During counselling, Tanya will provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where you can openly discuss the issues, concerns, experiences, or challenges that may be impacting your wellbeing. You may be asked questions to help gain a deeper understanding of your situation, current circumstances, personal strengths, and desired outcomes.

Counselling is not about telling you what to do or providing simple advice. Instead, it is a collaborative process that helps you gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences. Through discussion, reflection, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, counselling can assist you to:

• Develop greater self-awareness and understanding.
• Explore concerns from different perspectives.
• Identify patterns that may be contributing to difficulties.
• Build on existing strengths and resilience.
• Develop healthy coping strategies.
• Improve emotional wellbeing and self-confidence.
• Clarify personal goals and values.
• Create meaningful and sustainable change.

Drawing on a strengths-based, narrative, cognitive behavioural (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework, counselling sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, goals, and circumstances.

Many people find that counselling provides an opportunity to feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported while working towards improved mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Tanya adheres to the AASW Code of Ethics, professional practice standards, and relevant privacy legislation. Protecting client confidentiality is a fundamental part of ethical and professional practice.

Information disclosed during counselling will not be shared with other individuals or organisations without your consent, except in circumstances where disclosure is required or authorised by law.

Examples of situations where confidentiality may need to be breached include:

• Where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person.
• Suspected child abuse or neglect where mandatory reporting obligations apply.
• Legal requirements such as a subpoena or court order.
• Certain professional or legislative obligations.

Where appropriate and practicable, these matters will be discussed with you before any information is disclosed.

Your privacy, dignity, and trust are important. T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working towards their goals.

Client Records and Privacy

Client records are stored securely and managed in accordance with professional standards, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and the Australian Privacy Principles. Access to client information is restricted to authorised persons and is maintained in accordance with legal and professional record-keeping requirements.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Tanya adheres to the AASW Code of Ethics, professional practice standards, and relevant privacy legislation. Protecting client confidentiality is a fundamental part of ethical and professional practice.

Information disclosed during counselling will not be shared with other individuals or organisations without your consent, except in circumstances where disclosure is required or authorised by law.

Examples of situations where confidentiality may need to be breached include:

• Where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person.
• Suspected child abuse or neglect where mandatory reporting obligations apply.
• Legal requirements such as a subpoena or court order.
• Certain professional or legislative obligations.

Where appropriate and practicable, these matters will be discussed with you before any information is disclosed.

Your privacy, dignity, and trust are important. T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working towards their goals.

Client Records and Privacy

Client records are stored securely and managed in accordance with professional standards, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and the Australian Privacy Principles. Access to client information is restricted to authorised persons and is maintained in accordance with legal and professional record-keeping requirements.

T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of client information.

Client records are maintained in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and professional record-keeping standards applicable to Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Information obtained during counselling, assessments, and other professional services may be stored in either electronic or hard copy format.

To protect client privacy:

• Electronic records are securely stored using password-protected and encrypted systems.
• Hard copy records are stored in secure, locked filing cabinets with restricted access.
• Access to client information is limited to authorised personnel and is managed in accordance with professional and legal obligations.
• Reasonable steps are taken to protect information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss, modification, or disclosure.

In accordance with legislative and professional requirements, client records are retained for the required retention period and are then securely destroyed when no longer required.

If you have any questions regarding the collection, storage, access, or management of your personal information, please contact T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services for further information.

Important Note

You may wish to check whether the "seven years" statement is still accurate for all clients.

For Australian mental health records, retention periods can vary depending on:

• State legislation.
• Whether the client was a child at the time services were provided.
• Medicare and WorkSafe requirements.
• Record-keeping obligations under professional registration frameworks.

For example, records relating to children are often required to be retained until a certain age plus additional years.

No single approach is suitable for everyone. As a result, therapy is tailored to the individual and may draw upon one or more therapeutic frameworks depending on the presenting concerns, goals, and circumstances of the client.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT assists individuals to identify, understand, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to emotional distress. Clients are supported to develop healthier coping strategies and practical skills that promote positive change and improved wellbeing.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy is based on the belief that people are the experts in their own lives. This approach helps individuals identify their values, personal strengths, skills, and knowledge, enabling them to separate themselves from the problems they are experiencing. Through this process, clients can develop alternative narratives that support resilience, empowerment, and positive change.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that encourages individuals to develop psychological flexibility. Rather than struggling against difficult thoughts and emotions, ACT assists clients to accept their experiences, focus on what is within their control, and take meaningful action consistent with their personal values. The goal is to help individuals build richer, more fulfilling lives while responding more effectively to life's challenges.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-oriented and strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying solutions rather than dwelling solely on problems. This approach encourages clients to recognise their existing resources, strengths, and successes while developing practical strategies to achieve their goals and create meaningful change.

Our Approach

At T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services, counselling is collaborative, client-centred, and tailored to your individual circumstances. Drawing upon a strengths-based framework, therapy aims to build resilience, enhance self-awareness, develop practical coping strategies, and support meaningful and lasting improvements in wellbeing and quality of life.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and registered Medicare provider, Tanya is able to provide services under the Australian Government's Better Access initiative for eligible clients.

The standard consultation fee is charged at the time of your appointment. Following the Medicare rebate, the current out-of-pocket (gap) fee is $190 per session.

Please note that Medicare rebates and gap fees are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Clients who do not have a current Mental Health Treatment Plan are welcome to access counselling services on a private fee-paying basis, with the full consultation fee applying.

If you have any questions regarding fees, Medicare rebates, referral requirements, or eligibility, please contact Tanya or discuss this with our reception staff when making your appointment.

For a complete list of current fees and charges, please refer to our Pricing page.

We request a minimum of 24 hours' notice for all appointment cancellations or rescheduling requests.

Appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or where a client does not attend without notifying the practice, may incur a cancellation fee. Please note that Medicare rebates are not available for missed appointments or cancellation fees.

If you are experiencing difficulties attending your appointment, please contact Tanya or our reception staff as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as missed appointments can impact other clients who may be waiting for support services.

Late Arrivals

If you arrive late for your appointment, your session may need to be shortened to avoid affecting other scheduled clients. The full consultation fee may still apply.

Emergency Situations

We understand that exceptional circumstances can occur. Cancellation fees may be waived in cases of genuine emergencies, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances at the discretion of T n J's Assessment and Counselling Services.

If you have any questions regarding appointment cancellations, rescheduling, or fees, please contact us directly.

Counselling sessions are not routinely audio or video recorded. Recording of sessions will only occur with a client's informed consent and where there is a clear therapeutic, clinical, or educational purpose.

As part of professional practice, brief clinical notes may be recorded following counselling sessions to document relevant information, treatment goals, interventions, and progress. These records are maintained in accordance with professional, legal, and ethical obligations, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics.

From time to time, technology may be used to assist with administrative tasks, documentation, scheduling, or record management. Any use of technology is carefully considered to ensure that client privacy, confidentiality, and data security are maintained at all times.

Personal information will not be entered into artificial intelligence systems in a manner that compromises client confidentiality or breaches professional, ethical, or legal obligations.

If technology is used to support service delivery, clients will be informed and appropriate safeguards will be implemented to protect privacy and confidentiality.

If you have any questions regarding record keeping, confidentiality, privacy, or the use of technology within counselling services, please discuss these with Tanya prior to or during your appointment.