Counselling in Mentone and online

Hypfocus Therapies offers warm, confidential counselling for adults with Georgina Mitchell, a Level 2 member of the Australian Counselling Association, in person at 10 Conder Way, Mentone (near Cheltenham and the wider Bayside area), or by secure video anywhere in Australia. Counselling here is talking therapy that can stand alone or be combined with clinical hypnotherapy. It is not a crisis service, and it does not replace care from your GP or a psychologist when that is what you need.

Telehealth appointments available Australia-wide.

Call 0435 923 817

What is counselling, and how is it different from hypnotherapy?

Counselling is a collaborative talking therapy. You and Georgina work together to make sense of what is going on, notice patterns, and try out new ways of responding at a pace that feels manageable.

Hypnotherapy uses a focused, relaxed state of attention as one tool within that wider support. At Hypfocus you can book counselling on its own, hypnotherapy combined with counselling, or move between the two as your goals change. Georgina will help you choose an approach that fits, rather than pushing a single method.

What can I talk to a counsellor about?

People come to counselling for many reasons. Common themes include:

• stress, overwhelm and burnout

• anxiety, panic and social anxiety

• grief and loss (see also Georgina’s writing on grief and change on the blog)

• relationship changes, separation or family strain

• life transitions – work, study, becoming a parent, retirement, relocation

• low mood, self-criticism and feeling stuck

• adjusting after illness, injury or a difficult year

You do not need a neat label before you book. If low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm are part of what you are carrying, please also see your GP, who can talk with you about options including a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

What is a counselling session with Georgina like?

Your first appointment is up to 90 minutes. It is mostly a conversation about what brings you in, your history, your health, any medication and what you would like to be different. Together you shape a plan that suits you.

Follow-up sessions are up to 60 minutes. A minimum of 4 sessions is recommended, though some people continue longer and others focus on a shorter piece of work. Sessions are collaborative: you set the focus, and Georgina brings counselling skills, curiosity and practical tools. Approaches she is trained in include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT); these may be offered as options when they fit, not as a one-size-fits-all script.

Can I combine counselling with hypnotherapy?

Yes. Many clients use both. Some start with counselling to talk things through, then add hypnosis when they want to practise new responses in a relaxed, focused state. Others begin with hypnotherapy and keep counselling time for planning and reflection. You can decide together as you go.

Can I have counselling online?

Yes. Adult clients can have counselling by secure video from anywhere in Australia, using Cliniko’s built-in video. Overseas adult clients are welcome too. The approach is the same as in Mentone. For setup tips, privacy and what happens if the connection drops, see telehealth hypnotherapy and counselling across Australia (hypfocus.com.au/telehealth-hypnotherapy-counselling-australia).

How much does counselling cost, and can I claim it on my health fund?

Current fees are listed on the Fees page (hypfocus.com.au/fees). First appointments are up to 90 minutes; standard sessions are up to 60 minutes. Counselling and hypnotherapy are not covered by Medicare. Some private health funds may offer a rebate for counselling depending on your policy – provider numbers for selected funds appear in the site footer – so check with your fund before booking.

Counsellor or psychologist: which do I need?

Both can be helpful; they are different professions. Psychologists are registered with AHPRA and, with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, may attract a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions. Counsellors registered with bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association offer talking therapy outside that Medicare pathway. Georgina is an ACA Level 2 counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist, not a psychologist. If you are unsure which pathway fits, start with your GP, or book a free 15-minute phone chat to ask questions.

Do you offer NDIS counselling?

Yes — see the dedicated NDIS services page (hypfocus.com.au/ndis-services) for how NDIS counselling works at Hypfocus.

Where are sessions held?

In person at 10 Conder Way, Mentone VIC 3194, serving clients from Mentone, Cheltenham, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Highett, Sandringham and across Bayside. Hours: Monday to Thursday 7am–7pm, Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–3pm (Melbourne time), by appointment. Telehealth is available for adults Australia-wide (and overseas by arrangement).

Ready to talk?

You can book a counselling appointment online through Cliniko, or start with a free 15-minute phone chat. You can also call or text 0435 923 817.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for counselling at Hypfocus?

No referral is needed. It is still a good idea to see your GP about ongoing low mood, anxiety or other health concerns, so physical causes can be checked and you can discuss all your options.

Is counselling the same as hypnotherapy?

No. Counselling is talking therapy. Hypnotherapy uses a focused, relaxed state as one tool and is often combined with counselling at Hypfocus. You can choose counselling alone, or a combined approach.

Can I have counselling online from interstate?

Yes. Adult clients anywhere in Australia can book secure video counselling via Cliniko. Overseas adult clients are welcome too. See the telehealth page for setup tips.

How much does counselling cost?

Current fees are on hypfocus.com.au/fees. First appointments are up to 90 minutes and standard sessions are up to 60 minutes. Counselling is not covered by Medicare; some private health funds may offer a rebate depending on your policy.

Are you a psychologist?

No. Georgina is a Level 2 member of the Australian Counselling Association and a clinical member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association. Psychologists are a separate, AHPRA-registered profession and may be Medicare-rebatable with a Mental Health Treatment Plan via your GP.

Do you offer NDIS counselling?

Yes. Details are on the NDIS services page at hypfocus.com.au/ndis-services.

About the author

Written by Georgina Mitchell, CHT, Grad Dip Counselling

Georgina is the clinical hypnotherapist and counsellor at Hypfocus Therapies in Mentone. She is a clinical member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association (no. PM2015096), a Level 2 member of the Australian Counselling Association (no. L2 4249) and a member of the ACA College of Supervisors. Her qualifications include a Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Read more about Georgina at hypfocus.com.au/about-us. Last reviewed: October 2026.

Crisis note

Hypfocus is not a crisis service. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Victorian on-call mental health services: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/telephone-and-online-services