Benefits and Risks of Therapy
Benefits of Psychotherapy and Massage may be an increased ability to cope with issues that arise in areas of your life such as interpersonal relationships, family, friends and work. You may also gain a better understanding of yourself, your values and your behaviours which will assist you in your achieving an improved sense of well-being.
Other benefits of the combination of Somatic Psychotherapy and Massage may include relief of traumatic stress symptoms, increased resiliency, and resourcefulness.
As with all counselling modalities and other therapies the risk of remembering unpleasant events may provoke strong and/or unanticipated feelings, may mean facing issues or aspects of yourself that are uncomfortable for you , may lead to unforeseen changes in your relationships, and may take you out outside of your comfort zone to explore and expand your growing edge. Please let me know if/ when this ever becomes overwhelming for you.
Privacy and confidentiality
I respect the privacy of my clients, hold in strict confidence all information about clients and comply with applicable privacy and other legislation.
I am bound the the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics.
What information is collected about you?
When you attend a session a file will be made containing your name, address, contact details and other information such as the nature of the problem, family history, diagnosis (if any) and previous treatment. This information will be stored in a secure and confidential way.
No information will be released to a third party without your prior written authorization. At any time, you have the right to withhold or withdraw consent to, or place conditions on, the disclosure of your information
There are situations, however, where I would be legally required to release personal information, such as if you reveal information that indicates:
- a clear and immediate danger of harm to yourself or others
- abuse or serious neglect of a child in need of protection
- if mandated by a court order;
- if there is a report of abuse by another registered health professional
While these events are rare, I would like you to know that these possibilities do exist. My overall goal is to make this a place where you feel comfortable to talk about personal concerns. I may also consult with other supervising professionals for guidance specific to Somatic Psychotherapy for the purposes of providing you with the highest quality care. Information provided in these contexts will be anonymous.
By making an appointment with me you agree to the following terms:
Informed Consent
Informed consent for psychological therapy and assessment is essential and out of respect for your right to choice and self-determination. Consent must be given voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw informed consent at any time and terminate therapy.
Client responsibilities
Personal commitment to therapy and counselling is crucial for success. It is important that you be active, open and honest. Seeing a therapist is often enhanced with additional efforts made between sessions, such as thinking about the material covered in your sessions, monitoring the behaviours you are trying to change, reading a book or article, completing worksheets, practicing a new skill, or taking other actions to support your growth. It is your responsibility to tell me when you are uncomfortable with any parts of the treatment. If you have any questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer your questions in full.
Fees
- Private full fee paying individual 60 minute sessions: $90
- Counselling and Massage/Reflexology combined 2hr session : $180
(Consideration may be applied for financial hardship if same can be demonstrated with appropriate documentation)
Cancellation and Missed Appointment Policy
Cancellations are needed to cover the cost of providing a professional psychotherapy/massage therapy session. If the space can be filled at short notice, there will be no charge. Sufficient notice also allows clients booked into the future to be moved forward when possible, allowing you to have an earlier appointment in the case that you need to cancel.
I ask that you please contact me by phone to change your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your scheduled time.
- Cancellation fees will be waived on compassionate grounds, such as in the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent professional treatment, death in the family, or in the event of an accident or natural disaster.
- Clients who do not attend a scheduled appointment (“no show” or “I forgot”) are billed at the Cancellation fee of $40 to be made prior to the next schedule appointment.
- If you miss two consecutive appointments in without prior notice , I will assume that you do not wish to continue. I will contact you to advise you that your file will be closed and will provide you with referral information to other services that might be of assistance if appropriate.
- If you simply stop coming to scheduled sessions and don’t return my call then after 4 weeks, it will be assumed that you wish to terminate counselling and your file will be closed.
Late Arrival for Appointment
Please allow yourself enough time and space to arrive at your session at the scheduled time. If you are running late for an appointment please try to phone ahead to let me know. Consultation will commence on your arrival and finish at the original scheduled time to ensure other clients are not inconvenienced. Full standard fee applies.