Counselling Services (Online)
I am a PACFA Registered Counsellor with several years of experience specialising in various Counselling modalities and services. I value my relationship with my clients and believe that such relationship is the beacon in the healing process.
I believe that each individual is unique and has his or her own way of addressing resolutions. Thus, I believe in a wellness model that helps my clients empower themselves by focusing on what works for them and not in a systematic approach that provides a generic procedure on working on a treatment. One's journey is not the same as the other.
Counselling is a confidential process designed to help you address your concerns, come to a greater understanding of yourself, and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies. It involves a relationship between you and a qualified therapist who has the desire and willingness to help you accomplish your individual goals. Your participation in the Counselling process requires you to share sensitive, personal, and private information that may, at times be distressing. The outcome of counselling is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable. Your therapist is available to support you throughout the counselling process.
Client's Rights
- The client may ask questions on what to expect during and end result of the therapy.
- The client may decline to proceed the therapy as to the techniques which may be conducted by the therapist.
- The client may cease to continue therapy anytime, without any impediment and may return to therapy anytime.
- The therapist has the right to dismiss the client from the course of therapy.
- The client has the right to review his or her records from the therapist.
- Right to confidentiality: Within limits provided for by law, all records and information acquired by the therapist shall be kept strictly confidential in accordance to the PACFA privacy principles. All information will not be shared or revealed to any person, agency, or organisation without the prior written consent of the client. If applicable, this information may also be subpoenaed by the courts.
- The client can raise any concerns and to speak with the therapist immediately of any concerns provided that the therapist is likewise available to discuss matters with the client.
No record of counselling is contained in any academic, educational, or work integrated learning file. You may however, request in writing that the counselling staff release specific information about the counselling to persons of your choice.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
- Your therapist may consult with other counselling staff (supervisor) and management to provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional and training purposes and will remain confidential.
- If there is evidence of clear danger of harm to self and/or others, a therapist is legally required to report this information to the authorities responsible for ensuring safety. This includes if there is a strong suspicion of physical or sexual abuse or neglect of any person under 18 years of age.
- A court order, issued by a judge, may require the Counselling Services staff to release information contained in records and/or require a therapist to testify in a court hearing.
Practice Guidelines and Information
Fees
Individual session
The cost of a 50-minute consultation varies depending on your various factors. This cost will be agreed and discussed before your appointment or during your first appointment with your treating therapist. The agreed scheduled fee is $140.00 per session or as negotiated with your therapist. Unfortunately, you cannot claim Medicare benefit for Insightful Minds services.
Couples session
The cost of a 70-minute consultation varies depending on your various factors. This cost will be agreed and discussed before your appointment or during your first appointment with your treating therapist. The agreed scheduled fee is $199.00 per session or as negotiated with your therapist. Unfortunately, you cannot claim Medicare benefit for Insightful Minds services.
Cancellation Policy
We are a busy practice. In order to provide a quality service, if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, we ask that you give least one full business days notice. If you provide us with less than one full business day’s notice and we cannot fill your appointment time with another client, you will be charged 50% of your full consultation fee.
If you fail to attend and provide no notice, unless there is a reasonable explanation, you will be charged 100% of the consultation fee if you do not attend. We will provide you will reminders, however, it is your responsibility to manage your appointment times.
We appreciate prompt arrival for appointments. Please notify Sinéad on 0405010830 if you will be late.
Missed appointments reduce our capacity to provide services to you and other clients. No-showing or cancelling appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice more than three times may result in discontinuation of this episode of service. In the event of a cancellation within 24 hours or no-show, you are responsible for confirming or scheduling your next appointment.
Emergency and After-Hours Coverage
Normal operating hours for Insightful Minds are Monday through Friday, 9:00AM through 5:00PM, excluding public holidays. When there is no one available to take your phone call, please leave a confidential message on voicemail or send an SMS. Insightful Minds does not have coverage for emergencies. In the case of an emergency, you should contact your nearest hospital emergency department. Alternatively, you may call Lifeline which operates a 24-hour telephone crisis counselling service on 13 11 14. You are encouraged to share any experienced after-hours emergencies as soon as possible with your therapist.
PROVISION OF CLIENT CONSENT
I/We have read the above information carefully and understand that:
- All services are provided by qualified therapists at Insightful Minds Counselling and Training.
- There are circumstances (outlined above) under which the confidentiality of the information I/we provide may be broken.
- Insightful Minds has no emergency or after-hours coverage, but I/we understand where help should otherwise be sought.
I/We also understand that I/we can withdraw from treatment here at Insightful Minds at any time without prejudicing any future treatment here.