FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Telehealth?

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What is telehealth? Telehealth is essentially conducting health services (like counselling or clinical hypnotherapy) via video conferencing online! Is it effective? Research indicates that receiving counselling services via telehealth is just as effective as face to face support. How does it work? It’s extremely simple! You’ll receive an e-mail with a link to our online platform; simply click on the link at the time of your scheduled appointment and Luigi will appear via video and conduct your session just like he would a face to face appointment. What do I need for a telehealth appointment? We encourage clients to use a private room at home (advise housemates/family not to disturb you for the duration of your appointment). You can use your smart phone, laptop or tablet (as long as they have a camera and mic function, which most do these days). I also suggest using headphones or airpods etc! How much do online sessions cost? Session fees are the same as our regular face to face prices, as you’re paying for our clinician’s time. However, if cost is a barrier for you to access telehealth sessions with me, then please let me know as I may be able to negotiate a different fee, depending on circumstances. How many sessions do I need? The number of sessions an individual requires varies. Some people only require a few sessions in order to meet their goals and outcomes, others come longer term to deal with more complex issues. I encourage people to commit to six sessions to give the process of treatment an opportunity to develop. Is it secure? YES! The platforms we use are encrypted and you can rest assured the contents of your session will remain confidential. I feel weird / nervous about doing a video session? Completely understandable, as it’s a platform many people haven’t tried before. If you’re a current client or a new client wanting to book in, we highly encourage you to give it a try, you’ll likely be surprised very early in the session how comfortable you’ll feel and how very similar it is to a face to face appointment.

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What is Telehealth?

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What is telehealth? Telehealth is essentially conducting health services (like counselling or clinical hypnotherapy) via video conferencing online! Is it effective? Research indicates that receiving counselling services via telehealth is just as effective as face to face support. How does it work? It’s extremely simple! You’ll receive an e-mail with a link to our online platform; simply click on the link at the time of your scheduled appointment and Luigi will appear via video and conduct your session just like he would a face to face appointment. What do I need for a telehealth appointment? We encourage clients to use a private room at home (advise housemates/family not to disturb you for the duration of your appointment). You can use your smart phone, laptop or tablet (as long as they have a camera and mic function, which most do these days). I also suggest using headphones or airpods etc! How much do online sessions cost? Session fees are the same as our regular face to face prices, as you’re paying for our clinician’s time. However, if cost is a barrier for you to access telehealth sessions with me, then please let me know as I may be able to negotiate a different fee, depending on circumstances. How many sessions do I need? The number of sessions an individual requires varies. Some people only require a few sessions in order to meet their goals and outcomes, others come longer term to deal with more complex issues. I encourage people to commit to six sessions to give the process of treatment an opportunity to develop. Is it secure? YES! The platforms we use are encrypted and you can rest assured the contents of your session will remain confidential. I feel weird / nervous about doing a video session? Completely understandable, as it’s a platform many people haven’t tried before. If you’re a current client or a new client wanting to book in, we highly encourage you to give it a try, you’ll likely be surprised very early in the session how comfortable you’ll feel and how very similar it is to a face to face appointment.

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What is Telehealth?

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What is telehealth? Telehealth is essentially conducting health services (like counselling or clinical hypnotherapy) via video conferencing online! Is it effective? Research indicates that receiving counselling services via telehealth is just as effective as face to face support. How does it work? It’s extremely simple! You’ll receive an e-mail with a link to our online platform; simply click on the link at the time of your scheduled appointment and Luigi will appear via video and conduct your session just like he would a face to face appointment. What do I need for a telehealth appointment? We encourage clients to use a private room at home (advise housemates/family not to disturb you for the duration of your appointment). You can use your smart phone, laptop or tablet (as long as they have a camera and mic function, which most do these days). I also suggest using headphones or airpods etc! How much do online sessions cost? Session fees are the same as our regular face to face prices, as you’re paying for our clinician’s time. However, if cost is a barrier for you to access telehealth sessions with me, then please let me know as I may be able to negotiate a different fee, depending on circumstances. How many sessions do I need? The number of sessions an individual requires varies. Some people only require a few sessions in order to meet their goals and outcomes, others come longer term to deal with more complex issues. I encourage people to commit to six sessions to give the process of treatment an opportunity to develop. Is it secure? YES! The platforms we use are encrypted and you can rest assured the contents of your session will remain confidential. I feel weird / nervous about doing a video session? Completely understandable, as it’s a platform many people haven’t tried before. If you’re a current client or a new client wanting to book in, we highly encourage you to give it a try, you’ll likely be surprised very early in the session how comfortable you’ll feel and how very similar it is to a face to face appointment.

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What is Psychosexual Counselling/Sex Therapy?

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What is Psychosexual Counselling/Sex Therapy?

Psychosexual Counselling or Sex Therapy is a professional and ethical treatment approach to issues of sexual function and expression.

Sexuality is of legitimate concern to professionals and that it is the right of individuals to expert assistance with their sexual difficulties.

Psychosexual counselling employs many of the same basic principles as the other therapeutic modalities, but is unique in that it is an approach developed specifically for the treatment of sexual issues. That is, psychosexual counselling is a specialised form of treatment used with one aspect of the wide range of human issues.

Psychosexual Counselling then, is the focusing of specialised clinical skills on helping people of all ages and backgrounds as individuals and/or as couples to deal more effectively with their sexual expression.

Psychosexual Counselling is the result of relatively recent scientific attention to human sexual function and dysfunction. Out of the increased knowledge of the physiology and psychology of human sexual behaviour has come a new professional appreciation for human sexual response.

At a time in our society when sexuality is being more openly discussed, we are beginning to realise how uninformed many people really are about this important personal topic.

All therapy depends upon trust and mutual respect, but this is particularly true when working with intimate issues of sexuality.

The importance of sexual function for individuals varies, of course, but for many it is closely tied in with their total concept of self-identity. For these, problems in sexual function may lead to devaluation of self - "When I cannot feel good about my sexuality, how can I feel good about myself?"

Regardless of the structure of the intimate relationship shared, sexuality serves a valuable function for most couples. It becomes an expression of caring, not only for the partner, but for oneself. It can become a powerful bonding element in a relationship, which, in today's society, must withstand considerable demands on time, energy and commitment.

Dissatisfaction with the sex and the loss of that shared intimacy, in many instances, may lead to negative feelings and attitudes which are destructive to the relationship. Many relationships end therefore, because of unresolved sexual differences and difficulties.

Psychosexual counselling is confidential and non-judgmental.

What is a Psychosexual Counsellor/Sex Therapist?

Psychosexual Counsellors are specifically trained in sexuality topics and psychosexual therapy.

People who have been trained specifically in counselling/psychotherapy receive training in self-awareness and the self in therapeutic context. Training in values and attitudes to sexuality is an extension of this, specifically focused on the sexological/psychosexual therapeutic arena.

Values and attitudes training develops a psychosexual counsellor’s understanding of their own values and attitudes towards human sexuality and an understanding of topics many people are uncomfortable exploring. Although we may not agree with a sexual practice we need to be able to support people who engage in non-normative sexual practices.

There are no physical examinations; a psychosexual counsellor will only ever talk with you.

So what exactly does a Psychosexual Counsellor/Sex Therapist do?

A psychosexual counsellor works with a wide variety of issues related to sexuality.

They will listen to you without judgement and ask you some questions, so together they can begin to understand your concerns and discuss ways in which they may be able to assist.

Clients seek help with such issues about arousal (impotence and frigidity), as well as issues with orgasm (either inability to climax or the inability to control ejaculation).

In addition to seeking medical evaluation and treatment, many clients who experience painful intercourse also seek the assistance of a psychosexual counsellor.

Couples often seek help when it becomes apparent that differences exist in their sexual desires or when they sense that their sexual relationship is not growing, as they would wish.

The qualified psychosexual counsellor is also available to those wishing to resolve troublesome sexual inhibitions or change undesirable sexual habits. People with questions about their sexual identity or sexual preferences seek out the trained psychosexual counsellor for consultation.

Psychosexual counsellors also assist those experiencing sexual difficulties as a result of physical disabilities or as the consequence of illness, surgery, ageing or trauma.

As with any therapy for personal or behavioural difficulties, psychosexual counselling has its limitations. Although usually brief and effective with most sexual concerns, psychosexual counselling does not offer a miracle cure for all interpersonal problems.

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Appointment Fees & Payment Information

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COVID-19 Appointment Fee/Payment Information

My fee for 1 hour appointments is $190. The rate recommended by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is currently $240 for appointments of 60 minutes duration. Please speak directly with me should you be experiencing financial difficulties during Covid-19.

Payment prior to each appointment is expected by direct deposit unless by prior
arrangement.

Direct Deposits can be made to:
LC Romanelli & Associates Pty Ltd
(CBA)
BSB: 067-600
Account Number: 11079422

Please make sure you include your name or invoice number when making a direct deposit.

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