Everything you share within your therapy sessions, from the moment you make first contact, is private and confidential. No one outside of our practice is able to confirm whether you attended, unless you provide written consent to us that we are able to share this information with another specific person or service. Legal subpoenas are also a limit of confidentiality.

The limitation to confidentiality is that if your therapist becomes concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, steps are required to be taken to ensure that Duty of Care is followed. As I work from a person-centred approach, wherever possible and appropriate, steps may be discussed in collaboration with you prior to taking action.

Considering legal and organisational requirements, our team engages the following to ensure privacy and confidentiality is ensured: (1) make provisions for maintaining confidentiality in the collection, recording, accessing, storage, dissemination, and disposal of information in adherence with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth.).

We are not an emergency service – if you require immediate support, please contact emergency services or after-hours counselling services such as:

• Emergency Police, fire or ambulance – 000
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 for young people up to 25 years of age
• Domestic Violence – 1800 737 732
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• Parentline – 1300 1300 52
• Mensline – 1300 78 99 78

It is normal to feel emotional, worried, hopeful, nervous, and even excited about your first counselling session. 

You will be invited into your therapy room, and I will offer you soothing organic tea. I engage with you in a relaxed, conversational way, to explore what has brought you to therapy, and ask about your concerns.

This appointment is for you to have an opportunity to tell your story, and to have someone be present with you to hear and hold space for your thoughts, feelings and experiences. The first appointment is about getting to know each other and for me to learn about your world. It is also an opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with the environment, with me and the counselling process, and decide whether it will be a good fit for you. It is important that you feel my approach to therapy is suited to your individual and relationship needs; therapy is most effective if you feel there is an alignment in values and if you feel a sense of safety in the therapy space and with the person you are working with.

People tell us that when they walk into our practice, they feel immediately calm, soothed, and instantly relaxed. We are located in the lovely community of Newcastle city, one block away from the beach. In a statement heritage building with high-ceilings, timber and curves and lots of plants. The room is a cosy resting space, filled with greenery, nature-based decor, and comfortable couches, pillows and blankets.

The therapy room is a peaceful sanctuary where clients enjoy relaxing in this space with a pot of organic herbal tea. The space is designed with sensory and textural elements to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable in this unique environment