service agreement.

1. Description of Services

Services Provided: Counselling

Therapeutic Approach / Modalities Used: Schema Therapy, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed and a Strengths-based approach.

Mode of Delivery: Sessions can be delivered in person, online, or by phone. The mode of delivery will be agreed upon before each session, taking into account your circumstances and preferences.

Session Frequency and Duration: Sessions are 50 minutes in length and may be scheduled up to once per week, depending on your needs.

Late Arrivals / Early Departures Policy: Sessions are scheduled for a set time and will normally conclude at the agreed finish time, even if you arrive late or depart early. In some circumstances, flexibility may be offered at my discretion.

2. Responsibilities

Client Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled sessions
• Actively participate in the process
• Provide accurate and timely information
• Notify in advance if unable to attend
• Ensure you are in a quiet, private, and safe environment for online or phone sessions (e.g., not driving a vehicle or in a public space)

Social Worker Responsibilities

• Deliver services professionally and ethically
• Maintain confidentiality (see Section 6)
• Adhere to the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards
• Create a safe and respectful environment

3. Fees and Billing

Session Fee: The standard fee for a 50-minute counselling session is $150.00.

Payment Terms: Payment is required at the time of booking or immediately following the session. Payments are processed securely via our booking platform.

Medicare & Rebates: Please note that motive. counselling does not currently offer Medicare Better Access rebates. Some private health insurance policies may provide cover; it is your responsibility to check eligibility directly with your provider prior to your session.

4. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Notice Period: A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling of appointments.

How to Cancel or Reschedule: Please notify by phone, text or email.

Late Cancellations / No-shows: Appointments cancelled with less than 12 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, will incur a 100% fee of the session cost ($150.00).

Exceptions: Consideration may be given in cases of emergency or unforeseen circumstances, at my discretion.

5. Boundaries and Limitations

• The therapeutic relationship is professional and goal-focused.
• Social workers will not provide personal advice or engage socially with clients.
• Communication outside of sessions is limited to scheduling or urgent matters.
• Social media interactions are not permitted.
• Crisis Support: motive. counselling is not an emergency service. In a crisis, clients should contact emergency services (000) or a 24/7 crisis line such as Lifeline (13 11 14).
• Medico-Legal: motive. counselling provides therapeutic services only. We do not provide medico-legal reports, assessments for family court, worker's compensation evaluations, or act as expert witnesses.
• Clients are expected to behave respectfully during sessions.

6. Confidentiality

All information shared in sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• If there is a risk of harm to you or others
• If required by law (e.g., court order, child protection)
• For professional supervision (with de-identified information)

Brief clinical notes are kept for each session to assist in your ongoing care. These are stored securely and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

7. Scope of Practice and Ethical Guidelines

motive. counselling abides by the AASW Code of Ethics and the AASW Practice Standards. The Social Worker (Mat) will only work within their scope of practice and expertise.

8. Termination of Services

Either party may end the service agreement under the following conditions:

• Client no longer wishes to continue
• The social worker is unable to provide ongoing services

9. Complaint and Dispute Resolution

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, please raise your concerns directly. If this is not possible, you may submit a written complaint. You may also contact the AASW or another regulatory body if needed.

10. Other Provisions

Privacy Policy: Provided as a separate document in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. A full privacy policy can be viewed here.

11. Agreement