Cancellation Policy
Sometimes there are good reasons for cancelling appointments. However, unlike brief medical appointments, it is impossible to fill a counselling appointment that runs for 55 minutes at late notice. Where you provide less than 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment, or where you fail to attend an appointment, you will be charged a fee of 50% of the usual consultation fee for that appointment time.
A late cancelled appointment is a loss to three people:
- The client who is delaying their therapy progress.
- Another client sitting on the waiting list to see the Counsellor.
- The Counsellor who has spent time preparing for your session.
We trust you will agree that this is a fair and reasonable policy, and we thank you for your understanding.
Confidentiality Disclaimer
The provision of counselling is intended as a tool to assist clients in reaching their ultimate goals. It does in no way replace or is a substitute for professional medical or psychological assistance. Clients who have a medical or psychological disorder or illness must seek professional medical advice.
This responsibility falls with the client to disclose and not the Counsellor to diagnose. The role of the Counsellor is to assist the client to bring balance into their lives and ensure the client is in touch with their own needs. No assumption of responsibility is made or taken through the provision of our service(s).
All information supplied by the client is confidential and the client may request to view their own personal information, stored in our records. Information will not be given to third parties in relation to the client or the client’s personal details without the permission of the client unless the Counsellor deems the client, or any other person associated with the client, to be in a serious or life-threatening situation, in which case the Counsellor is duty bound to report the perceived danger to the appropriate authorities.
Such incidences may include suicidal tendencies, or physical, mental, or emotional abuse being committed on or by the client. The Counsellor is also dutybound to report to authorities incidences of sexual abuse committed against minors.
There may be times when I consult with outside sources about cases. In these instances, no personally identifiable information will be used to discuss this case. However, discussion topics will be used to ensure that I am giving the best assistance possible. The persons with whom I discuss cases are legally bound to keep information confidential.