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Counselling approach

I believe that my clients have the desire and the capacity to grow towards fulfilling their true potential, and that they are the experts on their own lives. As such, I will not give you advice or offer solutions, but will work with you to help you understand yourself more fully and to find your own ideas and answers. I will also help you develop skills and strategies to help you make positive changes. With greater self-awareness and trust in yourself, I hope that you will be able to make constructive changes, leading to a more satisfying and meaningful life. If you have service needs beyond my practice scope, I will endeavour to help you identify appropriate referral options.

I will keep information relevant to your counselling services, including the forms you have filled in and notes for each session. These are critical to helping me keep track of our progress together and for the purposes of accountability. These notes will be stored in a private and secure location (refer Privacy and Confidentiality). You have the right to view the records I keep about you upon request. I will keep all records relating to our work together for a period of at least seven (7) years from the date of your last contact with the service. Under some circumstances I may be required to keep records for a longer period.

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Contact between sessions

You’re welcome to contact me between sessions for practical matters such as booking, rescheduling or payment enquiries. However, counselling support is generally provided during scheduled appointments, and I may not be able to respond immediately. If you need urgent or crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, call 000 in an emergency, or attend your nearest hospital emergency department.

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Ending counselling

In general, the counselling relationship ends by mutual agreement. However, you have the right to end your counselling service at any time. I would appreciate you letting me know if you decide not to return to counselling, particularly if you need to cancel an appointment. If at any time I feel that our counselling is no longer appropriate for you, I will discuss this with you; I may suggest discontinuation or a referral to a more appropriate service.

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Privacy and confidentiality

In general, the information you share with me will remain confidential. This includes information provided verbally or in writing, as well as the fact that you have attended or are planning to attend counselling.

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information from misuse, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Paper records are stored securely, and electronic records are maintained using secure, password-protected systems. Access is limited to me and, where necessary, authorised service providers involved in securely managing your information.

Counselling records, including intake forms and session notes, are handled and stored securely. Records will generally be retained for at least seven years after your last contact with the service, or for longer where required by law or applicable professional obligations.