Policies
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Introduction
This Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions regarding the cancellation of appointments with The Kind Counsellor. I, Sarah Coria, am committed to providing flexible and fair scheduling practices while ensuring that my time and other clients' time are respected.
Appointment Cancellations
Advance Notice: If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. This allows me to offer the time slot to another client who may be in need.
Short Notice Cancellations: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time will incur a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the session fee, unless in cases of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Please communicate any such situations as soon as possible.
No-Shows: If you do not attend a scheduled appointment and fail to provide any notice, a no-show fee equivalent to 100% of the session fee will be charged.
How to Cancel or Reschedule
You can cancel or reschedule your appointment by:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0431 544 600
Online Booking System
Emergency Cancellations
I understand that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise. If you need to cancel at short notice due to an emergency, please inform me as soon as possible. I will consider each situation on a case-by-case basis and may waive the cancellation fee at my discretion.
Refunds
Refunds for prepaid sessions will be issued as follows:
Full Refund: For cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance.
Partial Refund: For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, minus the applicable cancellation fee.
No Refund: For no-shows without notice.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late for your appointment, the session will still end at the scheduled time, and the full session fee will apply. If I am late for a session, I will make every effort to provide the full session time or adjust the fee accordingly.
Changes to This Cancellation Policy
I may update this Cancellation Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be communicated to you and posted on my website.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns about this Cancellation Policy or need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact me at:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0431 544 600
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Introduction
This Privacy Policy outlines how The Kind Counsellor ("I," "me," or "my") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use my online counselling services. I, Sarah Coria, am committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is protected.
Information I Collect
I may collect the following types of personal information:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details.
- Sensitive Information: Information about your mental health, wellbeing, and other sensitive details discussed during counselling sessions.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and other technical information collected through the use of cookies and similar technologies.How I Collect Information
I collect personal information through:
- Direct Interactions: When you contact me, fill out forms, or use my online counselling services.
- Automated Technologies: When you use my website, technical data is collected through cookies and similar technologies.How I Use Your Information
I use your personal information to:
- Provide and manage my online counselling services.
- Communicate with you about appointments, services, and other relevant updates.
- Maintain records for legal and administrative purposes.
- Improve my services and your experience on my website.Disclosure of Your Information
I do not share your personal information with third parties, except in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: I may share your information with third parties when you have given explicit consent.
- Legal Obligations: If required by law, I may disclose your information to comply with legal processes or protect my rights and safety.Data Security
I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure.
Data Retention
I retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When your information is no longer needed, I will securely destroy it in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access Your Information: Request a copy of the personal information I hold about you.
- Correct Your Information: Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Delete Your Information: Request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations.
- Restrict Processing: Request that I limit the processing of your personal information.
- Object to Processing: Object to the processing of your personal information based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
- Data Portability: Request the transfer of your personal information to another service provider.To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details provided below.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
My website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect technical data. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on my website, and I encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or my privacy practices, please contact me at:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0431544600
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Introduction
This Confidentiality Policy outlines how The Kind Counsellor ("I," "me," or "my") protects and manages the confidentiality of information shared during counselling sessions. I, Sarah Coria, am committed to ensuring that your personal information and discussions are kept confidential and secure.
Confidentiality Commitment
I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality. All information disclosed during counselling sessions, including personal details and sensitive information, will be treated with the utmost respect and privacy.
Scope of Confidentiality
Confidentiality applies to all information shared during counselling sessions, including:
Personal identification details (name, address, contact information).
Mental health and wellbeing information.
Any other personal or sensitive information discussed during sessions.
Limits of Confidentiality
There are certain circumstances under which I may be legally or ethically required to break confidentiality. These include:
Risk of Harm: If you disclose information that indicates a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, I am required to take appropriate action to ensure safety.
Abuse or Neglect: If you disclose information about the abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult, I am legally obligated to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Legal Requirements: If I receive a court order or subpoena requiring the release of information, I must comply with legal obligations.
Supervision and Consultation: I may discuss cases in a confidential manner with professional supervisors or colleagues to ensure the highest quality of care. These discussions will be conducted without revealing your identity.
Storage and Security of Information
I take appropriate measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of your information, including:
Electronic Records: Stored securely on encrypted devices or cloud services with restricted access.
Paper Records: Kept in a locked and secure location.
Communication: Ensuring that email, phone, and video communications are conducted using secure and private methods.
Client Rights
You have the right to:
Access Your Records: Request access to the information I hold about you.
Amend Your Records: Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
Discuss Confidentiality: Ask questions and discuss any concerns about confidentiality at any time.
Confidentiality in Online Sessions
For online counselling sessions, I use secure and encrypted video conferencing platforms to ensure the confidentiality of our discussions. Please take steps to ensure your own privacy by choosing a quiet, private location for your sessions.
Changes to This Confidentiality Policy
I may update this Confidentiality Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be communicated to you and posted on my website.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns about this Confidentiality Policy or your privacy, please contact me at:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0431 544 600
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Introduction
This Social Media Policy outlines how The Kind Counsellor ("I," "me," or "my") manages interactions and communications on social media platforms. I, Sarah Coria, am committed to maintaining professional boundaries and protecting your privacy and confidentiality when engaging with social media.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure clear boundaries between personal and professional use of social media and to protect the privacy and confidentiality of clients.
Professional Boundaries
No Therapeutic Relationships on Social Media: I do not engage in counselling or therapeutic relationships via social media platforms. All therapeutic interactions are conducted through appropriate channels such as scheduled counselling sessions.
No Friend or Follow Requests: To maintain professional boundaries, I do not accept friend or follow requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts.
Public Interactions: If you choose to interact with me on public social media platforms, please be aware that these interactions are not confidential. I encourage using private and secure channels for any discussions related to your counselling sessions.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Protecting Client Privacy: I will not share any information about clients on social media, including identifying details or any content discussed during counselling sessions.
Client Interactions: If you comment or message me on social media, please understand that I cannot engage in therapeutic discussions in these public or semi-public forums. I may redirect you to appropriate private communication methods for such discussions.
Social Media Content
Professional Use: My social media accounts are used to share general information, resources, and updates related to mental health and wellbeing. The content is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
No Endorsements: Following or liking a page or account does not imply endorsement of that individual or organization's views, products, or services.
Online Reviews and Testimonials
Client Reviews: While clients may choose to leave reviews or testimonials on public platforms, I do not solicit testimonials from clients. Any review you leave should be voluntary and reflect your genuine experience.
Responding to Reviews: To protect client confidentiality, I will not respond to reviews or testimonials in a way that acknowledges any therapeutic relationship. I may provide a general response thanking the reviewer without disclosing any confidential information.
Managing Social Media Use
Personal Responsibility: Please use discretion when sharing personal information on social media platforms. Understand the potential risks to your privacy and confidentiality.
Reporting Concerns: If you have any concerns about interactions on social media or believe your privacy has been compromised, please contact me immediately.
Changes to This Social Media Policy
I may update this Social Media Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be communicated to you and posted on my website.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns about this Social Media Policy, please contact me at:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0413 544 600
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Introduction
This Ethical Practice Policy outlines the principles and standards of ethical practice that guide The Kind Counsellor ("I," "me," or "my") in providing counselling services. I, Sarah Coria, am committed to upholding the highest ethical standards to ensure the well-being and rights of my clients.
Professional Competence
Continuous Professional Development: I engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance my counselling skills and knowledge.
Scope of Practice: I provide services within the scope of my training, experience, and competence.
Client Welfare
Client-Centred Approach: I respect the autonomy and dignity of each client, and I work collaboratively with them to achieve their therapeutic goals.
Confidentiality: I adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines to protect the privacy of my clients, except where required by law or when there is a risk of harm.
Boundaries and Relationships
Dual Relationships: I avoid dual relationships that could impair my professional judgment or exploit the client.
Physical Contact: I do not engage in physical contact with clients, except in situations where it is clinically appropriate and consented to by the client.
Informed Consent
Clear Communication: I provide clear and comprehensive information to clients about the counselling process, including the nature of the relationship, fees, and confidentiality.
Voluntary Participation: I ensure that clients participate in counselling voluntarily and have the right to withdraw at any time.
Cultural Competence
Cultural Awareness: I respect and value the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and identities of all clients.
Anti-Discrimination: I do not discriminate against clients based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic.
Professional Relationships
Collaboration: I collaborate with other professionals involved in the care of my clients, with their consent, to ensure coordinated and effective treatment.
Supervision: I engage in regular supervision to review and reflect on my work and to ensure ethical practice.
Confidentiality
Privacy: I maintain the confidentiality of client information and records, except where disclosure is required by law or when there is a risk of harm to the client or others.
Fees and Billing
Transparency: I provide clear and accurate information about fees and billing practices to clients.
Fairness: I strive to ensure that my fees are fair and reasonable, taking into account the client's ability to pay.
Complaints and Grievances
Accessibility: I provide clients with information on how to lodge complaints or grievances about my services.
Resolution: I take complaints seriously and work to resolve them promptly and fairly.
Changes to This Policy
I may update this Ethical Practice Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. Any changes will be communicated to clients and posted on my website.
Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns about this Ethical Practice Policy, please contact me at:
Email: hello@thekindcounsellor.com
Phone: 0431 544 600