It is often a big step for people to begin counselling.

Congratulations!

In order to get the most out of this experience, it is helpful to read and think about the following information.

If you have any questions or concerns, raise them with Tiera at the beginning of the next session.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All sessions will be conducted in confidence. Normally, what you talk about with your counsellor will be kept confidential. There are certain exceptions to this (limits to confidentiality). This applies if there is a risk to yourself or someone else. If a risk is identified, we will discuss who might be the best person to join our conversation to ensure optimal safety.

Tiera has regular supervision and may take your elements of the work to supervision, personal details such as names will be kept confidential. This is to ensure that the best possible practice is offered to clients and it is the professional responsibility of any counsellor to access regular supervision.

If you are accessing counselling through a funding option, there may be some information sharing requirements. Tiera will speak directly to you about this prior to any work commencing for your fully informed consent on these processes.

In the event that there is a non-payment of fees that extends beyond 3 months, your contact details may be given to an external agency for fee collection.

Information is held in accordance with the Privacy Act (2020).

NOTES

Notes will be taken after each session by Tiera to summarise topics discussed, the goals, therapeutic outcomes, and interventions for the client. If there is any note taking requirements by a provider such as EAP, Tiera will communicate this to you before the work commences for your fully informed consent to these processes.

These notes are your property and you are more than welcome to have access to them. A request for notes must be made in writing. A collation of notes may take up to 30 days to prepare.

CANCELLATIONS

There is a minimum of 48 hours notice of any cancellation, otherwise you will be invoiced. Tiera will provide the structure of fees prior to your first session, and seek your agreement to honour these fees in your first session together.

If you are using a funded sessions, cancellation with less than 24 hours notice will incur a loss of one of your allotted sessions. 48 hours notice would be preferred in this instance as well for sustainability of Tiera’s practice, and the opportunity to offer the open time to another client.

In the event of an emergency, please get in touch at your earliest convenience.

Waiver of fees are at Tiera’s discretion. Repeated cancellations will be discussed directly with the client to find a solution going forward.

CANCELLATION OF SESSION BY THERAPIST

In the event that your therapist needs to cancel the session, Tiera will do her best to give you a minimum of 24 hours notice. There will be no fee associated with the cancellation in this instance.

You will be given options to have your appointment rescheduled. Where appropriate, Tiera will offer the use of Zoom platform for an online session instead of face to face, so as to not spread any illness.

FEES + PAYMENTS

Fees are set at www.tierafoy.co.nz or directly with your counsellor. The charge for a regular session is $160 (GST inclusive) [January 2025]. There is no charge to the client if you are using a funded option, such as EAP.

Tiera always leaves space within her schedule for four reduced fee sessions each week. If you are paying as an individual and would like to be considered for these spots, please let her know in your initial contact.

Fees can either be paid prior to the appointment, or up to 3 days post appointment. Payments are made via bank transfer [January 2025]. In the event that fees have not been paid and you have an upcoming appointment, this appointment may be postponed until payment has been completed.

In the event that your fees remain unpaid for a period of more than 30 days, all future sessions will need to be prepaid.

In the event that there is a non-payment of fees that extends beyond 3 months (12 weeks), your details may be given to an external agency for fee collection.

CHANGE IN FEES

Tiera Foy Counselling reserves the right to assess the fee structure bi-annually. Any changes in fee for a client will be communicated in writing, with 90 days notice. No client shall incur a change to their fees more than once a calendar year.

FREQUENCY

In your consult or at the start of your first session, frequency of counselling will be discussed. It is advised that no more than 3 weeks goes between sessions to ensure best therapeutic outcomes. Weekly and fortnightly appointment times are available.

When we leave therapy for too long we may start to lose the therapeutic benefits. Consistent appointments help support the best outcomes.

Tiera understands that this may not work for everyone, and that time and finances have a role to play in how often we can access therapy. Please discuss this further with Tiera if there are any concerns.

TERMINATION

When you feel ready to finish your counselling, it is important to bring this up with Tiera so that together you can plan for ending your work in a satisfactory way. This is a really special part of therapy and ending in the right way for the work we did is important.

OUT OF SESSION CONTACT

Sometimes you may accidentally meet your counsellor outside of the sessions – it is important to tell Tiera how you want to handle this.

Tiera is available by email and phone during her regular business hours. Tiera endeavours to answer all emails within 24 hours from clients or by the end of the following business day, and seeks your understanding if this time is exceeded.

CRISIS SERVICE + MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY

Tiera Foy Counselling do not offer crisis services.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call 111, your GP or Mental Health Services 24 Crisis Helpline (0800 800 717).

INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE

This website is created by Tiera Foy of Tiera Foy Counselling, with information and resources designed to be beneficial for individuals and the wider public. All information and resources provided are at the discretion of Tiera Foy Counselling and those who access them. Tiera Foy Counselling does not accept liability for injury, loss or damage incurred by the used of these resources or services.