Shiloh Within Counselling Terms and Conditions
The following counselling agreement is between yourself and Sharne Kilsby (counsellor) of Shiloh Within Counselling and is a legally binding document.
Background
Shiloh Within Counselling is based in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Shiloh Within
Counselling provides affordable, professional counselling services predominantly across the Hills, Fleurieu and Murraylands regions of South Australia. It is a "fee-for-service" business and does not offer Medicare rebates or discounts for mental health plans. Counselling at this stage is NOT an APHRA regulated industry and as such cannot provide medicare rebates. However psychologists and social workers providing psychological support under mental health plans usually charge a gap which is often equal to or more than the fee that Shiloh Within Counselling charges.
1. Services
Shiloh Within Counselling provides counselling in the following areas:
● General individual counselling
● Relationship counselling for individuals and couples
● Parenting counselling for individuals and couples
● Counselling for youth ages 16-25 years
● Counselling for children (under supervision of parents) ages 10-15 years
● NDIS Counselling Sessions (over 7 years old)
● NDIS Capacity Building Supports for Early Childhood Interventions Other Therapy (under 7 years old)
● NDIS Report writing
● Carers SA Counselling
Mode of delivery
● Counselling is provided either via online or phone or face to face at Littlehampton Medical Centre, including some after hours appointments.
● Shiloh Within Counselling is not a crisis service and is by appointment only.
● Shiloh Within Counselling does not provide text/SMS/chat or email counselling.
Appointment Type
● All appointments are 60 mins for ages over 16, and 45 mins for 10 – 15 year olds ● Sessions that go over this time may incur additional charges.
● Occasionally the counsellor may advise longer sessions than the 60 min duration. Clients may also request longer sessions than the 60 min duration. This must be done at the time of booking.
Pre-session information
You understand and agree:
● You will be required to fill out an online intake form and DASS-21 Questionnaire prior to commencing counselling
● Any personal information you provide by request to assist in your counselling/EFT outcome is managed according to our Privacy Policy
2. Counselling Fees and Bookings
All online payments incur a credit card processing fee that is an additional cost and is NOT refundable
Individual/Youth Counselling Sessions
Individual Counselling Session fees are $120 per 60 min session
Couples/Parenting Counselling Sessions (2 people present)
Couple's / Relationships / Parenting sessions where there are 2 people present (for one session only) are $160 per 60 min session
Child sessions (10-15 years old)
Individual child session fees (for one session only) are $90 per 45 min session
NDIS Participants
● NDIS invoices will be issued to the client for self-managed participants, or to the plan management organisation for plan-managed participants.
● NDIS Counselling sessions for participants over 7 years old are priced at $90 per 45min session.
● NDIS Capacity Building Supports for Early Childhood Interventions Other Therapy for participants under 7 years old are priced at $120 per 60min session.
NDIS Report writing as required by the NDIS for plan review is charged at $140 per report
Carers SA Counselling Sessions
● Invoices for all Carers SA counselling sessions will be sent directly to Carers SA, not to the client.
● Individual counselling session fees for clients referred by Carers SA are $120 per 60 min session (one person only).
Pricing and Payment for sessions/packages
● Payment is required before the session and will be requested at time of booking, unless prior arrangements have been made with Sharne Kilsby
● Payment is accepted by credit card (via Stripe) or bank transfer
● Bank transfer details are provided upon request
● If you, the client, and Sharne Kilsby, the counsellor agrees to any sessions going over scheduled time by more than 15 min, a prorated amount will be charged on your next invoice.
● Sharne Kilsby/Shiloh Within Counselling is not under any obligation to maintain the same offer or pricing in the future
● Fees are subject to change and clients will be notified of price increase by email at least 14 days prior to the increase being implemented.
Session Bookings
● Counselling sessions are booked online via Shiloh Within Counselling Website or via a link that is provided to you.
● Shiloh Within Counselling uses Splose CRM to manage client bookings, invoices and forms/agreements. Please refer to their privacy policy HERE
● If you do not wish to book online Sharne Kilsby can book for you and you will be sent an invoice for payment which is payable prior to the session unless other arrangements have been made with Sharne Kilsby
● Sharne Kilsby does not offer weekend appointments
Cancellations/Refunds
Shiloh Within Counselling understands that life happens. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please provide as much notice as possible to ensure we can find a suitable alternative time.
Please note: We do not provide refunds for cancelled or missed appointments. By booking this session and making payment, you are agreeing to the above terms. If you believe you have extenuating circumstances please contact Sharne to discuss on 0477 824 516 or email at sharne@shilohwithincounselling.com.au.
Payment processing fees if paid by credit card are NOT refundable
3. Service Delivery and Online Counselling
● All counselling and NDIS/Carers SA sessions will delivered upon the agreed time frame contained in the booking agreement
● Counselling sessions will be delivered via Zoom (unless otherwise arranged) or by phone (conditions apply).
● Any changes must be organised with Sharne Kilsby or via the booking confirmation
Online Counselling Process:
Shiloh Within Counselling currently offers service via Telehealth (Zoom or telephone), or face-to-face at the Littlehampton Medical Centre on Tuesdays. Online counselling is considered the same as face to face counselling and is just as effective. Phone counselling is effective however not being able to see someone can cause some connection and rapport building issues as well as miscommunication.
Exceptions of online counselling:
Online counselling is suitable for the majority of clients, however there are occasionally some exceptions due to safety reasons. This may not become apparent straight away but if online counselling cannot continue Sharne Kilsby will discuss this with you and support you to find an alternative service.
Safety, Security and Privacy Online
● Clients must provide a valid emergency contact person on their intake form in the case of a medical or safety emergency.
● Whilst every effort is made to ensure your privacy and confidentiality whilst in an online session, Shiloh Within Counselling cannot fully guarantee the absolute privacy of any internet/web based platform from breaches or hackers.
● Our preferred platform of Zoom is secure and I utilise all the safety features they provide
Shiloh Within Counselling does not want online platforms to be a barrier to receiving counselling so is willing to use other platforms such as: Skype, Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger etc. however if the client requests these platforms they do so at their own risk and Shiloh Within Counselling will not be held responsible for any breaches of security on these platforms.
● Shiloh Within Counselling does NOT record any sessions and does not allow clients to film or audio record sessions.
Technical Requirements of Online Counselling
● Zoom is available on all devices: PC's, MacBooks, iPhone and Android phones via an app and tablets via an app.
● You do NOT need a paid account as Shiloh Within Counselling is hosting the meeting.
● Please ensure that you have everything set up and working prior to the session to ensure the best use of your time. Please check your microphone and camera are connected to Zoom and have permission to be used.
● IF you are using a phone please use 'do not disturb' so that calls do not come through during the session
● Zoom requires reasonable data to be available. Please check with your provider to ensure you are not going to incur extra charges.
● Check your home to see if others are drawing a lot of data that may affect the quality of our call. Things like gaming, streaming shows, YouTube etc. all use a lot of data.
● Please position your camera your whole face can be seen.
Location and Online Etiquette
● As the counsellor I ensure that I am in a private and confidential space so that I cannot be overheard in my place of work. I use headphones if necessary.
● As the client I cannot control your space, but it is important for you to feel that you can safely share and be in a private space.
● Some clients find going for a drive and parking somewhere works well if there are people in the home and they use their phone.
● If other people are present in the room counselling will not be allowed to proceed, I am bound by a Code of Ethics that requires me to provide counselling in a private and confidential space.
● Please ensure you are in a room that does not have traffic going through it.
● Please ensure that the door is closed and wear headphones if necessary to add an extra level of privacy.
Bedrooms: some clients do sit on their bed as it is the only space they have. However please ensure that you are fully clothed in day clothes (not pyjamas) and that you are sitting up and not laying down under the covers.
● Please do NOT have children present in the room with you, unless it is a baby. Children can be disruptive when they know their parent is busy and it does not allow you to relax and be present. Children also understand a lot and pick up energy from their parents. Please organise to have your children taken care of during your sessions - this is your time.
● Please have a box of tissues and a glass of water handy with you. Emotions can arise and this can make us thirsty.
4. Counselling Relationship and Process Counsellor role
● The role of a counsellor is act as facilitator.
● Sharne Kilsby will help the client to understand themselves, clarify problems/issues, goals and objectives and to look at alternative solutions to problems.
● Counselling involves work outside of the counselling session which is the client's responsibility to commit to and complete with the support of the counsellor.
● The models of therapy used are chosen with the aim of being the best fit for the clients needs and within the counsellor's area of competence. Models will include but are not limited to looking at the past and the present, forward planning for goals in the future, family of origin, emotion focused work, thought patterns, somatic awareness, communication skills, goals and relationships, all with the aim of supporting the client to achieve their goals and wellbeing.
● The counsellor abides by the ACA Code of Ethics and has the safety of the client at the forefront at all times.
● The counsellor is not a medical expert, doctor, physician or financial advisor and as such is unable to provide medical or financial advice
● The counsellor may make general suggestions which the client may choose to act upon or not.
Client role
● That the client is aware that counselling is not a 'quick fix' and can time considerable investment of time, energy and resources
The client is fully responsible for the decisions they make concerning their life and behaviour, the emotions, actions and choices, during and after the counselling process- the client is the change agent in their own life.
● The client voluntarily consents to participate in counselling sessions provided by Shiloh Within Counselling
● The client agrees to be an active participant in the counselling and to share responsibility for the process and the results that may arise.
● That there are no guarantees of results or outcomes in counselling.
● You have the right to ask questions, to refuse to participate in any process or technique at any time.
● You have the right to reject suggestions or interpretations made the counsellor.
5. Confidentiality, Disclosure and Referral Confidentiality and Disclosure
What you share with your counsellor is private and confidential and no information regarding you will be shared, verbally or in written form without your written consent, except in the following circumstances:
● It is an ethical and professional requirement of belonging to a registered counselling association that the counsellor undertakes regular supervision with a qualified supervisor. A supervisor is a counsellor who is trained to provide practical support, guidance and accountability to other counsellors. As such anonymous written or verbal reports may be shared with the supervisor during the course of the counselling relationship.
● The law is clear about certain behaviours, which are to be reported if revealed to counsellor. This information includes admissions or suspicions of child abuse, risk of harm to self or others. It is the duty of the counsellor to warn appropriate individuals of these behaviours and/or intentions. Before warning anyone, the counsellor will take all possible steps, to first share that intention with the client - where appropriate and safe to do so.
● Under South Australian Child Protection Legislation, Sharne Kilsby is a mandated notifier and has a legal obligation to report suspicions or admissions of child abuse.
● When notes are subpoenaed by a court
● Your prior written approval has been obtained to:
○ Provide a written referral or verbally speak to another professional or agency
○ Discuss the materials with another person/family member
○ Provide a written report to the NDIS if you are a NDIS participant
○ Provide a letter of support for an application or referral (e.g. SA Housing)
Apart from these exceptions, it is agreed that all information by the client shall be treated as confidential, and only used and stored in accordance with the Australian National Privacy Principles (please refer to Shiloh Within Privacy Policy).
Report Writing
Shiloh Within Counselling does NOT provide reports for clients except in the following situations:
● A client requests an attendance letter which states when they commenced counselling and how many sessions they have attended over a certain period.
● NDIS Participant Review Reports which are required under Legislation
● These reports will be billed at the usual hourly rate and the client will be issued an invoice
Referrals
During the course of the counselling, it may be necessary to facilitate a referral to another professional, service, or agency. Many referrals can be self-referred by some need to be initiated by the counsellor. If a referral is needed the client will be provided with all the information and if necessary, a consent to share information form to complete.
6. Confidentiality and informed consent with minors
When working with minors, the issue of confidentiality and informed consent can be complicated and is often not clear from a legal perspective. However, it needs to be discussed, understood and agreed upon by all. In order for children and teenagers to feel safe and be able to identify and discuss areas of worry, issues, fears and anxieties, they need to feel a sense of privacy and some control about the information they decide to share – this is crucial to the success and positive outcomes in counselling work with children and adolescents.
However, most children cannot affect change by themselves, which is why the role and authority of parents in their life is so important. Certain information is needed by the parent to help their child and their whole family flourish This will be provided through regular debriefs with a parent. Therefore, I aim to work with both the children and the family system, as you cannot separate them. This is something that will be discussed with the child/adolescent prior to the commencement of counselling. In addition, I will seek the permission of the child/adolescent to share relevant themes or details where necessary.
There may also be times when I ask to see parent and child/children together in a family therapy session. Please also note that all the same limits to confidentiality apply to children/adolescents as described in the confidentiality agreement.
Please be aware that in South Australia people aged 16 years and over can consent to their own medical treatment [Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 (SA) s 6]. This means that unless there is risk to the young person, they have the right to consent or refuse counselling and also refuse for information to be shared with a caregiver. As I come from a place of relationship, I encourage the young person over 16 to include parents but the final decision rests with the young person, un