Welcome to Holding Space Healing

 

This document outlines how we work together, what you can expect from counselling, and important policies regarding confidentiality, appointments, and your rights. Please raise any questions before or during our sessions. 

 

1. About Our Work Together 

Counselling is a confidential, collaborative process grounded in respect and safety. It aims to support your mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. I draw on evidence-based approaches such as narrative therapy, trauma-informed practice, and CBT, and tailor each session to your unique story and needs. 

While outcomes vary depending on many factors, my commitment is to hold space for you with care, integrity, and professional standards. What you expect from counselling can be discussed during our first and ongoing sessions, however, please be open and aware of what counselling is about and what we can do together. 

 

2. Potential Risks and Emotional Impacts 

Counselling can bring up challenging and immense emotions; it can also bring up confusing emotions that we may have never experienced before. Processing difficult memories, trauma, or life events may feel uncomfortable at times. I encourage open communication about how you're feeling throughout our work together so we can pace the process safely. 

 

3. Ending Therapy 

You can end sessions at any time and withdraw consent at any time. However, I recommend we discuss this together where possible. Thoughtfully concluding therapy allows us to reflect on your progress and honour the work we've done together. Withdrawing consent means from the day you withdraw; I will no longer make notes or make referrals on your behalf. I am, however, required to keep documentation about you for the time you did provide consent. This is a requirement under the law. 

 

4. Confidentiality & Privacy 

Holding Space Healing abides by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles. Your information is kept confidential and securely stored. 

Confidentiality limits include: 

• If there’s a risk of serious harm to you or others 

• If a child and/or young person is at risk, from ages 0-18 years of age 

• If ordered by a court of law 

• Supervision (discussed anonymously with my clinical supervisor, in line with professional ethical practice) 

• You may request a copy of my full Privacy Policy at any time. 

 

5. Appointments, Fees & Cancellations 

Consulting Hours 

Online: At a suitable time agreed to with you and I. 

 

Consultation & Session Fees 

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• Introductory session 

15 minutes ‘meet and greet’, clients over 16 years of age, no obligation consultation to ask questions, discuss goals, see if we are the right fit. This is free - $0.00 

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• Counselling initial consultation

50 minutes, clients over 16 years of age, in-depth session, explore your background, current challenges, therapeutic goals. $160.00 per session 

 

• Counselling 1:1 - ongoing 

50 minutes, for individuals over 16 years of age, seeking mental health support, relationship concerns, life transitions, trauma, identity, and any other problems you are facing. $150.00 per session 

 

• Counselling 1:1 – Sliding Scale 

50 minutes, for individuals over 16 years of age. We recognise that therapy is an investment and may not be financially accessible for everyone, a sliding scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship. Subject to availability. $80-$120 per session 

 

• Report writing, letters, case collaboration 

Billed at $50 per 15 minutes, documents can include summaries, reports, letters, liaising with other professionals at your request such as NDIS, GPs, social workers, case workers, allied health. Jake will confirm prior the cost of the document you request depending on evidence required. 

$50 per 15 minutes (on average, a simple report outlining your progress and goals worked on together might take 15-30 minutes depending on time worked together). 

 

• Coaching & mentoring (initial visit) 

30, 45, or 60 minutes, these sessions are ideal for early-career counsellors and social workers, community workers, case workers, or anyone within the community services sector including students studying these related fields. Professionals wanting reflective practice, ethical guidance, career development. Help manage burnout, compassionate fatigue, value alignment and clinical professional development.  

This is for an initial meeting – if you had met Jake previously, arrange an ‘ongoing’ coaching and mentoring session. 

Please note, this is not the same as formal clinical supervision under ACA or AASW guidelines. Jake is working towards supervision accreditation. $80 (30 minutes), $100 (45 minutes), $120 (60 minutes) per session 

 

• Coaching & mentoring (ongoing) 

30, 45, or 60 minutes, these sessions are ideal for early-career counsellors and social workers, community workers, case workers, or anyone within the community services sector including students studying these related fields. Professionals wanting reflective practice, ethical guidance, career development. Help manage burnout, compassionate fatigue, value alignment and clinical professional development.  

This is for a ongoing meetings at your choice – if you have not met Jake previously, arrange an ‘initial’ coaching and mentoring session. 

Please note, this is not the same as formal clinical supervision under ACA or AASW guidelines. Jake is working towards supervision accreditation. $70 (30 minutes), $90 (45 minutes), $110 (60 minutes) per session 

 

Cancellations 

Cancel/reschedule with 24+ hours’ notice: No fee incurred. 

Less than 24 hours' notice: 50% fee 

No show or under 3 hours' notice: Full session fee charged 

 

Payment 

Payment is done online via the www.holdingspacehealing.com.au website. Refunds are not possible given the nature of the service. Refunds are only processed if you have paid in advance and you provide 24 hours notice; a refund will occur or arrangement for another appointment will occur, at your desire. 

 

6. Telehealth Expectations 

For online sessions: 

• I will conduct all counselling sessions online (unless an arrangement is made to meet face to face). I will conduct them in complete privacy, in a privately locked room, using headphones, on a secure online connection. Please ensure you are also in a quiet, private space 

• Do not attend sessions while driving. This poses a risk to yourself and sessions would be ceased. 

• Sessions cannot be recorded without mutual consent – I will not record sessions, and it is expected you wont either unless we both mutually agree. 

• Ensure you have reliable internet or phone access as it is essential 

 

7. Emergencies & Crisis Support 

Holding Space Healing is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or distress, please contact: 

• 000 (Emergency) 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 

• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 

• QLife (LGBTQ+ support) – 1800 184 527 

• Alcohol & Drug Info Service – 1800 250 015 

 

8. Communication & Boundaries 

• I aim to respond to messages within 1–3 business days. 

• Please limit text/email contact to scheduling or administrative queries. 

• I do not accept friend or message requests via social media to maintain ethical boundaries. I am happy to be your counsellor. 

 

9. Feedback & Complaints 

If you’re dissatisfied or have a concern, please speak with me directly so we can resolve it together. Alternatively, you may contact the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) to lodge a formal complaint. 

 

10. Consent Acknowledgement 

By engaging in counselling, you acknowledge that: 

• You understand the nature and limits of confidentiality 

• You agree to the policies outlined above 

• You give informed consent to participate in therapy 

 

Acknowledgement of Country 

Holding Space Healing acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land, rivers, and sea where counselling is conducted. Holding Space Healing pays deep respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Elders past, present, and emerging, and honour their enduring sovereignty, strength, and unbroken connection to Country, culture, and community. This land was, is, and always will be Aboriginal land.