Confidentiality

A Safe and Confidential Space

Feeling safe to speak openly is fundamental to the counselling process. I understand that discussing personal experiences requires trust, and I am committed to providing a respectful, compassionate and confidential environment where you can speak freely without fear of judgement.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), I practise in accordance with the PACFA Code of Ethics and applicable Australian legislation.

Your Right to Confidentiality

Information shared during counselling sessions is treated as confidential.

Your personal information will not be disclosed to another person or organisation without your knowledge and consent, except where disclosure is required or authorised by law, or where there is a serious safety concern.

Whenever possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you before sharing information.

Limits of Confidentiality

There are a few situations where confidentiality may be limited. These include:

  • where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or another person

  • where disclosure is required by law, including mandatory reporting obligations or a court subpoena

  • where you have given informed consent for information to be shared with another healthcare provider or support person

  • where information is discussed during professional supervision, with identifying information removed wherever possible.

Only information necessary for the specific purpose will be disclosed.

Professional Supervision

To maintain high standards of professional practice and provide the best possible care, I participate in regular professional supervision.

Clinical supervision is an ethical requirement for PACFA Registered practitioners and supports safe, reflective and effective practice.

Any client information discussed during supervision is treated as strictly confidential. Identifying details are removed or altered wherever possible to protect your privacy.

Questions About Confidentiality

If you have any questions about confidentiality or how your information may be used, please feel free to ask at any stage. I believe open communication helps create a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Your Privacy Matters

Creating a safe, respectful and confidential environment is central to the therapeutic relationship. I understand that sharing personal experiences requires trust, and I am committed to protecting your privacy throughout our work together.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), I practise in accordance with the PACFA Code of Ethics, the Australian Privacy Principles and applicable Australian legislation.

PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored and protected.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and managing your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

What Information Is Collected?

To provide counselling services safely and effectively, I may collect information including:

  • your name, address and contact details

  • emergency contact details

  • date of birth

  • referral information

  • relevant health and wellbeing information

  • session notes

  • invoices and payment records

  • correspondence relating to your care

Only information necessary to provide counselling services is collected.

Why Is Your Information Collected?

Your information is collected to:

  • provide counselling services

  • communicate with you regarding appointments

  • maintain clinical records

  • prepare reports where you have provided consent

  • meet legal and professional obligations

  • manage billing and administration

How Is Your Information Stored?

Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss or disclosure.

Records are stored securely using appropriate physical and electronic security measures.

Client records are retained for the period required by Australian law and professional standards before being securely destroyed.

Access to Your Information

You may request access to your personal information at any time.

If you believe any information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request that it be corrected.

Some requests may be limited where permitted by law.

Disclosure of Information

Your personal information will only be shared:

  • with your informed consent

  • where required by law

  • where necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety

  • where authorised under Australian privacy legislation

Only information relevant to the purpose of the disclosure will be provided.

Questions or Complaints

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is managed, please contact me.

If your concerns cannot be resolved directly, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Professional Standards

Commitment to Professional Practice

I am committed to providing counselling and psychotherapy services that are ethical, respectful, evidence-informed and centred on each person's individual needs.

My practice is guided by professional standards that promote client safety, dignity, informed choice and high-quality care.

Professional Qualifications

My qualifications and professional development reflect over 25 years of experience across health, wellbeing and mental health.

My professional training includes:

  • Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine)

  • Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy

  • Diploma of Nutrition

  • Specialist Training in Counselling & Psychotherapy

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health

  • Certificate in Functional Medicine

I undertake ongoing professional development to ensure my knowledge and skills remain current and informed by contemporary research and best practice.

Professional Registration

I am a registered member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and practise in accordance with the PACFA Code of Ethics.

This includes maintaining appropriate professional standards relating to:

  • client wellbeing and safety

  • informed consent

  • confidentiality

  • professional boundaries

  • cultural respect

  • ethical decision-making

  • continuing professional development

  • regular clinical supervision

Clinical Supervision

Professional supervision is an essential part of ethical practice.

I participate in regular clinical supervision with an experienced supervisor to support reflective practice, maintain professional standards and ensure clients receive safe and effective care.

Client identities are protected throughout this process.

Professional Development

Learning is an ongoing part of my professional practice.

I regularly undertake further education, specialist training and professional development to strengthen my knowledge and enhance the quality of care I provide.

Evidence-Informed Practice

My work integrates contemporary counselling and psychotherapy with attachment theory, nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma-informed practice and selected evidence-informed approaches that support lasting change.

Each person's therapy is tailored to their individual circumstances, goals and preferences.

A Commitment to Ethical Care

Every client has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

I am committed to providing a professional environment where you feel heard, supported and empowered to work towards meaningful and lasting change.

Code of Conduct

My Commitment to You

I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, honesty and collaboration.

My commitment is to provide a safe, compassionate and professional environment where you feel listened to, understood and treated with dignity.

You Can Expect Me To

Throughout our work together I will:

  • treat you with kindness, respect and compassion

  • provide a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environment

  • respect your individuality, values and life experiences

  • work collaboratively towards your goals

  • maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • protect your confidentiality within legal and ethical requirements

  • communicate honestly and respectfully

  • practise within my qualifications, training and professional competence

  • refer you to another practitioner where this is in your best interests

  • maintain professional registration, supervision and ongoing education

Respect and Inclusion

I welcome people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, identities and life experiences.

My practice is committed to providing an inclusive environment that values diversity and respects each person's dignity and autonomy.

Professional Boundaries

Maintaining clear professional boundaries helps create a safe and effective therapeutic relationship.

For this reason:

  • counselling sessions remain focused on your therapeutic goals

  • personal relationships outside the therapeutic setting are avoided

  • communication outside appointments is limited to matters relating to your care

  • gifts or situations that may compromise professional judgement may be respectfully declined

Your Participation

Therapy works best when we work together.

You can support the counselling process by:

  • attending appointments where possible

  • communicating openly and honestly

  • asking questions whenever something is unclear

  • completing agreed reflections or practical activities between sessions if appropriate

  • letting me know if something isn't working so we can review our approach together

Feedback and Concerns

Your feedback is always welcome.

If you have any concerns about your care or experience, I encourage you to discuss them with me. Wherever possible, I will work collaboratively with you to resolve concerns respectfully and promptly.

If your concerns cannot be resolved, you may contact the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) regarding their complaints process.

My Promise

My intention is to provide a counselling experience that is compassionate, ethical, practical and grounded in respect.

Together, we will work towards creating greater understanding, healthier relationships and meaningful, lasting change.