How we assign your counsellor

When you first contact Victims Services Counselling, we aim to respond within two business days. One of our intake counsellors will make contact to confirm a few details, clarify your current needs, and begin the process of matching you with an appropriate counsellor.

During this initial conversation, we gather a basic understanding of your situation. We do not require a full clinical history at this stage, but we do ask enough to understand the nature of the crime-related trauma, any immediate safety concerns, and the type of support you are seeking. We also confirm that you have an active Victims Services approval for counselling under the Approved Counselling Scheme. If you are unsure whether your approval is current, we can help you interpret the information you have. If you do not yet have approval, we will direct you to the NSW Government application process or to a support service that can assist you.

Once we have confirmed your eligibility, we will outline the counsellors who are currently available and whose experience matches your circumstances. We will explain what each counsellor offers, including their clinical focus, relevant experience, and the approaches they use. You are then able to choose the counsellor who feels right for you.

We understand that personal preference matters in trauma-focused work. If you would prefer a female or male counsellor, we will accommodate that request wherever possible. We also take into account the nature of the trauma, any accessibility requirements, and whether you would be best suited to a counsellor with particular specialist experience.

A good therapeutic fit is important. Research consistently shows that the working relationship between client and counsellor is one of the strongest predictors of a successful outcome. If, after starting, you do not feel connected with the counsellor you have been assigned, you can speak with us at any time. We can help you transfer to another counsellor within our clinic without judgement or unnecessary delay. Your ongoing care is the priority, and we will manage any transition in a way that protects your progress and confidentiality.

The matching process is simple and transparent. Contact us through the form on this website, or email hello@victimsservices.com. We will guide you through the next steps and make sure you are connected with the right counsellor for your situation.