Terms of service.
Last updated: 11 February 2026
These Terms of Service apply to all counselling services provided by Joanna Mitchell (“the practitioner”), a sole-trader registered counsellor offering counselling services in person and online. By booking and attending a session, you agree to the following terms.
1. Nature of Services
Counselling services are provided to support emotional wellbeing, self-understanding, and personal growth. Sessions may involve reflective conversation, emotional support, and evidence-informed therapeutic approaches.
Counselling is not a substitute for crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment, medical treatment, or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, please contact 000, Lifeline (13 11 14), or your local emergency service.
2. Session Length & Format
Sessions are typically 50–60 minutes.
Sessions are offered online, delivered via secure video platforms.
For online counselling, clients are responsible for ensuring they are in a private environment with a stable internet connection that supports confidentiality.
3. Fees & Payment
Initial session: $130
Ongoing sessions: $110
Fees may be reviewed periodically, with reasonable notice provided.
Card details are securely collected at the time of booking. Payment is processed after the session via the booking platform or electronic invoice.
Medicare rebates are not currently available. Should this change, updated information will be communicated.
4. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you.
Cancellations or rescheduled sessions with more than 24 hours’ notice will not be charged.
Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment time will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Failure to attend without notice (“no-show”) may result in the full session fee being charged.
This policy supports fairness and allows appointment times to be offered to others when possible.
5. Confidentiality
Counselling sessions are confidential.
Information shared will not be disclosed except where required or permitted by law, including:
Where there is a serious risk of harm to the client or another person
Where there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
Where records are legally required (e.g. subpoena or court order)
The practitioner participates in regular professional supervision to support ethical, thoughtful, and safe practice. Any information discussed in supervision is de-identified, and client confidentiality is maintained in line with ethical standards.
For online counselling, clients are responsible for taking reasonable steps to maintain privacy at their location.
6. Online Counselling & Privacy
Online counselling is delivered using secure electronic platforms in accordance with ethical requirements.
While reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality, electronic communication carries inherent risks, including technical disruptions or unauthorised access. If confidentiality cannot be reasonably maintained, the session may be paused, rescheduled, or alternative arrangements discussed.
By participating in online counselling, clients acknowledge and accept these considerations.
7. Record Keeping
Brief session notes are kept to support safe and ethical practice. Records are stored securely and confidentially in accordance with Australian Counselling Association (ACA) guidelines and privacy requirements, and are accessed only by the practitioner.
8. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:
Attend sessions on time
Provide accurate and relevant information for safe and ethical care
Notify the practitioner of changes that may affect counselling
Use online platforms responsibly and support confidentiality during online sessions
9. Limits of Practice
The practitioner does not prescribe medication, provide legal advice, or diagnose mental health conditions. Where appropriate, referrals to other health or support services may be recommended.
10. Ending Counselling
Clients may end counselling at any time. Where possible, endings are encouraged to be discussed in session to support a considered and supported transition.
The practitioner may suggest pausing or ending counselling if services are no longer appropriate or if another form of support would better meet the client’s needs.
11. Contact Outside Sessions
Email contact is available for administrative matters only (e.g. scheduling, invoices, forms). Counselling support is provided during scheduled sessions and is not offered via email, text message, or social media.
12. Informed Consent
By booking and attending counselling sessions, you confirm that:
You have read and understood these Terms of Service
You understand the nature and limits of confidentiality
You consent to participate in counselling services under these terms
Consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any time.