Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions govern your engagement with services provided by Spark Counselling. Spark Counselling operates in accordance with the ethical standards and requirements of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and applicable Australian law. Clients are encouraged to engage in the counselling process with openness, honesty, and a commitment to personal growth.
Not a crisis service
Spark Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, call 000, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Mental Health Triage Service (SA) on 13 14 65.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is of the utmost importance. All information disclosed during counselling sessions is treated as confidential, in line with ACA confidentiality standards, with limited exceptions where disclosure is required or permitted by law. Spark Counselling may be required to disclose information:
a) where there is a serious and imminent threat to an individual's life, health, or safety, or a threat to public health or safety; b) when subpoenaed by a court, or where disclosure is otherwise required by law (including mandatory reporting obligations relating to child protection and certain unlawful activity); c) where failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk of serious harm; or d) where you have given prior written approval for information to be released to a nominated person.
Nick of Spark Counselling has an ethical responsibility to reflect on his counselling practice. As part of this professional reflection, he may discuss his work with his clinical supervisor. In such situations, all content is de-identified to protect your privacy.
Couples counselling
Where counselling is provided to a couple, the couple is the client. Information shared by one partner individually (for example, by phone or email between sessions) may need to be managed carefully to keep the work safe and effective. The approach to individual disclosures within couples counselling will be discussed and agreed with both partners at the outset of the work.
Informed consent
Before commencing counselling, all clients complete a client information and consent form. By engaging in counselling services with Spark Counselling, you confirm that you understand the potential benefits and limitations of counselling, that participation is voluntary, and that you may end counselling at any time.
Code of ethics
Spark Counselling adheres to the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice, which sets the standards for professional conduct, confidentiality, and the ethical practice of counselling.
Collection of information
Personal information is collected only where it is lawful to do so and directly related to the service provided. Notes are taken during sessions to monitor therapeutic outcomes and provide the best possible counselling service. As an ACA-registered counsellor, Nick is required to keep records and to take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Storage of information
Your information is kept confidential and stored securely. Records are retained for a minimum of seven years from the date of last contact, after which they are securely destroyed.
Access and accuracy
You have the right to access your personal information with reasonable notice, and to request that it be updated or corrected where necessary. Access requests can be made by email to hello@sparkcounselling.com.au. Reasonable conditions may apply to the form of access provided.
Sessions — in person and online
Counselling sessions are available in person in Adelaide and online via secure video platforms. For online sessions, clients are responsible for joining from a private, comfortable space to maintain their own confidentiality. If a session is interrupted by technical failure, reasonable attempts will be made to re-establish the connection or to continue by phone; where this is not possible, the session will be rescheduled. No part of any session may be recorded by either party without the prior written agreement of the other.
Session fees, cancellations, and payments
Payment is due at the time of the session unless otherwise agreed. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Where sufficient notice is not provided, or a scheduled session is missed, the full session fee will be charged. This policy honours the time set aside for your session and the preparation undertaken by your counsellor. Exceptions may be considered in cases of unexpected emergency, on a case-by-case basis.
Scope of service
Counselling is a collaborative process, and outcomes depend on many variables, including your own participation. As with any personal development service, results vary between individuals, and no specific outcome or timeframe can be guaranteed. Nick is an ACA-registered counsellor and psychotherapist; he is not a medical doctor. If you have medical concerns, please consult a medical professional. Counselling is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment.
Complaints and concerns
If you have any concerns or complaints about the services provided by Spark Counselling, please raise them promptly so they can be addressed in a timely and professional manner. You are also entitled to raise concerns directly with the Australian Counselling Association through its complaints process (details available at theaca.net.au).
Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Spark Counselling excludes liability for indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of, or inability to use, its counselling services. Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies you have under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Governing law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of South Australia, and any dispute arising from services provided by Spark Counselling is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of South Australia.
Changes to these terms
Spark Counselling may update these terms and conditions from time to time. The current version will always be published on this website, and material changes will be communicated to current clients. Continued engagement with services after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Agreement
By engaging counselling services with Spark Counselling, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions, and that you have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification about any aspect of the counselling process.