Cathy Comber Counselling

Cathy Comber Counselling Cathy is an experienced registered counsellor who, over 15 years, has guided and supported many adults and teens through their challenges.

Fair pricing, booking policies and subsidies

Professional service

Your well-being is my top priority, and I genuinely believe in the positive impact that professional counselling can have on your mental health and personal growth. Investing in yourself and your relationships is an important commitment that enriches all areas of your life.

As with many of our life commitments, this process requires both time and financial investment.

I value transparency and mutual respect as the foundation of our professional relationship. Therefore, I have established a clear fee structure and booking policy to ensure we are both aligned in expectations.

Registered with New Zealand Association of Counsellors; Master of Counselling; 15 years of experience.

Fee structure, booking policies and subsidies

My fees are thoughtfully set to reflect the personalised care I provide, grounded in my extensive professional training and experience. At the same time, I strive to ensure that my pricing remains fair and competitive within the current market.

I’m aware that financial considerations can sometimes be a barrier to accessing the support you need. Below is a section on potential subsidies you might have access to.

Current service fees and payment policy

In-person at 30A Bell Road, Remuera.

Join me in a relaxing home environment, or online, so you have the convenience of being where suits you best.

Online via Zoom

 

Payment due day of the service

Session fees, and late cancellation fees, are payable on the day of our session via bank transfer to the account sent to you in your booking confirmation email.

GST details and any fee changes

All fee pricing includes 15% GST. GST registration: 142-457-547.
My fees are reviewed regularly, and once you are a client, you will receive ample notice of any revised fees. 

Non-standard services

Service fees are based on standard session lengths. If you would like a non-standard session—such as a longer appointment or one involving additional participants—please email to discuss suitable arrangements. These sessions may be charged at a higher rate than the standard fee. Because they occupy more than one session time, a different cancellation policy may apply and will be provided in writing in advance.

Booking policies for standard services

Booking is a contract between us

By booking a session with me, we enter into a contract. My commitment is to provide a professional counselling service for the time you have booked that adheres to NZAC ethical standards (see NZAC website). 

Your commitment is to agree to pay the current session fees on the day of the service, and any applicable fees, as outlined in my pricing, payment and booking policies page of my website. 

Rescheduling or cancelling with more than 24 hours' notice

I understand that life can be unpredictable. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible and, where you can, at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments may be rescheduled or cancelled free of charge when more than 24 hours’ notice is given.
Changes can be made directly through my booking calendar up to 24 hours before your appointment.

Cathy Comber online Zoom counselling
I respect your time and mine. Letting me know if you can’t attend helps keep appointments available for others who need support.

Rescheduling or cancelling with less than 24 hours' notice

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or not attended, are charged a late cancellation fee equal to the full session fee. This supports the sustainability of my practice and ensures availability is used fairly. This fee is due on the day of the missed service.
Even if a late cancellation fee applies, please contact me if you are unable to attend. This supports respectful communication and avoids unnecessary concern about your wellbeing.

To help avoid a late cancellation fee, the following changes can be requested by text up to ten minutes before the session start time:

• Change an in-person session to an online session.
• Change a joint session to an individual session, where one client attends on their own.
• Ask about availability within my next two working days. If you attend one of these sessions, the late cancellation fee will be waived. 

Subsidies for counselling

Gumboot Friday

I am registered with Gumboot Friday.  If you’re aged 25 or younger, Gumboot Friday offers funding for two free individual counselling sessions with a counsellor of your choice from their platform. 

Keeping a healthy balance between self-care and nurturing your relationships is crucial for overall well-being and fulfilment in life.
It's important you find a counsellor you can feel comfortable opening up to. Our connection is an important aspect of you getting the most from counselling.

If you’d like them to cover the cost, please reach out to me through the Gumboot Friday website

Before booking with me, I encourage you to explore your options and consider whether I am the right counsellor for your needs. If I am, I look forward to working with you.

Work and Income (WINZ) disability allowance

I’m registered with Work and Income (WINZ).  

If you need counselling because of a health condition or disability, WINZ offers subsidies for counselling through the Disability Allowance. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Disability Allowance.

If you feel traumatized, trapped, stuck, or entangled in life's challenges, let me first validate your feelings and then help you find a way forward through counselling or coaching as your overall style.
Counselling subsidies for health conditions or disability that's likely to last at least 6 months from when you were diagnosed.

Click here for the WINZ disability allowance eligibility criteria, and other details.

Students, you can apply for health and disability counselling through StudyLink. 

Employee assistance

Consider checking if your employer partners with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or offers funding for counselling sessions. This can be a valuable opportunity to explore how counselling might support you.

Employers that provide these benefits may have specific counsellors or services they recommend you use, so it’s worth clarifying their guidelines in advance.

You retain all confidentiality rights, so no detail of our discussion is reported to your employer.

I’m currently contracted with OCP New Zealand (an employee assistance provider) and would be happy to work with you through this program.

To get started, simply follow your employer’s instructions to contact OCP. Once OCP has received your details, they will reach out to me to confirm that they will cover the cost of your sessions. From there, we can begin our work together.