Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Positive Solutions has complied a list of answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If your question was not answered here and you have been unable to find an answer please contact us.
Family Dispute Resolution
Do I need a lawyer if I use family mediation?
Not necessarily, but we recommend that you seek independent legal advice about the issues that you are hoping to resolve through mediation. Mediators cannot give you advice and you must engage a lawyer or lawyers for an agreement to be made legally binding
What are my rights regarding my children if I have separated?
Every family’s individual situation is different so there is no standard that can be applied. Children have a right to safety and a right to have a relationship with both parents.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of joint sessions required really depends on the complexity of the issues discussed.
I want to be able to see my kids but haven’t for years. Is there anything I can do?
People who find themselves in this situation can attend an intake to discuss the circumstances of loss of contact and your hopes for re-establishing a relationship. If It is appropriate, we may invite your children’s other parent into the mediation process.
What is a section 60i Certificate and what does it mean?
S60I Certificates are required by the court to indicate whether Family Dispute Resolution has been attempted or not. This is because FDR is mandatory under the Family Law act- but with some exceptions.
The certificates define 5 categories including:
- Refusal or failure to attend*
- Matter inappropriate for mediation
- Genuine effort
- Non-genuine effort
- Became inappropriate after commencement.
*Refusal or failure to attend may result in costs being awarded against you by the court.
You must attend an individual session with us to be able to obtain a 60I certificate.
There’s a Family Violence Order in place. Can I still attend?
You will be asked to bring a copy of your Police/ Family Violence Order to your first session so that we can ensure that we are not in breach of it if we invite the other party. The dynamics of family violence can impact people in different ways so it is important to let your mediator know how they can support you.You must attend an individual session with us to be able to obtain a 60I certificate.
There are no orders in place but I have experienced family violence. How can you help me?
Mediators are trained in understanding and recognising types of family violence and the impacts FV can have on families and children. Talk to your mediator about what you have experienced and they will suggest options for keeping you safe and supporting you throughout the process.
Why can’t we go straight to mediation?
The individual sessions are designed to answer your questions, give you information about the process and importantly, to give you a chance to share your experience of the dispute without the other party present. The more the mediator understands your unique situation, the better they can assist you both.
Do grandparents have rights too?
Grandparents do have rights under the Family Law act and Positive Solutions provides the same service for parents and grandparents under Family Dispute Resolution.
I need a support person. Can my new partner come to mediation with me?
Support people are welcome to attend individual sessions and we ask them to sign a confidentiality clause and to refrain from having verbal input into the session. We need the permission of both parties for support people to attend the joint session.
What does confidentiality actually mean?
Confidentiality means that whatever is discussed in individual sessions is between you are your practitioner. However, mediators are mandated notifiers so if something is disclosed that constitutes threat of harm to a child or an adult, they have a duty of care to report it.
Counselling
What happens at counselling?
Counselling is way for you to explore your feelings and emotions in a safe and confidential environment. Counselling can help you examine your options and the possible consequences of any actions.
How do I know my child or teenager would benefit from counselling?
Every person is different and you know your child and/or teenager the best. If your child or teenager’s mood and emotional reactions to things seem out of the ordinary or you have a feeling that something is wrong, trust your instinct. The sooner any issues are dealt with, the better the outcome.
Can I change to a different counsellor?
We do our best to match you with a counsellor to ensure your needs are met. If the fit isn’t quite right, we can match you with another counsellor to better suit your needs.
If you haven’t tried counselling before, feel free to make an appointment without feeling like you have to keep seeing the person you had your appointment with. It’s okay to try a number of different sessions with different counsellors until you feel you have found someone you can work with.
Employee Assistance Program
What happens at counselling?
Counselling is way for you to explore your feelings and emotions in a safe and confidential environment. Counselling can help you examine your options and the possible consequences of any actions.
Can I change to a different counsellor?
We do our best to match you with a counsellor to ensure your needs are met. If the fit isn’t quite right, we can match you with another counsellor to better suit your needs.
If you haven’t tried counselling before, feel free to make an appointment without feeling like you have to keep seeing the person you had your appointment with. It’s okay to try a number of different sessions with different counsellors until you feel you have found someone you can work with.
How many sessions can I have?
Your workplace will have prescribed the number of sessions you can have with us free of charge. If you would like to find out how many sessions you are entitled to, please call us on 6223 5612.
Do I need to tell my employer that I am accessing EAP counselling?
You can access EAP counselling without informing your employer.
Do I have to access EAP counselling?
Accessing EAP counselling is completely your decision. Although a supervisor may recommend an employee access EAP, it is entirely voluntary whether the employee chooses to access the service.
General
How much do you charge?
We are a not for profit service, with only some services partially funded by the government. We try to keep our fees to a minimum and these vary from service to service with some services being means tested based on income.
Do I need to attend an office for an appointment?
Our services are available at our offices, via phone or online.
Counselling and supervision sessions are available via walk and talk support. For further information regarding this service click here.
What does confidentiality actually mean?
Confidentiality means that whatever is discussed in individual sessions is between you are your practitioner. However, our staff are mandated reporters so if something is disclosed that constitutes threat of harm to a child or an adult, they have a duty of care to report it.
What is walk and talk support?
Walk and talk support is where counselling or supervision sessions are held outdoors whilst walking. There are many benefits to this type of support. For more information click here.
Counselling for Children
What is counselling for children?
Counselling is a safe place where children and young people can talk about their feelings and worries. The counsellor helps them understand what is happening and learn ways to cope. For younger children, this may include play, drawing, or activities as well as talking.
What ages can have counselling?
Counselling is available for children and young people from 3-18 years old. Sessions and counsellors are matched to the child’s age and level of understanding.
What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with things like:
- Building confidence
- Worries and fears
- Feeling sad, angry, or confused
- Changes in the family
- Grief or loss
- School or friendship problems
- Big or upsetting experiences
Do parents/guardians need to agree?
Usually, a parent or legal guardian needs to give permission before counselling starts. In some situations, a young person may be able to consent themselves if they have enough understanding of what counselling involves and the possible benefits and risks.
Do both parents/guardians need to give consent?
This depends on legal parental responsibility and any court orders or parenting arrangements in place. Many services will ask for consent from each person who has parental responsibility, unless an order or written agreement says otherwise.
If there are court orders, parenting plans, or written agreements that affect who can make decisions for your child, the service will follow those arrangements. Copies of relevant orders will be requested before sessions begin.
If only one parent has legal responsibility, or if there are safety concerns, this should be discussed with the service as early as possible.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling is confidential. This means what your child shares is kept private within the service, and records are stored securely. Confidentiality helps children and young people feel safe to talk openly.
Unless legally restricted, parents are entitled to general information about their child’s engagement and progress. Detailed session content is not routinely shared, to protect the child’s privacy and therapeutic relationship.
There are times when confidentiality cannot be kept. This includes if:
- Your child, or someone else, is at serious risk of harm
- Abuse or neglect is suspected or disclosed and the counsellor is required to make a report
- A legal requirement applies (for example, a subpoena or other lawful request)
- You (and/or your child, depending on age and capacity) give consent to share information with another service
If possible, the counsellor will talk this through with you and your child before sharing information, and will only share what is needed to keep people safe or meet legal requirements.
Will parents/guardians be told what happens in sessions?
The counsellor will balance your child’s privacy with keeping you informed. This may include general updates or advice on how to support your child, rather than details of everything said in sessions.
Is there a parent intake before my child starts counselling?
Yes. In most cases, one or more parent or guardian intake sessions happen before the child’s first counselling session.
This session allows the counsellor to:
- Talk about consent, confidentiality, and parent involvement
- Understand your concerns and your child’s background
- Gather important information about family, school, and health
- Explain how counselling works and answer your questions
Why is a parent intake needed?
A parent intake helps make sure counselling is safe, appropriate, and helpful for your child. It gives the counsellor a clear picture of what support your child needs before meeting with them.
Does my child attend the parent intake?
Usually, no. The parent intake is typically for parents or guardians only. This allows you to speak openly about your concerns. The counsellor will let you know if your child should attend any part of the first session.
What if my child is a teenager?
For older adolescents, the counsellor may:
- Start with a parent intake
- See the young person first
- Or combine parent and youth sessions
The approach depends on the young person’s age, understanding, and situation.
What if we don’t do a parent intake?
In some situations, a parent intake may be brief or combined with the first session. However, some form of parent discussion is usually required before ongoing counselling begins.
What happens in the child’s first session?
The first session helps the counsellor understand your child and what support is needed. The counsellor will also explain counselling in a way your child can understand. A parent/guardian may attend all or part of this session.
How long will counselling take?
This is different for every child. Some children need only a few sessions, while others need more. Progress is reviewed along the way. If your child is attending counselling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the number of sessions is usually limited by that program.
What if my child does not want to come?
This is common. Counsellors work gently and at your child’s pace. If counselling does not feel right, the counsellor can talk with you about other options.
Are records kept?
Yes. Counsellors keep brief notes about sessions. These are stored securely and are only shared with your permission (and/or your child’s permission, depending on age and capacity) unless the law requires otherwise.
Can information be shared with schools or other services?
Only with your written permission (and/or your child’s permission, depending on age and capacity), unless there is a serious safety concern or the law requires information to be shared.
Please note: Positive Solutions is a counselling service and does not provide assessment, medico-legal, or court reports for clients. If needed, we may be able to provide a brief confirmation of attendance with appropriate consent.
Can we stop counselling?
Yes. Counselling is voluntary and can be stopped at any time. A final session may be suggested to help with closure or next steps.
Who provides the counselling?
Counselling is provided by trained and qualified professionals who have experience working with children and young people.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have questions or concerns, you are encouraged to contact Positive Solutions directly to discuss them.