Confidentiality Disclaimer
As a counsellor registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), I am committed to providing a professional, confidential, and non-judgemental counselling service, in line with the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice.
My Commitment to Confidentiality
Everything you share with me during our sessions is treated as strictly confidential. I will not disclose your identity, the fact that you are attending counselling, or the content of our sessions to any third party without your informed, written consent — except in the specific circumstances outlined below.
Limits to Confidentiality
While I hold confidentiality as a core value of the counselling relationship, there are some legal and ethical circumstances in which I may be required, or may choose, to break confidentiality. These include situations where:
There is a serious and foreseeable risk of harm — to you, to another identifiable person, or to a child or vulnerable adult (for example, disclosures involving suicide risk, self-harm, or abuse).
I am required to do so by law — for example, in response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal obligation.
Mandatory reporting obligations apply — such as where information suggests a child is at risk of harm, in line with relevant state or territory legislation.
Clinical supervision — in accordance with ACA requirements, I discuss my casework in regular professional supervision to ensure the quality and safety of the service I provide. Your identifying details are not shared in this process, and your privacy is maintained.
There is an immediate risk to life or safety requiring emergency services to be contacted.
Wherever possible and appropriate, I will discuss any decision to disclose information with you beforehand, and will only share the minimum information necessary.
Your Client Record
Case notes are taken during and/or after each counselling session or other communication with you. These notes, along with all related communications, form part of your client record. Records are stored securely — primarily in encrypted electronic form, with any handwritten notes kept in a locked cabinet — and are retained for a period of 7 years, in line with professional and legal requirements.
Questions
If you have any questions about confidentiality, its limits, or how your information is handled, please raise these with me at any time — ideally at the start of our work together, as part of the informed consent process.