Terms of service.
Last updated: 4 December 2025
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 sessions are provided to support emotional wellbeing, personal insight, and mental health. Sessions may include reflective conversation, emotional support, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Counselling is not a substitute for crisis services, psychiatric assessment, or specialised medical care. 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 50 minutes unless otherwise agreed.
Sessions are offered online via Zoom.
Online sessions require a private, stable connection and an environment that maintains confidentiality.
3. Fees & Payment
Initial session: $130
Ongoing sessions: $110
Fees may be reviewed periodically with notice.
Card details are securely collected at the time of booking, but you will not be charged until after your session is completed.
Payment is processed via the booking platform or invoiced electronically.
Medicare rebates are not currently available, but may become available in the future. Updates will be communicated once applicable.
4. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you.
Cancellations or rescheduled sessions made with more than 24 hours’ notice will not be charged.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment time will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Non-attendance without notice (“no-show”) may result in the full session fee being charged.
This policy ensures fairness and allows the practitioner to offer your appointment time to others in need of support.
5. Confidentiality
All sessions are confidential. Information you share will not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
Risk of harm: If there is concern that you may harm yourself, someone else, or a child is at risk.
Legal obligations: If required by law, subpoena, or court order.
Supervision: The practitioner engages in professional supervision for best-practice care. Your identity and personal details remain anonymous and confidential.
For online sessions, clients are responsible for ensuring privacy and confidentiality in their location.
6. Record Keeping
Brief session notes are kept securely in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) guidelines and privacy requirements. Records are stored confidentially and accessed only by the practitioner.
7. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:
Attend sessions on time.
Provide accurate information as needed for safe and ethical care.
Notify the practitioner of any changes to circumstances relevant to counselling.
Use online platforms responsibly and ensure privacy during remote sessions.
8. Limits of Practice
The practitioner does not prescribe medication, provide legal advice, or diagnose mental health conditions. You may be referred to other health professionals if additional or specialised support is required.
9. Ending Counselling
You may end counselling at any time. It is recommended to discuss the ending in session to ensure a supported transition. The practitioner may also suggest pausing or ending counselling if it is no longer appropriate or if another service would better meet your needs.
10. Contact Outside Sessions
Email contact is limited to administrative matters (scheduling, invoices, forms) and is not a substitute for therapy. Therapeutic support is not provided via email, text, or social media.
11. Consent
By booking and attending sessions, you acknowledge that:
You have read and understood these Terms of Service.
You agree to the policies regarding payment, cancellation, and confidentiality.
You consent to participating in counselling under these terms.