Policies

Online sessions

Online sessions are conducted in a confidential space using a secure platform. For your privacy and to get the most from our sessions, I ask that you find a quiet, private space to join from.

As with any technology, there’s a small risk of interruptions, technical issues, or unauthorised access. If the connection isn’t working well, either of us can pause and try again, or reschedule.

For safety reasons, I’ll ask you to confirm your current address at the start of each online session if it’s different from what’s on your intake form. This is simply so I know where you are in the rare case of an emergency.

Walk and talk sessions

I offer outdoor sessions at a local park in the Inner West. Because these sessions take place in a public space, confidentiality is protected as much as possible, but there’s some chance of being seen or overheard. It’s worth taking a moment to consider whether that feels okay for you before choosing this option.

If you happen to see anyone you know during a session, it’s worth thinking beforehand about how you’d like to handle that. If I see anyone I know, I’ll give a brief acknowledgement and keep moving, to protect your privacy.

If the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoor session, we can switch to an online session instead, or reschedule with no cancellation fee.

Confidentiality and privacy

What you share with me in sessions stays confidential. I won’t discuss anything from our sessions with anyone else unless you’ve given me written permission to do so.

There are a small number of situations where I’m legally required to break confidentiality. If I have reasonable cause to believe you may be at risk of harming yourself or someone else, I’ll first talk this through with you directly wherever possible, so you understand what’s happening and why.

I’m also required by law to contact the relevant Child Protection Agency if I have reasonable cause to believe a child or young person in your care may be at risk of harm, whether that risk is current or has happened in the past. And in the case of certain criminal matters, your file may be subpoenaed by a court, in which case I’m required by law to provide it.

If we happen to see each other outside of sessions, I won’t acknowledge you first, out of respect for your privacy. If you’d like to say hello, I’m happy to do so briefly, though I won’t introduce you to anyone I’m with, or vice versa. It’s important that we don’t discuss anything related to our work together outside of sessions, including by text or email.

From time to time, I seek clinical supervision to support my work with clients. This is anonymous, and you won’t be identified by name.

In the unlikely event that I become unable to continue working, or pass away, you’ll be confidentially contacted by a colleague or the executor of my professional will.

Documentation and note keeping

I keep clinical case notes for all clients, stored securely at all times. These are required to be kept for 7 years following your last session, in line with professional association requirements. You’re welcome to request access to your notes at any time. If you’d like a copy, please put your request in writing, and allow up to 7 days for this to be prepared.

Minors

If you’re under 18, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your counselling. I’ll talk this through with you and your parents so everyone understands what will and won’t be kept confidential.

Attendance and cancellation policy

Consistent attendance is an important part of this kind of therapy. The rhythm of regular sessions creates a reliable, predictable space. For many people, having a consistent time set aside for this work becomes a form of safe, dependable care in itself.

Of course, life happens. If you do need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least 48 hours notice. Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a 50% fee.

Leave

I’ll give you as much notice as possible before taking leave for training or holidays, generally at least 2 weeks where I can. If I’m unwell, I’ll do my best to let you know by phone, text, or email as soon as possible so you’re not left waiting.

Social media

To protect your privacy and in line with my professional obligations, I don’t accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Electronic communication

While I take care with all communication, I can’t guarantee the confidentiality of text messages or emails, as these aren’t encrypted. I also can’t guarantee an immediate response, so please don’t use these methods to discuss therapeutic content or to reach me in an emergency. For anything urgent, the best way to reach me is by phone.

I’ll generally aim to return calls or messages within 24 hours.