Counselling Agreement

This Counselling Agreement outlines the nature of the counselling relationship between you (the Client) and your Counsellor at M.I.N.D (Mental Illness Needs Direction). It is intended to ensure you are fully informed about how sessions work, your rights and responsibilities, and how your information is handled. Please read this document carefully before signing. You are encouraged to ask any questions before agreeing. By signing below, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this agreement.

Your counsellor is a qualified professional who provides a supportive, non-judgmental, and confidential space for you to explore thoughts, feelings, and challenges. The counsellor's role is to: • Facilitate self-exploration and personal insight • Assist you in identifying and working toward your goals • Offer evidence-based therapeutic support • Maintain professional boundaries at all times • Adhere to the ethical guidelines of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and/or the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) The counsellor does not provide medical or psychiatric diagnoses, prescribe medications, or act as an advocate in legal proceedings. The counselling relationship is professional in nature — social or personal relationships outside of sessions are not appropriate.

Sessions: Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes in duration unless otherwise agreed. Sessions may be conducted face-to-face, via telehealth (video), or by phone. Scheduling: Appointments are made in advance. You will receive confirmation of your appointment details. It is your responsibility to attend scheduled sessions or provide adequate notice of cancellation. Cancellation & Late Arrival: We request a minimum of 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or non-attendance without notice may incur a fee equal to the full session cost. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time. Fees & Payment: Session fees will be discussed and agreed upon prior to commencement. Payment is due at the time of the session unless alternative arrangements have been made in writing. Fees for NDIS-funded participants are governed by the NDIS Price Guide. Frequency: Sessions are typically weekly or fortnightly, based on your needs and goals. Session frequency may be reviewed as you progress.

Your privacy is of the utmost importance. All information shared within the counselling relationship is treated as strictly confidential and is protected in accordance with: • The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) • PACFA Code of Ethics • ACA Code of Ethics • NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements (where applicable) Information you share will not be disclosed to any third party without your written consent, except in the following legally or ethically required circumstances: Limits of Confidentiality: • If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person • If there is disclosure or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect (mandatory reporting obligations apply) • If a court of law issues a subpoena for your records • If your records are required by a regulatory authority (e.g., NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission) In all other circumstances, your information will remain confidential. Where possible, you will be consulted before any disclosure is made.

Your counsellor takes brief session notes to support continuity of care and professional practice. These notes are: • Kept securely in a password-protected electronic system or locked physical storage • Accessible only to your counsellor and, where relevant, their clinical supervisor • Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of last contact (or until a minor reaches the age of 25, whichever is later) • De-identified where possible when used for supervision or professional development purposes What Is Recorded: Notes may include session dates, presenting concerns, key themes discussed, goals, progress observations, and any relevant risk information. Notes are not verbatim transcripts. Access to Your Records: You have the right to request access to your records at any time. Requests should be made in writing.

In line with PACFA and ACA ethical requirements, your counsellor participates in regular clinical supervision with an approved clinical supervisor. Supervision is a professional requirement designed to ensure the quality and safety of your care. During supervision, case material may be discussed to support your counsellor's professional development and ethical practice. Information shared in supervision is: • De-identified (your name and identifying details are not disclosed) • Kept confidential by the supervisor • Used solely for the purpose of supporting clinical practice Supervision does not constitute a breach of confidentiality.

As a client, you have the right to: • Be treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination • Receive information about the counselling process and the counsellor's qualifications • Give or withdraw consent to treatment at any time without penalty • Ask questions and be fully informed before agreeing to any aspect of your care • Seek a second opinion or be referred to another service • Make a complaint if you feel your rights have not been upheld • Access your records (subject to limitations outlined above) • End the counselling relationship at any time You also have the right to be informed if your counsellor believes they are not the most appropriate support for your needs, and to receive referral information.

To support a productive counselling relationship, we ask that you: • Attend sessions on time and provide adequate notice of cancellations • Communicate openly and honestly, to the best of your ability • Engage actively in the process between sessions (where relevant) • Notify your counsellor of any changes to your situation that may affect your safety or the direction of your work • Treat your counsellor with respect • Honour agreed payment arrangements

Counselling is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact: • Emergency Services: 000 • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 • Mental Health Line (NSW): 1800 011 511 Your counsellor will provide a safety plan if risk is identified during the course of your counselling.

Either party may end the counselling relationship at any time. If you choose to end counselling, a final closure session is recommended to allow for a positive conclusion to your work together. Your counsellor may initiate ending the relationship if: • The therapeutic goals have been met • The counsellor believes they are no longer the most appropriate support • There is a breach of this agreement (e.g., non-payment, abusive conduct) • The counsellor ceases practice In any case, your counsellor will endeavour to provide appropriate referrals to support continuity of care.

If you have any concerns about your counselling experience, we encourage you to raise them directly with your counsellor in the first instance. If you feel your concerns are not adequately addressed, you may contact: PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) • Website: www.pacfa.org.au | Phone: (03) 9486 3077 ACA (Australian Counselling Association) • Website: www.theaca.net.au | Phone: 1300 784 333 NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (if NDIS-funded): • Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au | Phone: 1800 035 544

By signing this agreement, you confirm that: • You have read and understood the contents of this Counselling Agreement • You have had the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered to your satisfaction • You freely and voluntarily consent to engage in counselling services • You understand your rights and responsibilities as outlined above • You understand the limits of confidentiality and agree to the note-keeping practices described • You agree to the fee and cancellation arrangements discussed This agreement may be reviewed and updated from time to time. You will be informed of any changes and asked to provide updated consent.