Terms and Conditions

Cancellation & Attendance Policy

At Alpha Counselling & Nail artistry, I recognise that unexpected circumstances can arise. I also aim to provide fair access to appointments and minimize lost clinical time. To support this, the following cancellation and attendance policy applies to all clients.

Late Cancellations (Less than 24 hours' Notice)

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide atleast 24 hours notice.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may incure a cancellation fee of 70% of the session fee. 

If you arrive late for your appointment or online, your session may be shorter so that other clients are not impacted. The full session fee will still apply.

Repeated Non- Attendance

To ensure appointments remain available for clients who are actively engaged in therapy, Alpha Counselling & Nail Artistry has a limit of two missed appointments without notice in a 12 month period.

Reaching this limit may lead to a pause or discountinuation of services. This will always be discusssed with you first, and any relevant circumstances will be taken into account.

Exceptions

I understand that emergencies and unforeseen situations occur. If an unexpected event prevents you from attending, please contact me as soon as possible. Genuine emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Cancel or Reschedule

This can be done directly by calling me or by emailing me. If I'm in an active session and I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Payment of Cancellation Fees

Any applicable cancellation fees must be paid before your next appointment.

Walk and Talk Therapy Information and Consent 

Walk & Talk Therapy provides an alternative to office-based sessions by conducting therapy during outdoor walking. It can be a meaningful option for clients who prefer movement, time outdoors, or a less formal setting. It is not superior to traditonal therapy and is not suitable for all sessions.

Key Considerations

Effectiveness often depends on common therapeutic factors: the therapeutic relationship, engagement in the process, personal insight, and applying what is discussed.

Walk & Talk Therapy may help with emotional regualtion, clarity, and comfort for those who feel more at ease outdoors.

You can switch to indoor or Telehealth sessions at any time if Walk-and-Talk is not working for you.

Client Responsibilities 

Prepare appropriately for outdoor sessions: suitable clothing and footwear for uneven terrain and weather.

Consider bringing hat, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, rain jacket/umbrella, insect repellent, or any required medications (e.g.,antihistamines, EpiPen).

Inform me if you need support on uneven ground, require a slower pace, or prefer Telehealth for any reason.

Health & Safety

Consult your GP before starting Walk-and-Talk if you have health conditions affecting your ability to walk safely. 

Participation is voluntary; you are responsible for managing your physical safety and personal health needs during outdoor sessions.

Privacy in Public Spaces

Sessions occur in public; while we aim to select routes that maximize privacy, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed.

If we meet someone you know we will follow your lead regarding introductions. I will not introduce you without your direction.

Informed Consent

Before beginning Walk-and-Talk Therapy you will be asked to confirm that you understand:

• this is an optional alternative to standard therapy;

• it may not suit every session or clinical need;

• you are responsible for your health, personal items and safety during outdoor sessions;

• you have had the opportunity to ask questions

Confidentiality 

My Practice recognizes the importance of client privacy and complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), I am committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity and security of the personal and health information you entrust to me.

Collection and use of information

I collect only information necessary to provide counselling services (identifying details, relevant health and psychosocial history, session notes, and billing information).

Information is used to deliver care, communicate about appointments, manage billing, meet legal and progressional obligations, and improve services. I will obtain your consent before using your information for other purposes.

Storage and Security

Records will be stored electronically via secure software tools used by myself. Digital tools offer better protection against loss, theft, and unauthorized access and damage.

Disclosure and limits to confidentiality:

• your information will not be disclosed to others without your consent except where required or permitted by law, including:

• Risk of serious harm to you or others (where limited disclosure may be necessary to keep people safe)

• Mandatory reporting obligations (e.g. family violence, active abuse)

• Court Orders and legal proceedings, subpoenas are required to be produced if requested by court. General progress notes are more likely to be subpoenaed than personal process notes.

It is highly recommended to seek legal advice if you are concerned about your therapy records being used in court. Where possible, only the minimum information necessary will be disclosed. I will see your consent to disclose where it is practicable and not in conflict with legal obligations.

Anonymity and de-identification

Where appropriate and practicable, information used for training, ongoing professional development, quality improvement or reporting will be de-identified.

Further Information

If you have concerns about privacy or how your information is handled, please contact me directly.

Acknowledgment 

By engaging in counselling with this practice you acknowledge that you have read and understood this statement and the limits to confidentiality described above. Please raise any questions or concerns prior to or during treatment.

Deniz Kaya 

Alpha Counselling & Nail Artistry 2026