Freedom is realising you are not your thoughts.
Edge Counselling and Psychotherapy Adelaide specialises in nurturing the wellbeing of children, adolescents, and adults. Whilst a range of counselling skills and modalities are used to support each client, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is the specialisation. ACT is a third-wave evidence-based psychotherapy in the Cognitive Behavioural tradition. ACT uses mindfulness to develop greater acceptance, it enables us to commit to actions in line with personal values and helps us develop greater psychological flexibility.
ABOUT US
Michael Larner
Director
Clinical Counsellor, Primary and Secondary Teacher, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist, Consultant
GradD. Couns., B. Ed., GradC. Ed., M. Ed., TRBSA 588951, PACFA Reg. Clinical 27903.
As a PACFA registered clinical counsellor I specialise in helping people work through challenging life events such as anxiety, stress, family and social concerns, grief, depression, issues with identity, bullying, mental illness, suicidal ideation and trauma.
As a TRBSA registered teacher, I also provide support for students moving through primary and secondary school. I am available to work with students across a broad range of subjects from Reception to Year 12. My specialty areas include Primary and Middle Years (all subjects); and Senior Years Psychology, English and History. I am an experienced Early Childhood Professional and provide significant support and interventions for children with behavioural challenges, especially children with disabilities including ASD and ADHD.
I am available for community information seminars to help educate education staff around mental health and wellbeing.
I look forward to working with you and helping you on your life journey.
April Krieg
Teacher, Early Childhood Professional, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist
B. Education, TRBSA 597138
April brings much skill and expertise as an early years teacher and specialist. April is a registered teacher and has worked in early years, primary and special education settings in a range of teaching and leadership roles. April has worked extensively with children and young people with disabilities and learning needs.
Our Early Childhood Intervention Services include:
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1:1 early years tutoring and support.
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Play based therapy focusing on social, emotional, communication and self regulation skills.
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Specialised support into early childhood settings and schools.
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Connecting you to services in your community such as playgroups, health services and childcare.
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Giving you information to help you understand more about your child's development and skill progression.
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Transition to school readiness programs.
Start your journey towards healing today.
COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
Please make contact with us for pricing.
Consultations can be funded through Plan Managed and Self Managed NDIS plans for NDIS participants.
Private Health rebates can apply to eligible clients from BUPA, ARHG, St Luke's Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Westfund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see-u by HBF, AIA Health, Mildura Health, Teachers Union Health, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health and Unihealth.
The rebates available will depend on the individual health funds.
Consultation 1 Hour
A 1 Hour consultation is advised for adolescents and adults. This time period is negotiated as the counselling rapport develops. Consultations in excess of 1 hour are rarely offered as they are often counterproductive.
Consultations can be for as many or as few sessions as you like. Obviously, regular session attendance results in feeling better sooner!
Consultation 30 - 45 minutes
A 30 - 45 minute consultation is advised for young people (children and early adolescents). This shortened time duration is due to the fact these young people may find longer sessions difficult to manage. This time period is negotiated as the counselling rapport develops.
Consultations can be for as many or as few sessions as you like. Obviously, regular session attendance often results in feeling better sooner!
Discover how counselling can improve your life.
Prices are subject to change.
OTHER SERVICES
CONTACT
Consultations can be arranged via:
Zoom
Phone
At your place of residence or school (* NDIS only)
At our designated consultation room in Mawson Lakes, SA (See Map)
Please make contact via email, phone or through the form below.
You don’t have to have a tug-of-war with your emotions.
Try letting them be.
FAQs
What is the difference between a counsellor, psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Whilst there are of course similarities in the work that these professionals do, there are some significant differences. Talk to us if you would like further information.
A counsellor uses therapeutic skills and strategies, and psychotherapies, and can assist people with a range of concerns and mental health issues. It is important to seek out a counsellor that has undertaken rigorous University training that includes at least 200 hours of field work. A counsellor that holds PACFA registration has undertaken only rigorous University training such as a Bachelor of Counselling, Graduate Diploma of Counselling or Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Look for the badge:
A psychologist uses therapeutic skills and strategies, and psychotherapies and can assist people with a range of concerns and mental health disorders. A psychologist can diagnose mental illness or various psychological conditions including learning disorders. Psychologists use standardised assessment tools to do this. Psychologists have undertaken rigorous University training, including a Master of Clinical Psychology.
A psychiatrist uses therapeutic skills and strategies, and psychotherapies and can assist a client with a range of mental health disorders and psychiatric concerns. A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor and can prescribe and treat patients with various medications. A psychiatrist always holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and has undertaken significant further training at University and through medical internships.
Is Medicare available if I see the counsellor?
Not yet. PACFA and ACA are still negotiating this with the Australian Federal Government. Hopefully, we are not too far off and will soon see this available for counsellors that have undertaken the necessary training.
Are Private Health rebates available?
Yes. Private Health rebates can apply to eligible clients from BUPA, ARHG, St Luke's Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Westfund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see-u by HBF, AIA Health, Mildura Health, Teachers Union Health, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwives Health and Unihealth. The rebates available will depend on the individual health funds.
Can clients accessing the NDIS access counselling services?
Yes, clients who are self-managed or plan-managed can access counselling services as per the line number 15_043_0128_1_3 outlined by the NDIS. I would always discuss your NDIS goals and provide a Service Agreement.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan, or referral, from my GP to see the counsellor?
No, you do not need to see your GP before making a counselling appointment. Anybody can see a counsellor for any reason.
Why does my counsellor ask me about my presenting concerns before confirming an appointment?
There are a few reasons why this occurs. I always ask about a client's presenting concerns so that I can quickly assess whether I am the right professional to best support you. There are various presenting concerns that might be better addressed by another counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker.
What presenting concerns will prevent me from seeing the counsellor at Edge Counselling and Psychotherapy Adelaide?
Because I work with children, adolescents and young people under the age of 18, I am legally and ethically bound to maintain the safety and wellbeing of young people and their families that access counselling or other services. Therefore, I cannot offer counselling for people that present with sexual disorders, perpetrators of domestic violence or sex crimes such as sexual assault against a minor or adult, or people that have recently been discharged from prison for various offences, particularly offenses that involve assault or violent offending.
Clients with other presenting concerns that I may not be able to support include clients with significant mental health concerns that are beyond my scope and training such as psychosis. Note also, that I am not a drug and alcohol counsellor. Sometimes I will refer a client to another agency if I deem this necessary. For example, I may refer to a GP, private psychologist, Sonder, CAMHS, Head Space, Northern Mental Health or Urgent Mental Health Care Centre. Please note that all people are worthy of professional counselling and psychological support and I will do my best to 'point you in the right direction'.
I'm feeling nervous about talking to someone. What can I expect at Edge Counselling and Psychotherapy Adelaide?
Seeking support is never easy. I understand that talking to a professional is often difficult, but so is continuing to struggle each day. I endeavour to provide a person-centred, empathetic, safe and therapeutic space. You are always in control of what you share and what you don't want to share. We go at your pace. Essentially, the first few sessions are the "information gathering" sessions. I use this time to build a case-conceptualisation so that I can really get to know your case. We will discuss your expectations and goals for counselling. You know yourself best, and so I will always be guided by you. Often, we need a safe place to grapple with our thoughts, and this can feel a little messy. I will endeavour to keep us focused and also provide a space for freedom of exploration. As we continue to meet, we will continue to develop the therapeutic alliance together. I employ a range of counselling skills and strategies, though I often lean on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I would endeavour to build an ACT program that best caters for your needs. Along the way, I will provide psychoeducation to help you better understand your situation.
What is an ethics statement?
At your first consult, I will share with you an ethics statement. What you share in the counselling session is always kept confidential. You are never the topic of conversation in the lunchroom, or when I am with my friends and family. However, there is a limitation to the confidentiality agreement. If you were to disclose that,
1. You want to hurt yourself
2. You want to hurt someone else
3. Somebody is hurting you
4. A serious crime is being committed
Legally, and ethically, I need to break confidentiality in order to keep you and others safe. This may mean I need to consult with a legal guardian (if reported by a person under 16 year of age), and/ or seek further intervention and support. As a mandated notifier, the protection of children and young people is paramount. Crimes against children or persons under the age of 18 are always reported to the Department for Child Protection.
Note that often people do share these safety concerns, and together we manage the situation. Most often people continue counselling even when they have shared such concerns.