"Terms of Service Agreement" (Informed Consent)
This Terms of Service Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Spark of Clarity Counselling ("Company," "we," or "us") and you ("User" or "you") regarding the use of our website and any counselling services provided therein.
Professional counselling is a safe and confidential partnership between qualified counsellors and clients aimed at promoting mental health and self-understanding and addressing concerns collaboratively. Clients play an active role throughout the counselling process. The outcomes can vary widely due to each person's unique history and expectations. While specific results cannot be guaranteed, I am dedicated to using best practices to help resolve your concerns. Counselling may bring up various emotions and reactions, so it's important to communicate any experiences to ensure support. To optimize your counselling experience, please aim to attend sessions, share openly, complete agreed tasks, and discuss any uncertainties or concerns with me.
As professionally qualified and nationally registered with Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) I am subject to wide range of professional and ethical requirements and practices under State Government Code of Conduct. I consider that the relationship established between the client and myself is central to the counselling process. I seek to provide an atmosphere that is respectful and non-judgemental in which a person can feel that their experience is understood and valued.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Spark of Clarity Counselling services including website ("Website"), you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Website.
2. Legislative Act
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Australia, including but not limited to the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Consumer Law.
3. Nature and Purpose of Counselling
Counselling provided by Spark of Clarity Counselling is intended to offer support, guidance, and assistance in addressing personal, emotional, and psychological issues. It is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment, and it does not guarantee specific outcomes.
4. Telehealth Services
Spark of Clarity Counselling provides telehealth services, allowing Users to access counselling and therapy sessions remotely through secure online platforms. By using these services, you acknowledge and agree to abide by all applicable laws and regulations regarding telehealth services in your jurisdiction.
5. Platform of Service Used
Counselling sessions are conducted using secure online platforms approved by Spark of Clarity Counselling. Users are responsible for ensuring they have access to the necessary technology and internet connection for these sessions. Spark of Clarity Counselling is a “third party user" of these online platforms and cannot be responsible for any breaches of security if they occur but will at all times be informed and inform of any such breaches for mutual benefit.
6. Etiquette of Using Service
Location - It's important that you are in a private space where you will not be 'disturbed' and you can safely share information and not be overheard. If anyone else is in room, I will not be able to proceed as I am bound by 'privacy' Code of Ethics. For better focus and calmness do not have children present.
Conduct - It is expected that you will be respectful and have appropriate manner during counselling sessions, this includes being dressed appropriately. Any abusive, harassing, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in termination of services.
7. Record Keeping
We maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions in accordance with legal and ethical professional standards. Access to these records is restricted to authorized personnel and will only be released if any information about you if subpoenaed in a court.
8. Payments/Fees
Payment for counselling services is due at the time of booking unless otherwise arranged. We accept payment through direct debit (credit card) or electronic bank transfer to a nominated account. Fees are outlined in our fee schedule and are subject to change without notice.
9. Session times, Bookings, Scheduling, and Rescheduling
Counselling services is provided Monday to Saturday from 11am-7pm, sessions can be booked through our online booking system or by contacting us directly. We make every effort to accommodate your scheduling preferences, subject to availability.
If you need to reschedule a session, please notify us at least 48hours in advance. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in a cancellation fee. (as below)
10. Cancellation
If you need to cancel a scheduled session, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made within 24hours of the scheduled session may be subject to a cancellation fee charge.
11. In an emergency
I do not provide a crisis service, if there is an emergency please contact
· Your doctor or emergency section of your local hospital
· Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Mental Health Triage Service on 13 14 65
12. Privacy and Confidentiality Protocol
We are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and disclose your information. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in the Privacy Policy.
Your right to privacy encompasses confidentiality. Information discussed during our sessions is confidential and may not be shared with anyone without your written permission except when I am legally obliged to:
· report a serious and imminent threat to the life, health or property of yourself or another
· report any abuse or neglect experienced by a young person under the age of 18 years, and/or
· to release client record when required by court order.
Confidential written records are maintained to reflect the issues and goals identified in counselling sessions and are kept securely for seven years.
13. Consent for information release/exchange
On occassion when counselling process requires disclosure/release/exhange of information from treating doctors or other services counsellor will obtain verbal and/or written consent from client. As this is situation based client can alter or withdraw consent at any time.
14. My supervision
I have an ethical responsibility to reflect on my counselling practice. As part of this professional reflection, I may discuss my work with you with my clinical supervisor. In such situations, content presented is de-identified.
15. Modification of Terms
We reserve the right to modify, amend, or change any provisions of this Agreement at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the Website. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.
16. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Agreement, please contact us on details provided on website.
17. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Spark of Clarity Counselling regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, between you and us.
By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.