Terms & Conditions

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It is important that you are as fully informed as possible about counselling and the counselling process prior to commencing therapy with me. For this reason, please read the following carefully and do not hesitate to ask any questions.

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Some important facts about counselling

Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and well-being, enhance self understanding, and resolve concerns. Clients are active participants at every stage of the counselling process. (PACFA Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors 2018, p.2).

 

People seek counselling for a wide variety of reasons. I look forward to exploring your reasons for making your appointment with me and to navigating the counselling journey together.

 

We are all unique human beings with our own history, perceptions, and expectations, and as a result the outcomes of counselling can vary widely. This means as your counsellor I cannot promise any particular outcome from the counselling process, but I can assure you that I am committed to best practice with you in resolving your concerns.

 

It’s the very nature of counselling that these processes may deal with issues and aspects of your life that might spark or be a catalyst for triggering a wide range of feelings and reactions. It is important therefore to keep me informed of any such experiences should they arise, in order to ensure my support.

 

To help you get the best out of the counselling process, the following guidelines are useful:

• Aim to attend every scheduled session.

• Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings openly with me.

• Complete any out-of-session tasks we agree to.

• When unsure, ask for clarification about any of the counselling activities being undertaken, and discuss any doubts or concerns you have with me.

 

My Professional background and counselling approach

Having completed a master’s degree in counselling I hold national registration as a Registered Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Being a member I am subject to a wide range of professional and ethical requirements, and practice within the framework of the PACFA and ACA Code of Ethics.

 

I consider that the relationship established between the client and myself is central to the counselling process. I seek to provide an atmosphere that is respectful and non-judgemental in which each person can feel that their experience is understood and valued. I utilise an integrated and trauma informed approach to my counselling and draw on a range of theories to understand how to facilitate processes of change and growth including theory that addresses human development, personality and character, patterns of attachment, and contemporary psychodynamic theory.

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Hours of practice

My consulting hours are from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm weekdays.

 

Session frequency

A typical counselling session is 50 to 60 minutes in length. Whilst the frequency of sessions depends on the client and the nature of the concern, I do recommend an initial commitment on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

 

Scheduled sessions

Sessions are offered in person or via Telehealth. Sessions via phone or video conferencing are provided on the basis that we both:

• Ensure that we have a confidential and uninterrupted space; this may or may not involve using a headset.

• Will not be record sessions.

• As far as we are able, will aim to have reliable connectivity.

Please advise me via email not less than 48 hours in advance if you cannot attend an appointment. Failure to do so will incur a 50% charge.

 

Fees

The hourly charge for counselling sessions with individuals is $160 and with couples is $200 and is payable prior to the appointment via online payment or invoice. Please discuss with me if you require an alternative payment option. Fees are currently claimable by those with relevant private health insurance policies including BUPA Provider Number: J002776, ARHG Provider Number: AC16532T—Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Lukes Health, GMHBA, CUA Health (Telehealth only), Teachers Union Health, AIA, Westfund and the Australian Defence Force Family Program, and Doctors Health Fund: ACA16532.

 

In an emergency

As I do not provide a crisis service, if there is an emergency please contact: › your doctor, or the emergency section of your local hospital › Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000. Informed consent (cont.)

 

Confidentiality Policy​

We maintain strict confidentiality policies with regard to client notes and personal details and offers all the confidentiality which the law allows. Information discussed during our sessions is confidential and may not be shared with anyone without your written permission except when I am legally obliged:

• To report a serious and imminent threat to the life, health or property of yourself or another.

• To report any abuse or neglect experienced by a young person under the age of 18 years, and/or vulnerable people. If you disclose, or it is suspected, that there is abuse or harmful neglect of children or vulnerable adults (i.e. the elderly, disabled/incompetent), I am required to report this information to the appropriate state agency and/or legal authorities.

• Prenatal Exposure to Controlled Substances: Therapists must report any admitted prenatal exposure to controlled substances that could be harmful to the mother or the child.

• ​Minors/Guardianship: Parents or legal guardians of non-emancipated minor clients may have the right to access the clients’ records.

• ​Insurance Providers: Insurance companies and other third-party payers are given information that they request regarding services to the clients. The type of information that may be requested includes: types of service, dates/times of service, diagnosis, treatment plan, description of impairment, progress of therapy, case notes, summaries, etc.

• To release client records when required by court order.

 

Confidential written records are maintained to reflect the issues and goals identified in counselling sessions and are kept securely for seven years.

 

Supervision Requirements

I have an ethical responsibility to reflect on my counselling practice. As part of this professional reflection, I may discuss my work with you with my clinical supervisor. In such situations, content presented is de-identified.​​

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Cancelation Policy​

We value the time of all our clients and strive to provide timely and efficient services. To ensure fairness and availability, we have implemented the following cancellation policy:

• 48 Hours Notice: Clients must provide at least 48 hours' notice if unable to attend an appointment. Failure to do so will incur a 50% charge of the cancellation.

• Less Than 24 Hours Notice or No-Show: If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or the client does not attend, the full session fee will be charged.

• Exceptional Circumstances: In exceptional cases, the cancellation fee may be waived or reduced at our discretion.

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We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and considerate practice for our community.​

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Privacy Policy​

Australian Government Privacy Legislation applies to personal information collected about an individual that could be used to identify them directly or indirectly.

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This policy outlines the ways in which we handle the personal information of clients. We take privacy seriously and are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them directly or indirectly, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. Sensitive information is a type of personal information which includes details, for example, about a person’s racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, health or genetic information, family court orders or criminal record. The breach of sensitive information is likely to leave people open to discrimination or embarrassment.

 

Why We Collect Personal Information

The sharing of personal information by a client assists us to assess and support the client in processing their identified concerns. Personal information is retained to enable us to provide a relevant and informed service. Within our practice and due to our duty of care a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use a pseudonym, but a name as listed on ID’s is required.

 

How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information through a variety of means, including:

• The information you verbally share with us

• Written communication received from you via email, SMS or letter

• Our online booking system

• Our intake form

• Social media

• The guardian of those under 18 years of age

• A referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service.

 

Our storage of personal information

To protect the personal information we hold from misuse or loss we store it in several ways, all of which are secure and can only be accessed by approved individuals. The method of storage varies between types of information and includes both hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline). We do not retain any credit card or banking details once processing the payment is finalised. We also try not to retain unnecessary information, disposing of it securely from time to time depending on the type on information it is and our legal obligations. If we become aware of a security breach we will promptly investigate and, where appropriate, take remedial action and notify the individual affected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

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Practice Management Systems

We store client information using the practice management system Splose. Splose is an Australian owned company who complies to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set a high standard for how personal information is handled in Australia. They ensure transparent and responsible data handling, to protect the security and integrity of our information. Splose complies with these regulations by adopting thorough privacy policies and secure data practices.

 

We use multi-factor authentication when possible, and regularly checks for updates of devices and software. We refer to Cyber.gov.au for advice related to cyber security. ​

 

Disclosure of your personal information

We will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent, except when the disclosure is required by law. It is unlikely that we will disclose any information to a recipient outside of Australia.

 

Accessing your personal information

You may request access to personal information we hold about you. We may ask you to specify what information you require and may charge a fee where we provide access. We deal with all requests for access to personal information as required by the Privacy Act. We may refuse to provide access if the Privacy Act allows us to do so.

 

Integrity of your personal information

We try to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate and up to date. You may request an update or correction to personal information we hold about you and we will deal with all such requests as required by the Privacy Act.

 

Complaints

If you think your personal information has not been handled in line with the Privacy Act, please contact us in the first instance. We will investigate your complaint and try to promptly resolve your complaint directly with you. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then you may make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For information about how to make such a complaint, please refer to the OAIC website http://www.oaic.gov.au/

 

Changes to this privacy policy

We may make changes to this privacy policy from time to time and in such cases we will notify clients by email or on our website. Contact us If you have any questions relating to privacy matters, please contact us by email at hello@pauseyou.com. By using this site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by Pause You Counselling.