Terms and Conditions of Counselling Services
Aims of Counselling
Counselling seeks to provide the client with a safe and confidential environment where they may explore personal and relational issues. The role of the counsellor is to guide the client through the counselling process without judgment or advice. During counselling, the client and counsellor will set goals and the client endeavours to work towards these goals.
Session Duration
Counselling sessions last approximately 50 minutes. Extended sessions can be booked for online and phone counselling.
Late Attendance
Sessions will begin at the scheduled time. Any session that begins after the scheduled time due to a client attending late, cannot be extended beyond the agreed finish time. If the client does not arrive or call within 15 minutes after the agreed appointment time, this will be considered a cancellation and the counsellor will not be available for the remainder of the session. If the client can not attend their appointment, they are expected to cancel at least 24 hours beforehand (refer to Cancellations below).
Technical Requirements
The client is responsible for ensuring they have the necessary technology to participate in online counselling sessions. This includes a device with internet access, a camera, and a microphone.
Payment
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Oak Counselling understands situations can arise in which a client must cancel their appointment. Due to limited appointment availability, Oak Counselling requests that a client provide adequate notice of a cancellation.
Cancellations less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Failure to attend an appointment without providing prior notice incurs a 100% cancellation fee.
Oak Counselling may agree to waive all or part of a cancellation fee if the client can provide a medical certificate which demonstrates their inability to attend due to ill health, within 48 hours after the missed appointment.
If notice of cancellation is given more than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time, Oak Counselling will refund the payment made at the time of booking.
Referrals
You will be referred to another qualified professional if, for any reason, Oak Counselling is unable to meet your needs. This will be discussed with the client and will only occur with their consent.
Termination of Counselling Services
Ideally, counselling will come to an end that has been mutually agreed upon by the client and counsellor. However, the client has the right to withdraw from counselling at any time. We ask that clients notify Oak Counselling of their voluntary ending of counselling.
Emergencies
Oak Counselling does not provide crisis support or emergency after-hours services. Clients needing urgent assistance are encouraged to call emergency services (Australia 000). A list of other crisis support organisations is found on the Contact page.
Privacy and Confidentiality
It is the policy of Oak Counselling to protect the privacy of every client and maintain confidentiality to the maximum extent. Oak Counselling will not disclose a client’s personal information unless:
The individual concerned has given prior approval to discuss the information with another person or organisation or to provide a written report to other agencies.
Oak Counselling believes on reasonable grounds that disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of the individual concerned or of another person.
There is suspicion or knowledge of child abuse and/or neglect, or elder abuse and/or neglect.
The disclosure is required by or authorised under law.
Further Information
If you have any questions or require more information concerning the services offered by Oak Counselling, please contact us through the Contact form.