these differences can help people access the support that best meets their needs.

What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialised healthcare that focuses on improving quality of life for people living with serious illness.
Palliative care teams may provide support with:
  • Pain management.
  • Symptom management.
  • Medical care.
  • Nursing care.
  • Advance care planning.
  • Coordination of healthcare services.
  • Practical support for individuals and families.
Palliative care aims to improve comfort and quality of life while working alongside other healthcare professionals.

What is End-of-Life Counselling?
Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing rather than medical treatment.
It provides a safe and supportive environment where people can explore:
  • Thoughts and emotions.
  • Relationships.
  • Anticipatory grief.
  • Adjustment to illness.
  • Meaning and purpose.
  • Legacy.
  • Family communication.
  • Personal values.
  • Coping strategies.
Counselling does not replace medical care or palliative care.
Instead, it complements these services by supporting the emotional, relational and psychological aspects of living with serious illness.
Working Alongside Your Healthcare Team

At Belong Health, we believe the best support often comes from people working together.
Where appropriate and with your consent, counselling may work alongside:
  • Your General Practitioner (GP).
  • Palliative care services.
  • Medical specialists.
  • Community nursing services.
  • Occupational Therapists.
  • Speech Pathologists.
  • Registered Music Therapists.
  • Physiotherapists.
  • Social workers.
  • Other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
This collaborative approach helps ensure that support remains centred around your goals while recognising both your emotional wellbeing and your practical support needs.
Counselling and Occupational Therapy

Many people living with serious illness receive support from both a counsellor and an Occupational Therapist.
Although the services are different, they often complement one another.

Occupational Therapy may support:
  • Maintaining independence.
  • Energy conservation.
  • Home safety.
  • Home modifications.
  • Assistive technology.
  • Daily living activities.
  • Equipment recommendations.
  • Participation in meaningful activities.

Counselling may support:
  • Emotional wellbeing.
  • Coping with uncertainty.
  • Adjustment following diagnosis.
  • Relationships.
  • Anticipatory grief.
  • Communication.
  • Meaning and legacy.
  • Quality of life.
Together, these services can help address both the practical and emotional aspects of living with serious illness.
Supporting Communication Within Families

One of the most difficult parts of serious illness is knowing how to talk with the people we love.
Some people worry about upsetting their family.

Others find it difficult to express their wishes or simply don't know where to begin.

Counselling provides a supportive environment where people can prepare for these conversations in a way that feels respectful and authentic.
Topics may include:
  • Expressing hopes and wishes.
  • Sharing important memories.
  • Talking about fears.
  • Discussing changing roles.
  • Exploring what matters most.
  • Strengthening relationships.
  • Saying things that may have been left unsaid.
There is never pressure to have these conversations.
Counselling simply provides support if and when you choose to have them.
Hope, Comfort and Connection

End-of-life counselling is not about taking away sadness or pretending difficult emotions don't exist.

Instead, it creates space for people to experience the full range of emotions that often accompany serious illness while continuing to recognise moments of hope, comfort, love and connection.

For some people, hope means attending a family celebration.

For others, it means completing a legacy project, sharing stories with grandchildren, spending quiet time with loved ones or simply making the most of each day.

Counselling supports people to define hope in their own way and to focus on what continues to bring meaning to their lives.
Every Conversation is Different

No two counselling sessions are ever the same.
Some people want to laugh.
Some want to cry.
Some want practical strategies.
Others simply appreciate having someone who will sit with them and listen.

​Whatever your journey looks like, counselling is tailored to you.
There is no right or wrong way to experience this stage of life, and there is no expectation that your journey should look like anyone else's.
Why Choose Belong Health for End-of-Life Counselling?

Choosing to access counselling during a life-limiting illness or while supporting someone you love is a deeply personal decision.
At Belong Health, we understand that this stage of life is about much more than illness.
It is about relationships, meaning, dignity, connection and continuing to live in a way that reflects what matters most to you.
Our counsellor provides compassionate, person-centred support that recognises each individual's unique story, values and wishes.

Person-Centred Support
No two people experience serious illness in the same way.
Some people wish to focus on practical coping strategies.
Others want to reflect on their life, strengthen family relationships or simply have someone who will listen.
Our counselling is always tailored to the individual.
We take time to understand:
  • Your goals.
  • Your values.
  • Your beliefs.
  • Your relationships.
  • Your strengths.
  • Your hopes.
  • What matters most to you.
Support develops collaboratively and adapts as your circumstances change.

Compassion Without Judgement
There is no "right" way to experience serious illness or prepare for the end of life.
People often experience many different emotions, including:
  • Hope.
  • Gratitude.
  • Fear.
  • Sadness.
  • Anger.
  • Relief.
  • Uncertainty.
  • Acceptance.
Sometimes these emotions occur all within the same day.
Counselling provides a compassionate environment where every emotion is welcomed without judgement or expectation.

Respect for Individual Beliefs and Values
Every person's beliefs, culture, spirituality and life experiences are different.
Our counsellor respects the individual perspectives of every person and family.
Counselling is never about encouraging a particular belief system.
Instead, we support people to explore their own values, hopes and sources of meaning in ways that feel authentic and personally important.

Trauma-Informed Care
Serious illness can affect many aspects of a person's life.
Our counselling follows trauma-informed principles by prioritising:
  • Safety.
  • Trust.
  • Choice.
  • Collaboration.
  • Respect.
  • Empowerment.
There is never pressure to discuss topics before you feel ready.
Support always moves at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Supporting the Whole Family
End-of-life experiences rarely affect just one person.
Partners, children, grandchildren, siblings, close friends and carers are often navigating their own emotional journey at the same time.
Where appropriate and with your consent, counselling may include opportunities to support family communication and strengthen relationships during this important stage of life.

Working Within a Multidisciplinary Team
Belong Health believes emotional wellbeing is one part of holistic care.
Where appropriate and with your consent, counselling may work alongside: Working together helps ensure support remains centred around your goals while addressing both practical and emotional aspects of living with serious illness.

Flexible Appointment Options
Depending on your circumstances, appointments may be available:
  • At our Falcon clinic.
  • Within the community where appropriate.
  • Via telehealth.
We recognise that health needs and energy levels may change over time, and we aim to provide flexible options wherever possible.

Free 20-Minute Meet & Greet
Beginning counselling during a significant life event can feel overwhelming.
Our free 20-minute Meet & Greet gives individuals and families an opportunity to:
  • Meet the counsellor.
  • Ask questions.
  • Learn about our counselling approach.
  • Discuss your circumstances.
  • Explore support options.
  • Decide whether counselling feels right for you.
There is absolutely no obligation to continue afterwards.
Our Counselling Approaches

End-of-life counselling is highly individualised.
Rather than following a single counselling model, our counsellor draws upon a range of evidence-informed approaches depending on your goals, values and personal circumstances.

Person-Centred Counselling
Person-centred counselling creates a respectful and supportive environment where you remain at the centre of every conversation.
You are encouraged to explore your experiences at your own pace while identifying what is most meaningful to you.

Compassion-Focused Counselling
Serious illness often brings difficult emotions.
Compassion-focused counselling encourages people to respond to themselves with kindness, understanding and acceptance during challenging times.
This approach may help reduce self-criticism while strengthening emotional resilience and self-compassion.

Existential and Meaning-Centred Support
Many people naturally begin reflecting on life's meaning during serious illness.
Counselling may provide opportunities to explore:
  • Personal values.
  • Meaning and purpose.
  • Hope.
  • Spiritual beliefs where relevant.
  • Important relationships.
  • Life achievements.
  • Future wishes.
These conversations are always guided by the individual and their own beliefs.

Life Review and Legacy Therapy
Every life tells a unique story.
Life Review and Legacy Therapy provides opportunities to reflect on important memories, relationships and achievements while considering the legacy you wish to leave for those you love.
Legacy may include:
  • Sharing family stories.
  • Writing letters.
  • Recording memories.
  • Creating memory books.
  • Passing on values.
  • Celebrating important milestones.
  • Simply spending meaningful time with loved ones.
Legacy is personal, and counselling supports people in exploring what feels meaningful for them.

Grief and Bereavement Support
Grief can begin long before a person's death.
Counselling supports individuals, families and carers experiencing anticipatory grief while also providing bereavement support where appropriate.
Every person's grief journey is different, and counselling respects that there is no correct way to grieve.

Family and Relationship-Focused Counselling
Relationships often become especially important during serious illness.
Counselling may support families by helping them:
  • Strengthen communication.
  • Navigate changing family roles.
  • Explore difficult conversations.
  • Build understanding.
  • Support one another through change.
Support always respects the wishes of the individual receiving counselling.
You're Not Alone

Living with a life-limiting illness, or supporting someone who is, can bring many emotions and many questions.
You don't have to navigate that journey on your own.

Whether you're looking for someone to talk with, support for your family, help navigating anticipatory grief or simply a safe place to reflect, our counsellor is here to walk alongside you with compassion, respect and understanding.

There is no expectation to have all the answers.

Wherever you are on your journey, we will meet you there.

Book Your Free 20-Minute Meet & Greet
Our free Meet & Greet provides the opportunity to:
✓ Meet your counsellor
✓ Ask questions
✓ Learn about our counselling approach
✓ Discuss your individual circumstances
✓ Explore available support options
✓ Decide whether counselling feels right for you or your family

​Contact Belong Health today to arrange your free 20-minute Meet & Greet and learn how compassionate counselling may support you, your loved ones or your family during this stage of life.
​
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

    COUNSELLING ENQUIRY FORM

    Free 20min Counselling Session 
Related Resources

Many people find it helpful to access additional information alongside counselling.
Belong Health has developed a growing range of educational resources that may support individuals, families and carers during different stages of their journey.

Counselling Resources
Explore:
Older Adult Support
You may also find these resources helpful:
Family and Carer Resources
Supporting someone with a life-limiting illness can also affect your own wellbeing.
You may find these resources helpful:
Frequently Asked Questions - Counselling for End of Life

What is end-of-life counselling?
End-of-life counselling provides compassionate emotional support for people living with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families, loved ones and carers. It offers a safe, respectful and confidential space to explore thoughts, emotions, relationships, hopes and concerns while navigating this stage of life.

Who can benefit from end-of-life counselling?
End-of-life counselling may benefit:
People living with a life-limiting illness.
Individuals receiving palliative care.
Family members.
Partners and spouses.
Adult children supporting a parent.
Carers.
People experiencing anticipatory grief.
Anyone wanting emotional support during serious illness.

Is end-of-life counselling only for people who are dying?
No.
Counselling also supports family members, carers and loved ones who are affected by a life-limiting illness. Many people seek support long before the final stages of life as they adjust to changing circumstances.

What happens during end-of-life counselling?
Every counselling session is tailored to the individual.
Depending on your goals, sessions may involve exploring emotions, relationships, communication, hopes, fears, meaning, legacy, anticipatory grief or practical coping strategies.
There is never any pressure to discuss topics before you feel ready.

What is anticipatory grief?
Anticipatory grief refers to the grief people may experience before the death of a loved one following a life-limiting diagnosis or progressive illness.
People often experience a wide range of emotions during this time, and counselling provides a supportive space to explore these experiences without judgement.

Can counselling help after a terminal diagnosis?
Yes.
Receiving a terminal diagnosis can bring many emotional, practical and relational changes.
Counselling may support people as they adjust to these changes while focusing on emotional wellbeing, communication, relationships and quality of life.

Can counselling support people receiving palliative care?
Yes.
Counselling may complement palliative care by supporting emotional wellbeing, adjustment, relationships, communication and quality of life.
Counselling does not replace medical or palliative care services.

What's the difference between counselling and palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on medical care, symptom management and improving quality of life for people living with serious illness.
Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing, coping strategies, relationships, communication, meaning and personal support.
These services often work alongside one another.

Can family members attend counselling?
Yes.
With the person's consent, family members or significant others may participate where appropriate if this supports the individual's goals and wellbeing.

Can counselling help carers?
Absolutely.
Providing care for someone living with a life-limiting illness can be emotionally demanding.
Counselling provides carers with a supportive space to reflect on their experiences, develop coping strategies and maintain their own wellbeing.

Can counselling help me prepare difficult conversations?
Yes.
Many people seek counselling to help prepare conversations with loved ones about changing health, personal wishes, relationships or future planning.
Counselling provides a supportive environment to explore these conversations at your own pace.

Can counselling help with fear about the future?
Counselling may help people explore worries and uncertainties while identifying practical coping strategies and focusing on what remains meaningful to them.

Can counselling help me find meaning during serious illness?
Many people use counselling as an opportunity to reflect on life experiences, personal values, relationships and legacy.
Support is always guided by what feels meaningful to you.

What is legacy work?
Legacy work involves reflecting on the memories, values, relationships and experiences you would like to share with those important to you.
Examples may include writing letters, recording stories, creating memory books or simply spending meaningful time together.

Can counselling support emotional wellbeing during serious illness?
Yes.
Counselling may support emotional wellbeing by providing a safe place to talk, explore emotions, strengthen coping strategies and maintain meaningful connections.

Do I have to talk about dying?
No.
You decide what you would like to discuss.
Some people focus on illness, while others prefer to talk about family, everyday life, hopes, relationships or practical concerns.
Counselling is guided by you.

Can counselling help me talk with my children or grandchildren?
Yes.
Counselling may help people prepare for important family conversations and explore ways of communicating that feel respectful and authentic.

Can counselling support people living at home?
Yes.
Depending on your circumstances, appointments may be available at our Falcon clinic, in the community or via telehealth where appropriate.

Can counselling be provided via telehealth?
Yes.
Telehealth may be a suitable option for individuals or family members who are unable to attend in person or who live outside the local area.

Can counselling work alongside Occupational Therapy?
Yes.
Occupational Therapy focuses on independence, equipment, home safety and participation in everyday life.
Counselling complements this by supporting emotional wellbeing, adjustment, communication and coping with change.

Can counselling work alongside Registered Music Therapy?
Yes.
Where appropriate, counselling and Registered Music Therapy may complement one another by supporting emotional wellbeing, communication, engagement and quality of life.

Can counselling support people living with dementia?
Counselling may support people in the earlier stages of dementia or those experiencing mild cognitive changes by helping them explore emotions, adjust to change and maintain emotional wellbeing.
The suitability of counselling depends on the individual's circumstances, and recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis.

Is counselling confidential?
Yes.
Counselling is confidential, except in specific legal or ethical circumstances, such as where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person. These limits will be explained during your first appointment.

Do I need a referral?
No.
In most cases you can contact Belong Health directly without a referral.

Is counselling covered by Medicare?
Counselling services are generally not covered by Medicare in the same way as psychology services provided under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
If you have questions about funding options, our team is happy to discuss them with you.

Is counselling available through the NDIS?
Where counselling aligns with a participant's goals and available funding, eligible NDIS participants may be able to access counselling.
Recommendations are always based on the individual's goals, circumstances and funding arrangements.

How many counselling sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions.
Some people access counselling for a short period following a diagnosis, while others continue receiving support throughout different stages of their journey.
The number of sessions depends on your goals and preferences.

What if I don't know what to say?
That's completely okay.
Many people feel unsure before their first appointment.
Your counsellor will guide the conversation gently, and there is never any expectation to have all the answers or know exactly what to talk about.

What if I become emotional during counselling?
It is completely natural to experience strong emotions during counselling.
Our counsellor provides a supportive, compassionate environment where you can express your emotions in whatever way feels right for you.

How do I get started?
Simply contact Belong Health by phone or complete our online enquiry form.
Our friendly team will answer your questions, discuss your circumstances and help you arrange your free 20-minute Meet & Greet or first counselling appointment.​
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