This page is a guide for new clients — covering what happens in your first session and the intake process for children, couples, and families. Keep it, share it, or come back to it whenever you need.
Share as much or as little as you want. There’s no expectation to arrive with it all figured out — the session opens where you are.
I hear a little of your story; you get a feel for how I work. It’s as much about you deciding if this fits as anything else.
This is your chance to ask whatever you need to. You don’t have to commit to coming back until it feels right.
Before sessions begin, there’s a short intake process to help me understand your child’s world and what’s bringing you here.
Questionnaire
Before the intake session, I’ll send a short questionnaire for parents to complete. This gives me useful background and means we can spend our time together on what matters most.
Parent intake session
We meet first — without your child — to talk through the background, your concerns, and what your child knows about coming to see me. One or both parents are welcome.
Sessions begin
Child sessions are play-based and move at your child’s pace. Art therapy and sandtray are often used — expressive tools that give children a natural, non-verbal way to work through things. Parents receive regular check-ins throughout.
Couples and family counselling starts with individual intake sessions. This helps me understand each person’s perspective before we come together.
Questionnaire
Before the intake, I’ll send a short questionnaire for each person to complete in their own time. This helps me come to the individual sessions prepared.
Individual intake sessions
Each person meets with me separately — one session each to begin with, though sometimes more than one individual session is needed. This gives everyone a space to speak openly without the other present.
Suitability assessment
After the individual sessions, I assess whether joint counselling is appropriate. This is done thoughtfully and with each person’s wellbeing in mind.
Joint sessions begin
If joint work is suitable, couples or family sessions begin from here. The pace and structure are agreed together at the outset.
Not everyone who begins individual intake proceeds to joint sessions. If joint counselling isn’t the right fit, I’ll talk through what other options might be helpful.
In person — Karalee, QLD.
Online — via secure video for those who prefer it or can’t attend in person. Available for most session types.
Wherever possible, please give 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule. See the cancellation policy for the full details on fees.
Nothing special is required. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, referral letter, or diagnosis documents, bring those along — otherwise, just yourself.
Head to the sessions page to book, or reach out to Cheree directly if you’d like to talk things through first.
No pressure, just a conversation
Fill in a few details and Cheree will be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Thank you for reaching out. Cheree will be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Take gentle care until then.