Terms and Conditions
PSYCHOTHERAPY INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Therapy is a relationship that works in part because of clearly defined rights and responsibilities held by each person. This frame helps to create the safety to take risks and the support to become empowered to change. As a client in psychotherapy, you have certain rights that are important for you to know about. There are also certain limitations to those rights that you should be aware of. As a therapist, I have corresponding responsibilities to you.
My Responsibilities to You as Your Therapist
I. Confidentiality
With the exception of specific circumstances described below, you have the right to the confidentiality of your therapy. I will not disclose what you share with me, nor confirm that you are a client, without your prior written permission. You may direct me to share information with others and may revoke that permission at any time.
Legal exceptions to confidentiality include:
If I have reason to believe you may harm another person, I must attempt to warn that person and notify the police.
If I have reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, or if you disclose information about someone else who is doing this, I must report it to the relevant authorities. If you are under 16 and disclose a sexual relationship with someone over 18, I must report this.
If I believe you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, I may break confidentiality to contact emergency services or the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT). I will explore all other options with you first.
II. Record-keeping
I keep a confidential record of each session, including attendance, interventions used, and topics discussed. Records are stored securely and cannot be accessed by others.
As a registered counsellor and psychotherapist, I attend regular clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor. I may discuss aspects of your case to ensure best-practice care. Supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality requirements.
III. Other Rights
You have the right to ask questions about any aspect of therapy. Our work is a collaborative process, and you may request information about my training or ask for a referral if you feel another therapist may be a better fit. You are free to end therapy at any time. I ask for two weeks’ notice so we can review your progress, address any unresolved issues, and prepare you for the next stage of your journey
My Training and Approach to Therapy
I am a counsellor and psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling. I am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Level 2. My registration requires me to complete a certain number of hours of professional developmental and clinical supervision each year.
My approach is person-centred and integrative, grounded in attachment and systems theory, and informed by evidence-based therapeutic models. I value respectful, attentive listening and work collaboratively with you to identify goals and understand the patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing. Therapy can involve emotional risks. Exploring long-avoided feelings or making changes to beliefs and behaviours can be challenging and may affect existing relationships. Strong feelings may also arise within the therapeutic relationship. Most clients find that these challenges lead to meaningful growth. You will usually decide when therapy ends unless I determine that I am not the appropriate therapist for your needs. In such cases, I will discuss this with you and provide referrals if appropriate.
I take planned breaks throughout the year for professional development and rest and will notify you in advance. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe during my absence, please contact emergency services (000) or crisis support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), or attend your nearest hospital emergency department.
Your Responsibilities as a Therapy Client
You are responsible for attending sessions on time. Sessions run for 50 minutes for individuals and 75 minutes for couples. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
Cancellation of appointments requires two business days’ notice; otherwise, the full fee applies.
If you miss a session and do not respond to my attempts to contact you, I will assume you have chosen to end therapy and will offer the space to another client.
Session fees are payable on the day unless we have agreed otherwise.
There may be occasions when I am unavailable due to professional development, vacation or illness. I will give you prior notice of my absence and these unattended sessions will not be payable by you.
Fees and Cancellations
Current fees for individual sessions are $160 per 50 minute session.
Current fees for couples counselling sessions are $230 per $75 minute session.
There may occasionally be times when I am unavailable due to professional development, annual leave or illness. Wherever possible, I will provide advance notice of planned absences.
Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed without notice, may incur the full consultation fee.
I understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and discretion may be exercised where appropriate.
If I haven't heard from you after a missed appointment, I'll make reasonable attempts to contact you. If I don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, your file may be closed. You're always welcome to get back in touch in the future should you wish to recommence therapy, subject to availability.
Contact Between Sessions
Email is best used for administrative matters such as booking appointments or changing appointment times.
As email is not monitored continuously, it should not be used for urgent clinical concerns or emergencies. I aim to respond to administrative emails within two business days.
To maintain clear therapeutic boundaries and ensure you receive the best possible care, therapeutic work generally takes place during scheduled sessions rather than via email.
To protect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries, I do not accept friend or follow requests from current clients on personal social media accounts.
Concerns about your therapy sessions
If you are unhappy with any aspect of therapy, I encourage you to raise it with me so we can address your concerns together. I take feedback seriously and will respond with care and respect.
Clinical Discretion to End Therapy
There may be circumstances where I determine that continuing therapy is no longer clinically appropriate or in your best interests. This may include situations where:
• Your therapeutic needs fall outside my scope of practice or training
• You require a higher level of care or more specialised support
• There is a pattern of non-attendance, non-payment, or behaviour that disrupts the therapeutic process
• The therapeutic relationship is no longer effective or collaborative
• Therapy is no longer progressing or has become consistently stagnant
• The clinical interventions I typically provide are not yielding the results or outcomes I would reasonably expect
If I determine that therapy should end, I will discuss this with you, explain the reasons, and if appropriate, provide referrals to other practitioners or services that may better meet your needs.