Terms and conditions

Your consent is important

Before deciding whether to attend a counselling appointment with me, it is important that you have as much information as possible so you can give Informed Consent to our sessions. Here are some more details about the way that I practice. I will also send you this information in an Informed consent form for you to sign and return before your first session.

Understanding the counselling process

Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and well-being, enhance self-understanding, and resolve concerns. Clients are active participants at every stage of the counselling process and are free to decide to begin or end sessions at any time.

As we are all unique human beings with our own history, perceptions, the outcomes of counselling can vary widely. This means as your counsellor I cannot promise any particular outcome from the counselling process, but I can assure you that I am committed to best practice with you in resolving your concerns.

Counselling also deals with issues and aspects of your life that might activate a wide range of feelings and reactions. It is important to let me know when this happens so that I can provide you with the right support.

Please be aware that counselling can be a support to, but does not replace medical or psychiatric care if needed.

My professional background and counselling approach

I have completed a Master of Counselling from the University of Canberra and hold national registration as a Level 2 member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Being an ACA member means I am subject to a range of professional and ethical requirements, and I practice within the framework of the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice, as well as the NSW government's Code of Conduct for Non-registered health practitioners.

I consider that the relationship established between the client and myself is central to the counselling process. I seek to provide an atmosphere that is respectful and non-judgemental in which you can feel that your experience is understood and valued. I am committed to providing an affirming, respectful, and inclusive environment for individuals seeking emotional and psychological support. I welcome people of all cultural backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and life experiences.

I use an integrated and trauma-informed approach to my counselling and draw on a range of theory to facilitate processes of change and growth including theory that addresses human development, personality and character, patterns of attachment, and contemporary psychodynamic theory. If I believe that I will not be able to assist you appropriately with your presenting concern, I will discuss this with you and provide you with information or referrals to another service.

Concerns or complaints

If you have any concerns about our work together, please raise it with me directly in a session or by email to natalie@natalieboard.com.au. If you feel unable to do that, or the concern is not resolved, you can contact the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the NSW government's Health Care Complaints Commission. You can also download the approved form for making a concern about a healthcare practitioner.

Hours of practice and contact availability

My appointment hours are flexible, including some after hours and weekend sessions. My schedule will be available when you book through the Client Portal. If you need to contact me outside your session time, please email me at natalie@natalieboard.com.au. I will generally reply to you within 24 hours. (For privacy and confidentiality purposes, it is best to use email for administrative and logistic details and to book a session to discuss sensitive information.)

If I am not able to attend our planned session because I am unwell, or due to an unexpected situation, I will contact you as soon as possible to re-schedule.

Session frequency

My counselling sessions are 60 minutes in length. While the frequency of sessions depends on the client and the nature of the concern, it does take time to establish a relationship, so I recommend preparing for 4–6 appointments, preferably on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Online sessions

My sessions are currently offered via telehealth. To be effective, it's important that we both:

Cancellations

Please advise me at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend an appointment. Failure to do so may incur a 50% charge.

Fees

The standard hourly charge for counselling sessions with individuals is $100. An affordable option is available if needed for $60 (no evidence is required). Payment is managed through the Client Portal by credit card. Please contact me at natalie@natalieboard.com.au if you require an alternative payment option.

In an emergency

Counselling is by appointment only and is not suitable for crisis support or emergencies.

Privacy

Australian Government Privacy Legislation applies to personal information collected about an individual that could be used to identify them directly or indirectly. My Privacy policy is available on this website.

Confidentiality

Your right to privacy encompasses confidentiality. Information discussed during our sessions is confidential and may not be shared with anyone without your written permission except when I am legally obliged:

Confidential written records are maintained to reflect the issues and goals identified in counselling sessions. These are kept securely for seven years for adult clients, and for teenage clients, until turning 25. You may access your records in line with my Privacy policy.

If you are under 18

I provide counselling to adults and teenagers who are 16 years or older. If you are under 18 when you begin counselling, your parent or guardian will need to provide their consent.

My supervision

I have an ethical responsibility to reflect on my counselling practice. As part of this professional reflection, I may discuss my work with you with my clinical supervisor, however no identifying details will be provided.