Working together

Terms and conditions

What this is

I work with people through coaching and counselling. The work is developmental. It is about understanding what is driving you and deciding what to do next.

It is not clinically directed treatment, and I do not diagnose or treat mental illness or physical conditions. If that is what you need, I will tell you early and help you find the right person. That is not a failure of the work. It is part of it.

Sessions

A first session is 80 minutes, because the first one has more ground to cover. After that, sessions are 50 minutes.

We meet online, or in person in Auckland by arrangement.

The first conversation is 15 minutes, free, by phone or video. It exists so we can both work out whether I am the right person and whether this is the right season for you.

Fees

$230 per psychology session, including GST. The longer first session is the same price.

Fees for leadership coaching, and for work paid by an organisation, are agreed separately before we begin.

If cost is the thing standing in the way, say so. I would rather have that conversation than have you not start.

Payment

Payment is due on the day of the session. Your invoice has the bank account and the reference on it.

Bank transfer is what most people do.

A saved card is the alternative. Save one once and the fee is charged after each session, with a receipt each time. Only sessions we have had are ever charged to it. Ask me and I will remove it.

Card details go to Stripe, the payment provider. I never see the number.

Cancelling or rescheduling

Life happens, and I would rather you moved a session than pushed through one that is not going to be useful.

More than 24 hours’ notice: reschedule freely, no charge.

Less than 24 hours’ notice: the full fee applies.

Not attending, without notice: the full fee applies.

The reason is simple. That hour was held for you and cannot be offered to someone else at short notice.

If two or more sessions are cancelled or rescheduled inside a 30 day period, the full fee will apply to further changes regardless of how much notice is given.

Genuine illness and emergencies are exactly that, and I will use my judgement.

If a cancellation fee applies I will say so before invoicing it.

Confidentiality

What you tell me stays between us. That is the foundation of the work and I take it seriously.

There are three limits, and you should know them before you start rather than after.

• If I believe there is a serious and imminent risk to your safety or someone else’s, I may need to act on that. Wherever possible I will talk with you first.
• If I am required by law or by a court to disclose information.
• If there is a concern about the safety of a child or a vulnerable person.

Records

I keep brief notes of our work. They are held securely and are subject to the Health Information Privacy Code. Health records must be kept for ten years.

You are entitled to ask for access to your information and to request a correction. My privacy statement sets out how that works.

Between sessions

I am not a crisis service and I am not available between sessions for urgent support.

Ending

You can stop at any time, no explanation needed.

If you have a regular recurring time reserved for you and you would like to give it up, two weeks’ notice means I can offer it to someone else.

If I come to think I am not the right person for what you need, I will say so and help you find who is.

When we finish, any saved card is removed. Your notes are held for the ten years the law requires.

If something is not right

Talk to me first if you can. Most things are best sorted directly.

If you would rather not, or it does not resolve, you can contact the Health and Disability Commissioner (0800 11 22 33, hdc.org.nz) or the New Zealand Psychologists Board (psychologistsboard.org.nz).

Agreeing to this

By booking and attending a session you are confirming that you have read and agree to these terms.

If anything here is unclear, ask me before we start.