1. What is the nature of psychotherapy & counselling?

Professional psychotherapy and counselling are collaborative processes between qualified practitioners and clients designed to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences in a safe and confidential environment. The goals of therapy typically include fostering personal growth, developing coping strategies, improving relationships, and addressing specific challenges or mental health concerns. People seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons. I look forward to exploring your reasons for booking your appointment with me and to navigating the therapeutic journey together.

Clients are active participants at every stage of the therapeutic process. Your participation in therapy is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from therapy at any time.

We are all unique human beings with our own history, perceptions, and expectations. Thus, the outcomes of therapy can vary widely. As such, while therapy is often beneficial, it is important to understand that there are no guarantees of specific outcomes. Therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment for certain conditions, and it is recommended that you consult with a medical doctor for any health concerns.

It’s the very nature of therapy that these processes may deal with issues and aspects of your life that might spark or be a catalyst for triggering a wide range of feelings and reactions. It is important therefore to keep me informed of any such experiences should they arise, in order to ensure I support effectively.

To help you get the best out of the therapeutic process, the following guidelines are useful:

• Aim to attend every scheduled session.
• Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings openly with me.
• Complete any out-of-session tasks we agree to.
• When unsure, ask for clarification about any of the therapeutic activities being undertaken, and discuss any doubts or concerns you have with me.

2. What is my professional background & therapeutic approach?

Having achieved a master’s degree in psychotherapy and counselling, I hold national registration as a Registered Certified Practicing Psychotherapist and Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and am listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP). Being a PACFA member, means I am subject to a wide range of professional and ethical requirements, and practice within the framework of the PACFA Code of Ethics and my State Government’s Code of Conduct for unregistered health professionals.

The therapeutic relationship established between the client and practitioner is central to the therapeutic process. I seek to foster an atmosphere that is respectful and non-judgmental in which clients can feel that their experience is understood and valued. I utilize an integrative and trauma informed approach in my therapeutic practice drawing on a range of theories to understand how to facilitate processes of change and growth. This includes knowledge which addresses human development from childhood to adulthood, personality and character, patterns of attachment, and contemporary psychodynamic and humanistic paradigms.

3. What are my operating hours & how are services provided?

Hours of practice

My consulting hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays. There is a limited after-hours service on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm for which appointments may be made.

Session frequency

A standard therapy session is 1 hour (60 minutes) in length. Whilst the frequency of sessions depends on the client and the nature of their concerns, I do advise prospective clients to make an initial commitment to five appointments preferably on a weekly or fortnightly basis. This allows for a comprehensive Initial Session; 1 and half hour (90 minutes), enabling us to have sufficient time scheduled for a full in-depth introduction and four standard sessions (60 minutes) scheduled over one month.

Scheduled sessions

Sessions are offered *in person or via telehealth. Sessions via phone or video conferencing are provided on the basis that we both:

• Ensure that we have a confidential and uninterrupted space; this may or may not involve using a headset,
• Will not record sessions, and
• As far as we are able, will aim to have reliable connectivity.

Please advise me no less than 48 hours in advance if you cannot attend an appointment. Failure to do so will incur a 50% charge.

4. How is my privacy protected?

Australian Government Privacy Legislation applies to personal information collected about an individual that could be used to identify them directly or indirectly.

We maintain clinical records to ensure professional and ethical practice. Your records are stored securely [e.g., electronically on a password-protected system / in a locked cabinet] and are confidential. You have a right to access your records in accordance with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). A written request is required, and access may be discussed.

For more information, please see the privacy policy.

5. What is confidentiality and does it have limits?

Your right to privacy encompasses confidentiality. As such, it is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. All information you share during your sessions will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone, subject to the following legal exceptions:

• Duty of Care (Imminent Risk of Harm): If there is a serious and imminent risk that you may harm yourself or an identifiable third party, I am legally and ethically obligated to take steps to ensure safety. This may include contacting emergency services (e.g., Police, Ambulance) or relevant individuals/authorities.
• Child Protection Concerns: As a mandated reporter in New South Wales, if I have a reasonable belief that a child (under 18 years old) is at risk of significant harm due to abuse or neglect, I am legally required to report this to the relevant child protection agency (e.g., NSW Department of Communities and Justice – DCJ).
• Court Order/Subpoena: If compelled by a court order or subpoena issued by an Australian court, I may be required to release client information.
• Professional Supervision: To ensure ethical practice and maintain professional standards, I engage in regular clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor. During supervision, de-identified aspects of your case may be discussed. Your identity will remain confidential, and any information shared will be done so in a manner that protects your privacy.
• Client Consent for Disclosure: If you provide explicit written consent, I may share relevant information with third parties (e.g., your General Practitioner, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers) to facilitate your holistic care.
• Administration: Limited confidential information may be shared for administrative purposes (e.g., billing, appointment reminders), but always with strict adherence to privacy principles.
• Storage of Records: Your client records, including session notes and personal information, will be stored securely for a minimum of seven (7) years after your last contact (or longer for minors, as per legal requirements). Records are stored either electronically with encryption and password protection, or physically in a locked cabinet, in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
• De-identified Data: De-identified (anonymous) data may be used for professional development, research, or educational purposes, ensuring that no personal information is revealed or identifiable.
• Legal Action: If your file is legitimately requested by your legal representative or insurer, I will only release information with your explicit, written consent.
• Serious Offence: If you disclose information about a serious indictable offence that has been committed, I may be required by law to report it.

6. What are your fees and payment system?

• Initial Session: The fee for the in-depth Introductory 90-minute therapy session is $150.
• Subsequent Standard Session: The fee for each subsequent 60-minute therapy session is $100.
• Payment Methods: Payment can be made via bank transfer or PayID. Instructions to make payment and bank details are provided on each invoice.
• Payment Schedule: Payment is due at the end of each session, with a grace period of 24 hours. If payment is not received within this period, no subsequent sessions can be booked until the outstanding balance is settled.
• Outstanding Payments: In the event of outstanding payments, Omid Therapeutic Services reserves the right to suspend services until the balance is settled and/or refer the debt to a collection agency.

Fee Reviews

Fees are reviewed annually, and you will be provided with reasonable notice of any changes.

7. What is the cancellation, rescheduling, and appointment policy?

Cancellation and No-Show Policy: A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Exceptions may be considered for genuine emergencies on a case-by-case basis.

• Cancellations or reschedules made within less than 48 hours of a scheduled appointment without notice will incur a fee of 50% of the session fee.
• Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without any notice (no-show) will also incur the 50% of the session fee. This policy is in place to allow us to offer the time slot to other clients seeking support. Please note that Medicare and private health funds do not cover cancellation fees.

8. Can a client communicate with me outside their sessions?

For administrative queries (e.g., cancelling, rescheduling), you may contact me via 0409 899 187 or enquiries@omidtherapeuticservices.com.au. Please note that due to ethical and legal restrictions I am unable to provide therapeutic support or extensive advice outside of scheduled sessions.

Emergency Contacts

In the event of a mental health crisis or emergency, please do not wait for a response from me. As I do not operate crisis services. Instead, please contact:

• Emergency Services: 000
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978.
• Healthdirect Helpline: 1800 025 525
• Mental Health Triage Service: 13 14 65.
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511 (24/7 support)
• Your GP or Nearest Hospital Emergency Department.

9. What are my rights and responsibilities as a client?

Your Rights as a Client:

• To have your personal and health information handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
• To be treated with respect, dignity, and without discrimination.
• To receive competent and ethical care.
• To ask questions about the therapeutic process, confidentiality, and any other concerns.
• To participate actively in your therapy and set your own goals.
• To terminate therapy at any time.

Your Responsibilities as a Client:

• To attend sessions regularly and on time.
• To communicate honestly and openly during sessions.
• To engage actively in the therapeutic process and commit to any agreed-upon tasks or goals.
• To provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.
• To communicate any concerns or dissatisfaction regarding the therapy process.

10. What if I have a complaint or grievance?

If you have any concerns or complaints about the services you receive, I encourage you to discuss them with me directly in the first instance. You can contact me at 0409 889 187 or enquiries@omidtherapeuticservices.com.au. Open communication is vital to a successful therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to resolving any issues respectfully and efficiently.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of this discussion or feel unable to raise the issue with me, you may contact the following external bodies:

Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC): The HCCC is an independent body that handles complaints about health service providers in NSW.

• Website: http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 043 159

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA): As a member of PACFA, I adhere to their Code of Ethics. You may contact them regarding professional conduct concerns.

• Website: http://www.pacfa.org.au
• Phone: (03) 9046 2270