Let me introduce myself:

Hello,  my name is Mandy Waring and I would like to tell you something about myself and what to look for when choosing a counsellor.  I was drawn to this type of work later in my working life after completing a Lifeline Telephone Counselling course which led to counselling for 17 years as well as facilitating training and presentations on many relevant topics such as Suicide, Managing Change, Self Awareness and Grief and Loss.  Wanting to further my studies in this field I enrolled as a mature aged student, gaining a Bachelor of Social Science Degree through Southern Cross University. The main aim of this degree was to further my counselling career and I gained Majors in Counselling and Mediation, Sociology and Human Relations and Communication. I am a qualified member of the Australian Counselling Association.

After completing my Degree I opened a private practice in Tamworth which operated for 4 years before re-locating to Alstonville on the NSW Far North Coast.  I currently have a private practice in Alstonville as well as volunteering for a local organisation which runs programmes for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.  Since my involvement with this group I have attended extensive training courses relating to child abuse and feel priviledged to be able to make a contribution to people wanting to overcome the devastating effects of abuse.  However, in my private practice clients present with many different issues and my aim is to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which the client can start to identify those things which might be interfering in their being able to enjoy relationships.

People sometimes hesitate to seek counselling when they are experiencing unsettling times in their lives, preferring to battle through on their own, or worse, turn to negative ways of coping with the situation. Sometimes it is a matter of having one or two consultations to clarify things and gain a different perspective on the situation. Other times it might take longer to work through some personal issues which block your ability to overcome difficulties. Either way you need to be looking for a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable and one who encourages you to take charge of your life again.  A compatible counsellor will "walk with you" on your journey of change or recovery without imposing his or her own judgements or values on you. Be aware that when seeking a suitable counsellor you need to be choosing one who is covered by an accredited body.

As a consumer you have a right to know if your counsellor is following a code of conduct, has professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and is a member of a professional body which requires constant professional development and supervision. Furthermore you need to know your counsellor has the required formal qualifications through recognised training. These are the questions you need to ask along with the hourly rate, whether you need to make an appointment and how long is each consultation.  A professional counsellor will welcome these enquiries from a potential client, so know your rights and you will be taking the first steps on your journey knowing you are putting your trust in a well qualified member of the counselling fraternity.

So, don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone who cares and remember, if it’s OK to have a physical health check – it’s OK to have an emotional health check too.

S.J. (Mandy) Waring
B.Soc.Sc., M.A.C.A. Qualified., J.P.
0427 327 381

Updated 10 May 2008