Informed Consent
Agreement for counselling services with Chelsea Wylde
It is important that you are as fully informed as possible about counselling and what to expect from the counselling process before we begin working together. This document outlines key information about my practice, your rights, and what you can expect in therapy with me. Please take the time to read it carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask if anything is unclear or if you have any questions.
Some important information about counselling
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 (PACFA Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors 2018, p.2). We are all unique, with our own histories, perspectives, and expectations, which means counselling can look and feel different for everyone. Because of this, I cannot promise a specific outcome, but I can assure you that I am committed to working with you in line with best practice, with care and respect, as we explore your concerns together. At times, counselling may touch on sensitive areas of your life and bring up strong feelings or unexpected reactions. Should this happen, I encourage you to share your experience with me, so we can ensure you are supported throughout the process.
To help you get the best out of the counselling 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 counselling activities being undertaken, and discuss any doubts or concerns you have with me.
My professional background and counselling approach
I have completed undergraduate studies in Counselling and postgraduate studies in Relationship and Family Therapy. I am a Registered Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP). As a PACFA member, I follow their Code of Ethics, which guide me in maintaining high standards of professionalism, ethics, and care.
I aim to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and non-judgemental, where your story and experiences are truly heard and valued. My approach to counselling is integrated and trauma-informed. This means I draw on a range of evidence-based theories and practices to support change and growth, while tailoring our work to your unique needs. Some of the perspectives I draw from include human development, attachment theory, personality and character theory, and contemporary psychodynamic approaches. Alongside these, I value creative and body-based modalities, and I remain guided by what best supports you in your process of healing and self-understanding.
Some practicalities
Hours of practice
My consulting hours are from 8:30am to 2pm on Mondays, and 9am to 6pm on Tuesdays. I do my best to check messages and emails during the week, though the timing may vary depending on my schedule and what is happening for me personally. While I will respond as soon as I am able, please note that replies may not always be immediate. If you require urgent or crisis support, contact your GP, emergency services (000) or a crisis helpline such as Lifeline (13 11 14).
Session frequency
A typical counselling session is 55 minutes in length. Whilst the frequency of sessions depends on the client and the nature of the concern, I do recommend an initial commitment to five appointments preferably on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Scheduled sessions
Sessions are offered either in person or via telehealth (phone or video conferencing). When meeting via telehealth, it is important that we both:
Ensure we are in a confidential and uninterrupted space (using a headset if helpful),
Agree not to record sessions, and
Do our best to maintain a reliable internet or phone connection. (Please note that, while every effort is made to maintain a secure and uninterrupted session, occasional technical difficulties may occur. If a session is disrupted, we will work together to reconnect or reschedule as needed).
Please advise me not less than 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend an appointment. Failure to do so will incur a 50% charge. In the case of a no-show (where no notice is given and you do not attend), the full session fee will be charged.
Fees
The fee for individual counselling sessions is $140, for couples $190, and for families $200. An invoice will be emailed to you the day before your appointment. Payment prior to, or on the day of your session, is greatly appreciated. If you require an alternative payment arrangement, please feel welcome to discuss this with me.
In an emergency
As I do not provide a crisis service, if there is an emergency please contact: the emergency section of your local hospital; Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Mental Health Triage Service (13 14 65).
Privacy
Australian Government Privacy Legislation applies to personal information collected about an individual that could be used to identify them directly or indirectly. Please click here to view my privacy policy which forms part of this agreement.
To protect your privacy and maintain professional boundaries, I do not initiate contact with clients outside of counselling sessions.
In public: If we happen to see each other outside of the counselling setting (e.g., in public or at community events), I will not approach or acknowledge you unless you choose to approach me first. This ensures that you have control over whether or not you wish to identify yourself as my client. If you do choose to initiate contact, I will follow your lead in the interaction and will keep it brief to respect your confidentiality.
Online and social media: To safeguard your privacy, I do not accept friend or connection requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts. Please do not use social media platforms or messaging apps to contact me about counselling matters, as these are not secure or confidential. If you need to contact me, please use phone or email. You are welcome to view or follow any professional presence I maintain online, but I will not engage in personal interaction through these platforms.
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:
to report a serious and imminent threat to the life, health or property of yourself or another
to report any abuse or neglect experienced by a young person under the age of 18 years, and/or
to release client records when required by court order.
Confidential written records are maintained to reflect the issues and goals identified in counselling sessions and are kept securely for seven years.
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. In such situations, content presented is de-identified.