The Joy Circle
The Joy Circle
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Contact
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Parenting Support
    • Professional Services
    • NDIS Support
    • Online Counselling
  • Fees & Info
    • Fees & Funding
    • New Clients / FAQ
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Blog
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About Us
      • Meet The Team
      • Contact
    • Services
      • All Services
      • Parenting Support
      • Professional Services
      • NDIS Support
      • Online Counselling
    • Fees & Info
      • Fees & Funding
      • New Clients / FAQ
      • Cancellation Policy
    • Resources
      • Resources
      • Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Contact
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Parenting Support
    • Professional Services
    • NDIS Support
    • Online Counselling
  • Fees & Info
    • Fees & Funding
    • New Clients / FAQ
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Blog

New Clients Counseling Information

What to Expect

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, especially when you're considering your first session of counseling. For many people, seeking therapy support is something they've contemplated for months—or even years. If you're feeling nervous, uncertain, or wondering what happens next with online counseling services, you're not alone.

About Us

Ready to take the next step?

Reach Out

Abstract circular design with number 1.

Contact us via phone, email, website enquiry, or online booking to begin your journey with our online counseling services. We’re here to answer any questions you have and assist in determining the best service or therapist for your first session counseling needs, ensuring you receive the right therapy support.

Book Your First Appointment

Yellow circle with number 2 inside

We offer: 


- Face-to-face counselling 

- Online counselling services Australia-wide 

- Telephone counselling 


Choose the option that feels most comfortable for you, whether it’s your first session counseling or ongoing therapy support.

Attend Your First Session

Attend Your First Session

Yellow number three on a blue oval.

Your first session of counseling is about getting to know each other. In this initial meeting, we'll discuss:  


- What's brought you here  

- What challenges you're facing  

- What support you're looking for  

- What goals you'd like to work towards  

- Or simply, whatever you would like to talk about.  


There's no pressure to share everything straight away. With our online counseling services, we can move at your pace, ensuring you receive the therapy support you need.

Create a Plan Together

Create a Plan Together

Attend Your First Session

Yellow circle with the number 4 in blue.

In our first session counseling, we'll work collaboratively to identify the therapy support that may be most helpful and create a plan tailored to your individual needs, which can also be accessed through our online counseling services.

Ongoing Support

Create a Plan Together

Ongoing Support

A yellow number 5 inside a teal circle.

Therapy isn't about 'fixing' you. It's a space to off-load your feelings, with a safe person who listens without judgment. In our online counseling services, we focus on helping you understand yourself, build essential skills, navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and create the life you desire. During your first session counseling, we will follow your lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at alara@thejoycircle.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.

That's completely okay. 

Many people do.

The tissues are available and therapy is a safe space for all emotions.


 It's completely normal to feel a little nervous or unsure before your first session. For many people, therapy is something new, and stepping into an unfamiliar space can feel daunting.


Our goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible from the moment you arrive. We have plenty of things available to help you settle in, including warm drinks, sensory and fidget tools, cosy blankets, weighted teddies, and even background music if that helps you feel more at ease.


There's no pressure to know exactly what to say or where to start. We'll guide the conversation at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Most people tell us they felt much more relaxed and comfortable than they expected. 95% of the time, they look forward to returning!


 You don't need to have the right words. Most of the time there are no right words!

We'll figure it out together.


That depends on your goals and individual circumstances.

We'll discuss this together and review it as needed.


We aim to keep the payment process as simple as possible. An invoice will be issued within 24 hours of your appointment, with payment requested within 7 days.

We accept a range of funding options, including:


Private Clients

Self-funded counselling and therapy services.


Medicare Rebates

Clients with a valid Mental Health Care Plan may be eligible for a Medicare rebate when seeing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.


Private Health Insurance

You can receive money back through some private health insurance companies.


NDIS

We support both self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.


Victims Services

Alara is an approved Victims Services Counsellor and can provide counselling services under eligible Victims Services funding.


Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ)

Funding arrangements may be available through DCJ and related services.


Other Funded Services

We also accept referrals and funding through a range of organisations, including:

  • Out of Home Care (OOHC) providers
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
  • Multicultural support services
  • Non-government organisations (NGOs)
  • Community support agencies


If you're unsure whether your funding source can be used, please get in touch. We're happy to discuss your options and help you find the best pathway to support.


Ready to take the next step?

 Appointments available:

  • Face-to-face in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
  • Online counselling Australia-wide
  • Telephone counselling

get in touch

The Joy Circle acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, the lands of the Awabakal and Darkinjung peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and recognise their contributions. We acknowledge the ongoing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country, culture, and community. 


We are committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all people. We proudly welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities, family structures, and identities. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodiversity affirming, and disability-friendly. 


Neurodiversity-affirming · LGBTQIA+ inclusive · Culturally safe · Trauma-informed 


Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to help our website work smoothly, understand how visitors use our site, and improve your experience. 

Accept