Nau mai haere mai! Welcome!

Before we begin working together, it is important that you understand what the counselling process involves; what your rights are, and how I work as a counsellor. This document will provide you with clear information so you can make an informed decision to engage in counselling with me.

What Counselling Is

Counselling is a process where we work together in a safe, confidential space to explore issues, challenges, thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour. I guide, facilitate, and support. It is not about giving advice or fixing you – it is about empowering you, finding clarity, and making room for growth – to know, see, and speak your truth. You will be provided with a client intake form to fill out briefly prior to session to obtain basic information that will assist us in working together. All information on this form is treated with the same level of confidentiality and care as is everything we discuss in our sessions. Thank you.

My Approach

I am eclectic in my approach. I adopt an eclectic style of counselling – I lend from many different therapeutic tools and resources to assist my clients. I work in an honest, upfront, and transparent way. The focus is on my client, not me. It’s all about them and what brought them to counselling. I believe in guiding, supporting, facilitating the process, and working in collaboration with my client = mutual respect, and client-empowerment.

Your Rights as a Client

• To be treated with respect, dignity, and care

• To ask questions at any time

• To say “no” to any aspect of the process

• To withdraw from counselling at any stage

• To receive services free from discrimination

• To request access to your personal notes

• To receive clear information about fees and cancellations

• To complain or offer feedback - you will be heard.

Confidentiality

What you share with me stays between us, except in the following circumstances:

• There is a serious risk of harm to self, or others.

• There is disclosure of abuse or neglect of a child, or vulnerable person.

• Court subpoena or lawful authority legally compels me.

• You disclose intent to commit a serious crime, or I become aware of a crime that is being or is about to be committed.

• If you give written consent for information to be shared.

If anything like this comes up, I will do my best to discuss it with you first wherever possible.

Conflict of Interest

To maintain a safe, neutral, and professional counselling space, any potential conflicts of interest - such as close ties to family, friends, or shared networks - will be approached with care and integrity. If a concern arises, I will address it directly and respectfully. If you're unsure don't hesitate to ask.

Fees & Cancellations

• Sessions are $100 and have a duration of 60 minutes.

• Payment is due prior to session commencement via online banking. Cash on the day prior to session is accepted. You will be provided with a receipt, and a nil balance invoice will be emailed to you.

• Please give 12 hours’ notice for cancellations.

• We don’t charge late fee or penalties; we note it and others who want appointments will be given priority when booking.

Record Keeping & Privacy

As part of your counselling process, I keep brief professional notes after each session. These notes help track key themes, progress, and support continuity in your care. In accordance with the Privacy Act 2020, you may request access to your notes at any time. All records are stored securely and accessed only by me.

Please note, I also maintain separate reflective notes for my own clinical development and supervision. These are not part of the client file and are not shared.

Complaints & Feedback

If you’re unhappy with any part of our work together, I invite you to speak up. I value and respect that. Knowing what is on your mind and addressing it is important. Alternatively, I would welcome your feedback about the service by way of a testimonial if you chose to. This helps me improve my practice and I believe it will inspire others who are searching for answers.

Please Read this Informed Consent

We would encourage you to read this informed consent prior to your first appointment. A printed version of this document will be provided for you to sign before we commence with the counselling process. You can ask any questions when we meet.

Ngā mihi nui

Informed Consent Agreement

Making you aware of how I operate. Keeping you informed. Your right to know.