Terms of Service & Practice Policy

Welcome to SoulShine Counselling. These guidelines outline how I provide support to ensure the space we share is safe, respectful, and fully transparent.

Sessions and Your Autonomy

Sessions run for 60 minutes in-person or online via a secure video conferencing platform. Thenumber and frequency of your appointments depend entirely on your unique needs. You are always in control of your counselling journey, including when to begin, pause, or conclude the work we do together. We will collaborate closely, and I will always be guided by what feels right for you.

Getting Started: Intake and Consent

During our first session, we will discuss what brings you to counselling, your goals, and what you can expect from the process. Before we begin, you will be asked to sign an informed consent form to ensure we are on the same page. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time so you can feel confident and informed about your care.

Fees and Payment

Standard Telehealth Session (60 minutes): $135
Standard In-person Session (60 minutes): $150
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
Please note that Medicare rebates are not currently available.
Depending on your provider, you may be able to claim private health insurance directly
through your fund. Feel free to reach out to check if your insurance covers our sessions.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

If you need to change your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours of notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours of notice, missed appointments, or arriving more than 15 minutes late will incur the full session fee. This allows that time to be offered to someone else seeking support.

Privacy and Your Space

Your privacy is paramount. I conduct all sessions from a secure and private room, and I ask that you also attend from a quiet and private space where you will not be overheard.

Interruptions: If someone enters your space, please let me know immediately so we can pause and ensure your privacy.
Safety: For your safety, sessions cannot take place while you are driving.
No Recording: To protect both of our privacy, sessions must not be recorded under any circumstances.

Telehealth and Connection Issues

If our video connection is interrupted, we will first try to reconnect. If this is not possible, I may contact you by phone or SMS to agree on the best way to continue. If a significant technical issue prevents the session from proceeding, we will discuss an appropriate alternative, which may include rescheduling.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Everything you share is treated with the utmost care and confidentiality. The only exceptions to this are if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I am legally obligated to disclose information, such as child safety concerns. Your session notes are stored securely in strict accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. For more details, please view the Privacy Policy.

Professional Supervision

As part of ethical counselling practice, I participate in regular professional supervision. This supports the quality and safety of the counselling I provide. Your counselling may be discussed in supervision where clinically relevant, with your privacy and confidentiality maintained and identifying information limited wherever possible.

Scope of Services

SoulShine Counselling is dedicated to supporting emotional wellbeing, healing, and personal growth. Please note that I do not provide court reports, legal assessments, or medical and legal documentation.

Concluding Therapy and Referrals

You decide when counselling feels complete. Whether your goals are met or you simply feel ready to stop, that choice is yours.

There may also be times when I recommend pausing or concluding counselling, or referring you to another service. This may occur if your needs fall outside my scope of practice, online counselling is no longer appropriate, a different service would better meet your needs, or your safety needs require a higher level of support. Where possible, I will discuss this openly with you and support an appropriate referral or transition.

Between Sessions and Crisis Support

You are welcome to reach out via email or phone for administrative matters, such as scheduling or payments. Therapeutic support, however, is reserved for our designated session times.

If you require immediate support or are experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to dedicated services:

Emergency Services: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14

Feedback and Complaints

You are welcome to raise any concerns or feedback about your counselling experience directly with me. I will aim to respond openly, respectfully, and fairly.

If you feel your concern has not been resolved, you may also contact the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner for information about external complaint options.

If you have any questions about these terms, please always feel free to get in touch.