Helping you build an intentional life

Breathe

Policies

1. Confidentiality

I am a full member of NZAC, and abide by their Code of Ethics.

All counselling sessions, our communications and the fact you are attending counselling are completely confidential, unless you give your consent to any particular information being disclosed.

The first exception is supervision, which I attend under my professional code of practice. However, discussing counselling processes and issues does not mean disclosing your identity, and my supervisor is also bound by a Code of Ethics including confidentiality.

The second exception to this principle is when, in my professional judgement, I believe there is clear and imminent danger to you or others. This would include circumstances where your competence to make a decision is impaired and is something, where possible, I would discuss with you first.

At a practical level, this also means if I see you out and about or in another context that I would not acknowledge or approach you, so you do not have to explain me to whoever you are with. You, of course, can approach me if you wish.

2. Ethics

The New Zealand Association of Counsellors is my professional organisation under whose Code of Ethics I operate, and which keeps counsellors accountable for their practice. I would encourage you to ask any questions or to read the Code of Ethics at any time. You can read the Code of Ethics here.

If you experience any difficulties or if there is anything that makes you uncomfortable, I would encourage you to discuss this with me. If you feel unable to do so, you can contact the NZAC directly.

All practicing counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists are required to attend supervision. This is a regular way in which we hold ourselves accountable for our practice in direct discussion with another, experienced, practitioner.

3. Making appointments

Please text, email or phone, to make and/or change counselling appointments.

I will respond to phone calls and texts during regular business hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. I will try to respond within 24 hours.

I will respond to emails by email within 48 hours.

Please make sure I have a current telephone number and address if you are attending counselling.

Please feel free to contact me to have a talk or if you have any questions. You can also email me cary@carymcdermott.com or you can text me your phone number if you would prefer I contact you. I will do my best to find a way to meet your needs or to suggest alternatives.

4. Appointments

Appointments are one hour long.

During your first session we will talk about what has brought you to counselling you will get a sense of how I work, and we will begin to come to a shared understanding of what you are wanting from counselling and how we will work together.

5. Payment

The ongoing cost of counselling is $130 per one hour session.

Fees are inclusive of GST and are payable by internet banking.

By making an appointment, you are agreeing that if you give less than 24 hours notice of cancellation, you will be charged for your session, except in certain circumstances, or where I fill the appointment.

6. Cancellations

Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel, by phone or text. This means that someone else can use the time should they need it.

You will be charged for your session if 24 working hours notice is not given of cancellation. This means if you are not going to be able to make your Monday appointment it would need to be cancelled on Friday.

This fee is not applicable in certain circumstances that can’t be helped including genuine emergencies.

If I am able to fill the space, the fee will not apply.