We undertake to:

• work with you in a sensitive and respectful manner ;
• provide you with relevant information;
• answer your questions;
• support you in achieving your goals; and
• deliver a professional and caring service.

At the commencement of our work with you, we will provide clear details of our fee structure and discuss a plan of action which meets your needs. If we feel we are not able to assist you, we will endeavour to refer you to an appropriate professional person or agency, if this is your wish.

We are qualified members of the Australia Counselling Association (ACA), and adhere to the ACA Code of Conduct. This covers ethical and practice issues which affect and govern our professional relationship with you. A copy of the Code is made available in the waiting room at our office.

Subject to the exceptions mentioned below, all discussions and communications you have with us are confidential. This gives you the opportunity to talk openly about your issues, knowing that your privacy and safety are respected.

As we have a professional duty of care towards all clients, there may be circumstances where the right to confidentiality needs to be modified. This can occur:

• Where we have reason to believe there is a threat to your safety or the safety of others;
• Where you have consented that we share information with another professional person (such as your doctor);
• Where you have asked us to provide a written report to another professional person or agency;
• Where (in the case of mediation) the participants reach an Agreement that they want recorded and used outside the mediation session;
• Where documents are subpoenaed by a court of law; or
• Where your consultations are paid for by an insurance company and it is a condition that we provide the company with reports [See Rebates and Referrals]
  

The information we obtain from you is kept securely, and we protect your identity by separating case notes from any records containing your name or contact details. Unless we have your prior permission (or are required by law), we will not disclose to any third party whether or not you have used our services (or have booked to see us).

A conflict of interest may occur where, for example, we have had a personal or business relationship with a client and it would be inappropriate for us to act as their counsellor or mediator. If we believe that acting for you may create a conflict of interest, we will discuss this with you and will decline to act if this would compromise our ability to deliver a professional service to you.

• When requested, you provide us with relevant details to your situation, including any history of mental health and self-harm issues;
• You are on time for scheduled appointments;
• If you are unable to keep your appointment, we required at least 48 hours notice. If you do not give 48 hours notice, you can still cancel appointments up to the appointment time but there will be a $30.00 late cancellation fee unless we can reschedule another appointment time with you within the following week. Where no notice is given, the full session fee is charged for missed appointments. If there has been an emergency beyond your control, we will consider waiving fees;
• If you have children, you will need to make arrangements for their care during appointment times, as we are unable to offer child-care facilities.
  

Currently, our services do not attract rebates from most private health funds and neither are they covered by Medicare. If this changes, we will let you know. In any event, you may want to check the position with your private fund if you have one.

If the cost of your consultations is covered by an insurance company, it may be a condition that we provide the company with regular reports. We will discuss with you the content of these reports before each is sent, and provide you with copies if requested.

As insurance companies normally will not cover fees for late cancellations or missed appointments, this remains your responsibility, as do any costs associated with obtaining tapes or CDs which you may need to assist your work with us.

Please ask us if you have any questions