Standard T&C's

Please read the information below carefully as it forms an agreement as to how the client and the Counsellor / Consultant will work together while outlining the professional obligations regarding confidentiality. At your first session, the Counsellor / Consultant will set some time aside to discuss this agreement and answer any queries that you may have.

Scope of Service

Peter holds a Bachelor of Human Services and a Master in Counselling. He has additionally completed training in the provision of Individual and Group supervision. Peter actively participates in a minimum of 20 hours of professional development per year as part of maintaining his theoretical and practical skills. It is important to Peter that he practices within his scope of practice, therefore, if at any point of your counselling Peter feels that you may benefit better from an external referral, he will work with you to find a more suitable support pathway. Your safety and wellbeing are central to any decisions made. Peter is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA reg: 30047) and is therefore bound by his industry code of ethics https://theaca.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ACA-Code-of-Ethics-and-Practice-v16.pdf.

Collection of Information

All personal and sensitive information collected is maintained in accordance with the ACA guidelines. Records are stored electronically in line with industry best practices, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality. The client records remain the property of the counsellor. You can request access to your client records, but we reserve the right to refuse access. Client records may be the subject of a court subpoena. If we receive a subpoena for your client records, we will discuss this with you and take appropriate advice before responding.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the cornerstone to the therapeutic relationship and the foundation of providing a safe environment.  All information disclosed to your counsellor will be kept strictly confidential, except in instances required by law (court order, child protection), the disclosure of a serious criminal offence, or where there is imminent danger of risk of harm to self or others. As a registered professional, your Counsellor / Consultant is required to engage in regular clinical supervisor assisting him as a counsellor to promote the highest level of care for you. If your case is to be discussed during external supervision, your privacy and confidentiality will be maintained.

Fees & Payment

Fees are payable at the time of service unless otherwise discussed. If you receive your invoice via email for direct deposit payment, the payment terms are 24 hours. If you are experiencing financial hardship or are seeking concessional support, please raise your requests in writing to hello@craftedcc.com.au.

Our fees are reviewed yearly and may be subject to change according to industry standards. You will be given reasonable notice if there is a fee increase.

Appointment & Cancellation Policy

Crafted Counselling and Consulting provides a respectful, professional environment and has zero tolerance for abusive or disruptive behaviour. We reserve the right to refuse service and ask anybody attending to leave at any time if we feel that appropriate behaviour is not displayed. Appointments typically run between 50 - 60 minutes, however various appointment durations can be accommodated.

Counselling is not the provision of advice, but a collaborative relationship aimed at supporting and helping you to come to your best conclusion or solution. Therefore, guarantees cannot be provided, and outcomes can be subjective. Under normal circumstances refunds are not applicable based on the personal perception of value.

You will receive a confirmation email on booking and reminder SMS 72 hours before your appointment. You can change or cancel your appointment at this time. To cancel your session, you must give us 48 hours’ notice. If you will be late for your session, please message 0494 340 747 or reply to the automatic SMS reminder. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the original set time and the full standard fee will be payable. With respect to the client and practitioner, we reserve the right to implement our cancellation policy. Late notice cancellations (less than 48 Hours’ notice) occur for a 50% fee of the client standard billing set-up. Non-attended sessions will be billed at the full standard scheduled fee, except in situations of genuine hardship, personal illness or circumstances outside of personal control. It is the responsibility of the client to inform Crafted Counselling & Consulting of any changes in circumstances that may impact attendance. If there are repeated cancellations or non-attendance, you may lose access to service provision or be required to pre-pay as part of an ongoing attendance plan. We understand that exceptional circumstances occur from time to time and aim to accommodate where possible.

It is the responsibility of the client to inform Crafted Counselling and Consulting if there are any special circumstances that may impact the process of therapy. These may include but not be limited to: court orders, parenting agreements, or any dual/existing relationships with the practitioner.

Online / Phone Session Agreement

If your session is online, you must consent to the following:

·          I acknowledge and agree that I will respect the privacy and confidentiality of my counselling session and not record or share any element of my session.

·          I agree to take personal responsibility in ensuring that I am in a safe, secure and private location for the purpose of my counselling session.

·         I agree to share the location of my session with my counsellor for the purpose of emergency contact.

·         I understand that I am responsible to ensure that my technology is in working order.

Support Between Sessions

Crafted Counselling and Consulting is not a crisis service. Sessions are booked by appointment only. If you or somebody else is in immediate risk of harm, please call 000. Alternatively, for urgent care and 24/7 support between sessions, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.