Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right support is a personal decision. These answers may help you understand how counselling works at Sun & Cloud Counselling and whether it feels right for you
About Counselling
What is counselling?
Counselling offers a confidential and supportive space to explore what you are experiencing, understand patterns and relationships, and consider possibilities for moving forward.
You do not need to arrive with a clear explanation or a specific goal. We can begin with what feels most important to you.
What is intercultural counselling?
Intercultural counselling recognises that our wellbeing, identity and relationships are shaped by culture, language, family, migration and our wider social environment.
It may be especially helpful when you are living between cultures, adapting to a new country, questioning where you belong, or navigating different expectations and ways of communicating.
Your cultural background is not treated as a problem. It is considered as an important part of understanding your experience.
What can I talk about?
You may wish to explore experiences such as:
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adjusting to life in a different country or culture;
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identity and belonging;
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personal, family or career transitions;
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relationships and communication;
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parenting or family life between cultures;
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loneliness, uncertainty or feeling disconnected;
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confidence and emotional wellbeing;
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creating a greater sense of stability and direction.
You are also welcome to come with something that does not fit neatly into one category.
Who does Sun & Cloud Counselling support?
Sun & Cloud Counselling supports individuals, families and students navigating personal, relational and intercultural experiences.
Support is also available to organisations seeking to strengthen multicultural safety, communication and belonging within internationally diverse teams.
If you are unsure whether your situation fits, you are welcome to begin with a complimentary introductory consultation.
Do I need to be an expatriate or migrant?
No. You do not need to identify as an expatriate or migrant.
Intercultural experiences can affect many people, including international residents, returning expatriates, bilingual families, multicultural couples, international students and people who have grown up between different cultural worlds.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions are available:
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online across Australia;
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online from certain overseas locations, subject to professional, legal and insurance requirements.
Online sessions cannot currently be provided to people joining from the United States or Canada.
At the beginning of an online session, I will ask where you are joining from that day.
Are sessions available in French and English?
You are welcome to use the language in which you feel most comfortable. Where helpful, we can also explore how changing language affects the way an experience, emotion or relationship is understood.
How much does a session cost?
A 60-minute individual counselling session is AUD $120.
The initial 20-minute introductory consultation is complimentary and does not involve any obligation to continue.
Any different fees applying to family or organisational services will be discussed before an appointment is confirmed.
Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral from a GP or another professional to contact Sun & Cloud Counselling.
Sessions are not currently eligible for a Medicare rebate.
What happens during the introductory consultation?
The introductory consultation is a brief conversation rather than a full counselling session.
You can tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask questions about my approach and discuss whether online counselling would suit you.
If I believe another service would be more appropriate for your needs, I will let you know honestly and, where possible, help you consider suitable next steps.
What happens in the first full session?
The first session gives us time to understand what is happening for you, what support you are looking for and what you would like to gain from counselling.
There is no pressure to tell your whole story immediately. We can move at a pace that feels manageable and review together what may be helpful.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions that suits everyone.
Some people come for support with a particular transition or decision. Others value having more time to explore recurring patterns, relationships or questions of identity and belonging.
We can review the process together and discuss what continues to feel useful.
Is counselling confidential?
Your privacy is treated with care and respect. Information shared during counselling is kept confidential, subject to limited legal, ethical and safety-related exceptions.
These exceptions may apply where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm, where a child or vulnerable person may be at risk, or where disclosure is required by law.
Confidentiality and its limits will be explained before counselling begins, and you are welcome to ask questions at any time.
What are Karine’s qualifications?
Karine Grimoux Bunney is a qualified counsellor with a Diploma of Counselling and a Master of International Business.
Her professional and lived experience includes education, multicultural environments, bilingual communication and navigating life between France and Australia.
She holds a current Working with Children Check and is committed to reflective practice, ongoing professional development and professional supervision.
Is Sun & Cloud Counselling a crisis service?
No. Sun & Cloud Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 000 in Australia or contact the emergency services in your current location.
For immediate crisis support in Australia, you can contact:
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
If you are outside Australia, please contact the emergency or crisis service available in your current country.
No. Sun & Cloud Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 000 in Australia or contact the emergency services in your current location.
For immediate crisis support in Australia, you can contact:
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
If you are outside Australia, please contact the emergency or crisis service available in your current country.
What if Sun & Cloud Counselling is not the right service for me?
A responsible counselling relationship includes recognising when another practitioner or service may be better suited to a person’s needs.
If Sun & Cloud Counselling is not the most appropriate service, this will be discussed openly. Where possible, you will be supported to consider another practitioner, your GP or a specialised service.
You are welcome to get in touch if your question has not been answered here.
A complimentary 20-minute introductory consultation offers a simple way to ask questions, briefly discuss what you are looking for and decide whether you would like to continue.
Online counselling support across Australia and eligible international locations.