Frequently Asked Questions

A holistic approach to counselling provides support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. This method of counselling considers a client's mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, focusing on a person’s overall wellness and not just their illness or condition. Read more about Holistic Counselling on the "Services" page. 

Sam has personal experience and a passion for supporting:  

- Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and the struggles of managing a chronic illness

- Burnout, chronic stress and chronic fatigue syndrome 

- Anxiety and depression

- Confidence, self esteem  & self-love 

- Stress management  

- Corporate wellness

It is important to find a counsellor that you feel connected to.  If it's me, that's great! If not, that's OK too. Let's put it this way... you will be talking with your therapist regularly over weeks, months or years. You should feel at ease and be able to talk openly and honestly with them. Listen to your intuition and be honest about how comfortable they make you feel.  

Still want some more information? Contact Empowered and arrange a free 15min call to ask any questions. 

The first session is a lot like an icebreaker or a meet-and-greet. There will be introductions and the conversation will be focussed about learning about each other. The first session (and even second and third) may be intimidating to those who haven't been to therapy before but it's important to remember, you should not feel pressured to project an appearance of "perfection." You might be feeling vulnerable and emotional, and that’s likely why you’ve booked the appointment in the first place. This is normal! 

By the end of the first session, Sam and the client will have discussed an approach of how to move forward, provide a recommendations on consistency of sessions and if comfortable to do so, booked in for the next appointment(s). 

No. People seek counselling for a variety of reasons and it all depends what you want out of the process. Some counselling relationships can last just a few weeks, some months or longer. To get the most of of your sessions, a good starting point is four to six sessions however, we can discuss what is suitable for your circumstance and agree to session frequency during the initial consultation. With this in mind, it's common to have more frequent appointments when you start holistic counselling and then taper off when you have the tools and resources to support you and are comfortable to do so. 

Good news! You do not need a Mental Health Care Plan or referral from your GP to see us. As Mental Health Care Plans are designed for diagnosis and management of mental health disorders, these are for Registered and Clinical Psychologists, not Holistic Counsellors. If you require a mental health diagnosis, we highly recommend you make an appointment with your GP and obtain a referral to your local Psychologist. In saying this, if you require communication from us into a Care Plan to keep your medical team up to date, we can arrange for this to occur. 

At the moment in Australia, Medicare does not cover all counselling services, however our pricing structure ensures that the cost to you is not out of reach and is comparable to other similar services. If you would like to discuss our pricing or a payment plan, please reach out to us.  

Of course! If you would find it more comfortable to bring a support person to your first session or even ongoing sessions, we completely understand, especially for teens. All that we ask is that you notify us at the time of booking that you will be bringing an additional person which allows us to have the room setup for additional people.  

The holistic approach to counselling includes working on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level or more commonly known as "mind, body and soul". Whilst spirituality means religion to some, Empowered takes a non religious take on spirituality or "the soul". We believe your soul is who you are, meaning what your goals are, what your beliefs ad values are, your life experiences and personality that makes you uniquely, YOU!   

Empowered is located at Shop 5/76 Appin Road, Appin. Appin is in the Wollondilly Shire, within approx. 15 minutes of Campbelltown, 20 mins from Bulli and 30 mins from Camden & Wollongong.  

There is free street parking onsite or plenty next door at IGA. 

We accept Cash, Square Reader (chip and contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay) and direct transfer. Invoices and payment plans can also be arranged on request. 

*Please note that limited cash is kept on premises. 

1. Bookings are non-refundable.

2a. If a session or class is cancelled by Empowered Holistic Counselling & Wellness, you will receive a credit towards for next appointment or class. 

2b. If a retreat, workshop or event is cancelled by Empowered Holistic Counselling & Wellness, you have option to use as a credit or request a full refund.  

3. In circumstances such as illness, personal difficulty or change of circumstances, payment may be transferred to participation in a session, class, retreat, workshop or event at a later date, if the course or event is available in future. Requests for such transfer of payment are to be made in writing to Empowered Holistic Counselling & Wellness at least 48 hours prior to events. 

4. You may transfer your registration fees for any class, retreat, workshop or event to another person (a transferee) at no cost. Please notify Empowered Holistic Counselling & Wellness in writing prior to the commencement date.

5. Classes, retreats, workshops or event dates, details and locations subject to change.

6.  Prices for our products and services are subject to change without notice. 

We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service.