top of page

Informed Consent and Policies

A link to this form and your intake form will be sent to your email following booking and payment. This version has been provided for you to read pre-booking if you wish.

​

Informed Consent

Agreement for Counselling Services

It is important that you have a clear understanding of counselling and the therapeutic process before we begin our work together. Please read the following information carefully, and feel free to ask any questions at any time.

Important Information About Counselling

Professional counselling is a confidential and collaborative process between a qualified counsellor and a client. It is designed to support mental health and well-being, enhance self-awareness, and assist in resolving personal concerns.
Clients are active participants throughout the counselling journey.
(PACFA Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors, 2018, p.2)

People seek counselling for many different reasons. I look forward to understanding what has brought you here and supporting you throughout your counselling experience.

Each person brings a unique background, set of experiences, and expectations to the process. Because of this, counselling outcomes can vary from person to person. While no specific results can be guaranteed, I am committed to working ethically, using evidence-based practices, and engaging collaboratively with you to pursue meaningful and supportive outcomes.

Please note that counselling can sometimes bring up intense or difficult emotions as we explore personal experiences and challenges. If this occurs, I encourage you to let me know so we can address it together in a safe and supportive manner.

Professional Registration

I hold Level 4 Registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), and I am listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

As a registered professional, I adhere to:

  • The ACA Code of Ethics

  • The relevant Code of Conduct for unregistered health professionals in my state or territory

These codes ensure that I maintain professional standards and provide safe, ethical, and client-centred care.

​

Practice Policies

 

Appointments, Cancellations & Attendance Policy​

Appointment Reminders

You will receive an SMS reminder 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This message will allow you to confirm, cancel, or reschedule your session.

​Cancellations & Refunds

  • Notice Required: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

  • Late Cancellations: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments will incur the full session fee of $120

  • Refunds: If cancelled with sufficient notice, your session is eligible for a refund. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing.                                                                                                                                                Late Arrivals

​​Telehealth (Phone Call) Appointments

  • Your practitioner will contact you at your scheduled start time from an Unknown Number.

  • If contact is not made at the start time, three attempts will be made within the first 30 minutes.

  • If you cannot be reached within 30 minutes, the session is considered forfeited, and the full session fee applies.

  • Late arrival by phone will result in a shortened session, with no refund for the missed time.

Virtual Video Call Appointments

  • Virtual sessions are conducted securely via Microsoft Teams.

  • Your personalised session link will be sent in both the Confirmation Email and Appointment Reminder Email.

  • If you do not join the Teams meeting within 30 minutes of your start time, the session will be forfeited, and the full session fee applies.

  • Late arrivals will result in a shortened session, ending at the original finish time.

  • No refunds will be provided for reduced session times due to late arrival or non-attendance.

Safety Policy

CQ Counselling maintains a zero-tolerance policy for threatening or violent behaviour.
If such behaviour occurs:

  • The session may be immediately cancelled without a refund.

  • Future sessions may be discontinued at the discretion of the practitioner.

​​​

Fees & Payments

  • Standard session fee: $120 per 60-minute session

  • Extended sessions are available on request

  • Payment method: Payments are processed at the time of booking via Stripe or via an invoice that will require payment before the session. Payment not received prior to the 24-hour cancellation period, or rescheduled, will have their session cancelled.

  • Private health insurance: Invoices are provided for clients to claim rebates directly through their health insurer. Please check with your provider to confirm whether counselling services are covered and whether telehealth or in-person sessions are available on your plan. Invoices will be issued within 24 hours of your completed appointment for you to lodge with your insurer. It is the client’s responsibility to confirm eligibility for rebates before booking, as coverage is a matter between you and your health insurance provider.

 

Private Health Insurances Accepted at CQ Counselling

I currently accept the following private health insurance providers:

  • AHM

  • Medibank Private

  • Police Health Fund

  • Emergency Services Health

  • Phoenix Health

  • St. Luke's Health

  • GMHBA

  • see-u by HBF (telehealth only)

  • Teachers Union Health

  • AIA

  • Doctors Health Fund

  • Westfund

​

In Case of  Emergency

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, please do not wait for a response here. Instead, contact one of the following resources:

Emergency Services: Call OOO

Additional Support Services

Please reach out to trained professionals who can provide immediate assistance. Your safety and well-being matter—because you matter.
 

Privacy & Confidentiality

Your privacy is protected under Australian privacy laws. For full details, please refer to the attached Privacy Policy, which forms part of this agreement.

Confidentiality in Counselling

All information shared during counselling sessions is treated as strictly confidential. However, there are legal and ethical exceptions where confidentiality may be breached:

  • If there is a serious and imminent risk to your life, health, or the safety of another person

  • If there is any disclosure or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a person under 18 years of age

  • If information is requested by a court order

Record Keeping

Session notes are kept in accordance with professional standards:

  • All records are stored securely

  • Records are retained for a minimum of seven years

​

Clinical Supervision

Supervision and Professional Practice

As part of ethical and professional standards, I engage in regular clinical supervision to ensure the quality and effectiveness of my counselling practice.

At times, I may discuss aspects of our work with my clinical supervisor. Please be assured that:

  • These discussions are conducted in a confidential and professional setting

  • All identifying information is removed to protect your privacy and confidentiality

Supervision is a standard component of responsible counselling practice and supports the delivery of high-quality care.

CQ Counselling logo with images of the beach and bush, reflecting the CQ landscape.

CQ Counselling would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates and surrounds in the Banana shire region, the Gangulu, the Wulli Wulli, the Darumbal, the Wadja, the Wakka Wakka and the Iman people, and other First Nations people across Australia. I acknowledge the wisdom of Elders past, present and emerging and recognise the importance of First Nations' contribution to communities through cultural heritage, values and beliefs.

​

© 2025 by CQ Counselling

 

ABN 45 809 031 840

Aboriginal Flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
bottom of page