Starting counselling is an important step. 

Informed Consent for Counselling Services

Thank you for considering Crossroads Counselling.

Counselling can provide a supportive space to explore challenges, navigate periods of change, better understand yourself, and work toward meaningful and sustainable growth. This document outlines important information about counselling services, confidentiality, privacy, telehealth, and professional expectations so you can make an informed decision about participating.

About Counselling

Counselling is a collaborative process that provides an opportunity to explore thoughts, emotions, behaviours, life experiences, and personal goals in a safe and supportive environment. I believe that you are the true expert in your own life, and as such I will not give you advice or offer solutions, but will work with you to more clearly and fully understand your wants, needs, and individual situation so you may make these choices yourself. 

I will also help you to develop skills and strategies to manage your situation and make practical, positive, effective changes that lead to a more satisfying and meaningful life.

The counselling process may involve discussing difficult experiences, emotions, or periods of uncertainty. While counselling can support growth, insight, and improved wellbeing, outcomes cannot be guaranteed and progress will vary from person to person.

You are encouraged to participate openly and ask questions at any time throughout the counselling process. If you have support or service needs beyond my practice scope, I will endeavour to help you identify appropriate referral options.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your privacy is respected, and information shared during counselling will remain confidential except where disclosure is required or permitted by law.

Where possible and appropriate, these situations will be discussed with you before information is shared.

Further information is outlined in the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy you have been provided with.

Telehealth Counselling

Telehealth provides accessible and flexible support; however, there are limitations and risks associated with technology, including internet disruptions or privacy risks outside the counsellor’s control.

You are encouraged to attend sessions in a private, quiet, and secure location where you feel safe to speak openly.

Please ensure:

• a stable internet connection

• access to a private environment

• a charged device and functioning microphone/camera where possible

• you are not driving or operating any kind of machinery. Sessions will not proceed if you are operating a motor vehicle or other object

If technical issues interrupt a session, reasonable efforts will be made to reconnect.

All counselling sessions are conducted by telephone or online via secure video conferencing using Google Meet using a secure Google Workspace account. Appointment scheduling, email communication, electronic forms, and document storage are managed through Google Workspace. Online payments are securely processed by Stripe. By engaging in telehealth counselling you acknowledge that these secure third-party platforms are used in the delivery of services.

Crisis and Emergency Support

Crossroads Counselling is not a crisis or emergency service.

If you are experiencing a crisis, emergency, or are at immediate risk of harm, please contact:

• Emergency Services: 000

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

If concerns arise regarding immediate safety during a session, appropriate steps may be taken to support your safety which may include contacting your emergency contact or the appropriate emergency services.

Communication Between Sessions

Contact between sessions will be limited to practical arrangements only. 

Email communication may be used for:

• appointment scheduling

• administrative communication

• sharing resources or forms

Email should not be used for urgent mental health concerns, crisis support, or therapeutic counselling between sessions. If you are faced with an emergency between sessions please contact the appropriate emergency service, or in a life threatening situation call 000 immediately.

Responses may not be immediate.

Fees, Cancellations and Non-Attendance

Session fees are payable at the time of booking via Stripe unless otherwise arranged.

Session cost is $140.00 each 60 minute session.

Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may incur the full session fee.

Unexpected circumstances and emergencies will be considered with discretion where appropriate.

Record Keeping

Client records are securely stored in accordance with professional, ethical, and privacy obligations. This information is kept in order to track our progress together and for the purposes of accountability and continuity.

Reasonable steps are taken to protect personal information and maintain confidentiality.

Information is collected only for purposes relevant to counselling services, administration, safety, and professional obligations. Records are kept for a period of seven (7) years from the date of your last contact with the service. Under some circumstances I may be required to keep records for a longer period.

You may request access to information held about you where appropriate and legally permitted.

Further information is outlined in the Privacy and Confidentiality Policy you have been provided with.

Client Rights and Participation

You have the right to:

• ask questions about counselling at any time

• participate voluntarily in counselling

• discontinue counselling at any stage

• provide feedback or raise concerns

• collaborate in setting goals and direction for sessions

Counselling works best as a collaborative process built on openness, trust, and mutual respect.

Ending Counselling

Generally, the counselling relationship ends by mutual agreement. However, you have the right to end your counselling service at any time. If you decide not to return to counselling please let me know, particularly if you have upcoming appointments. If at any time I feel that our counselling is no longer appropriate for you I will discuss this with you; I may suggest discontinuation or a referral to a more appropriate service.

Consent

By engaging in counselling services, you acknowledge that:

• you have read and understood this informed consent document

• you understand the nature and limitations of counselling

• you understand confidentiality and its limits

• you understand telehealth risks and responsibilities

• you understand fees and cancellation policies

• you consent to participate in counselling services

If you have any questions about this information, please feel welcome to ask.