YOUR SAFETY will always be Front of mind:
I intend to become a registered member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). This organisation requires that its counsellors work in accordance with the NZAC Code of Ethics. The Code can be found here and ensures its members are accountable for practising ethically, with cultural awareness and respect. I can become a provisional member of NZAC after conducting 200 hours of counselling work, and a full member after 400 hours.
While working towards my Masters, for every 10 hours of counselling work, I am required to obtain supervision, which means talking to a trained supervising counsellor about my client work, to continue improving my skills and processes, and ensure that both you and I are kept safe. My supervisor is bound by the same ethics and confidentiality as me.
I will maintain your confidentiality, with the following three exceptions: (1) if you ask me to share specific information with another person; (2) if I need to discuss our session with my supervisor, in which case I will do so in a way that does not identify you; and (3) if I believe that you or someone else may be at serious and imminent risk of harm (and where possible, I will discuss this with you first).
If either of us decide that I am not the right counsellor for you, then we will discuss this and I will support you to make alternative arrangements. This includes if I consider that you might benefit from a more experienced counsellor, in which case I have a number of wonderful, more experienced counsellors I can refer you to.
Please be aware that I do not counsel anyone in crisis. If this is you and you are unsure where to turn, I can help direct you to the resources available.
I have public liability insurance, and you are welcome to ask for details of the same.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, I am more than happy to discuss these with you.