FAQs

Protecting your personal information is taken very seriously. As part of providing person-centred services, personal information from clients, prospective clients, and event attendees will be collected and recorded. Only information that is relevant to their current situation will be collected and recorded. This information is a necessary part of the assessment and continuity of treatment that is conducted. Clients and event attendees may access the material recorded upon request, subject to the exception in National Privacy Principle 6. This privacy policy has been developed with the aim of explaining the processes in place, and to help you make choices about the way your personal information is collected and used. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please send them in an email to info@butterflyaffect.net.au. The matter will be attended to with the utmost urgency. 1. What personal information is collected? The types of personal information collected include (and are not exclusive to): - Names - Addresses - Email Addresses - Phone Numbers 2. How is this information used? This information is used to communicate directly with you and to tailor the services offered by butterfly affect to your needs and your goals. 3. Confidentiality during the provision of counselling All personal information gathered during the provision of counselling services will remain confidential and secure except when: - It is subpoenaed by a court; or - Failure to disclose the information would place you and another person at risk; or - Your prior approval has been obtained to: (i) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g. a GP or a lawyer; or (ii) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or supervisor*. *Professional supervision is a formal

The clients I work with include children, young people and adults who want to address emotional and behavioural problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief and loss and eating disorders.

Individual sessions involves just you and the counsellor/psychotherapist. It often feels more intensive than group sessions because the time is focused entirely on you. Group therapy involves at least one other person, plus the counsellor/psychotherapist. It can be a useful supplement to individual counselling or a way of making therapy more affordable. Groups can be useful for meeting other people in similar situations. It can be a great comfort to know that you are not the only person experiencing your circumstances. It is also an opportunity to learning from others with similar concerns. Groups can be a great source of relief, strength and inspiration. Groups sessions can also provide a safe environment for you to try out new behaviours or to understand the behaviours of others.

Change is personal to each person, and means different things at different times. For example, it could mean becoming more assertive in expressing a need. Perhaps your goal is learn how to react differently in a particular situation. Or maybe you would like to feel differently about something. Change can mean whatever you need it to mean in order to increase positivity in your life.

Please contact your health care provider.

At this stage, that is not possible.

At this stage, that is not possible.

If you feel someone you know would benefit from speaking with a counsellor, it's best to discuss this with them. Encourage them to make the first contact. If they are reluctant to, they may not be ready to speak to someone. You can give them my contact details and let them call if and when they are ready. If you are worried that someone will harm themselves or others, check the Useful Resources for some helpful telephone numbers.

Outside the usual confirmation or change of appointments, contact outside of counselling and psychotherapy sessions can be agreed with me in advance provided they are beneficial to your progress.

Depending on your needs, we can certainly discuss opportunities to connect you to other health professionals or resources.