Terms and Conditions

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Welcome, it takes courage to reach out for support and we look forward to supporting your healing journey.

These forms contain information about Better Life Therapy Groups counseling & therapy services, business policies and consent forms. It is important that you review the following information before beginning your first session. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about these policies; your therapist will be happy to discuss them with you. All information is kept strictly confidential.

I authorize the clinic and its associated health professionals to collect my personal and medical information as documented above. In addition, I authorise the clinic and its associated health professionals to communicate with my family doctor and/or referring doctor as deemed necessary for my beneficial treatment. I also understand that my personal and medical information is confidential and will only be disclosed to third parties with my permission.

Cancellation Policy

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. Late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 48 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged the full price of the appointment. If you are sick or unwell, we are able to see you still via ZOOM if your appointment.

Therapy Services – Risks and Benefits.

The role of a therapist is to assist clients with issues regarding relationships, addictions, and issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, and other challenges that impact you emotionally. Counselling often involves discussing difficult aspects of your life. During our work together you may experience uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, shame, anger, or frustration. As a result of what comes out of your therapeutic work and the decisions you make, important relationships may be impacted or may end. Your journey in therapy may also lead to healthier relationships. Counselling support often helps an individual find solutions to problems with family and friends, life challenges, as well as a reduction in feelings of distress, anxiety and depression.

If you ever have any concerns about your therapy process, we encourage you to discuss this with your therapist during your sessions so that we can collaborate together as you move forward.

Termination of Therapy

You may terminate therapy at any point. When our work comes to a close, we ask that you schedule at least one final session in order to review the work you have done. Occasionally clients return to therapy to process new challenges. If you decide to return in the future, please know that Better Life Therapy Group has an open door policy and welcomes the possibility of working together again. However, it will be at your therapist's clinical discretion and also dependent upon his or her availability. There is typically a waitlist of 8-12 weeks. If we are not able to see you immediately, we will be happy to add you to the Better Life Therapy Groups waiting list, or we are happy to provide you with 3 referrals to another therapist(s) or clinic(s).

Length of Therapy

Therapy is a process that is unique to each client and the challenges they are presenting with. Some presenting issues can be worked on very effectively in a fairly short period of time (10-20 sessions). Other challenges may take much longer. It can be difficult to predict exactly how long therapy will last and this is best discussed in your first session. You and your therapist will put together a treatment plan and goals that you will be working toward. A guideline to remember is if you attend forty 60 minute therapy sessions that are less than an average workweek.

If you have questions regarding the length of treatment, please feel free to discuss this with your therapist at the start and/or at any point during therapy.

Dual Therapy
 

It is unethical for two different therapists to provide counselling for the same client at the same time. Unless there is a compelling clinical reason, a crisis, or a specialized therapy treatment plan that we will be working on, the therapists at The Better Life Therapy do not work with clients who are under the care of another therapist. If you are working with another therapist, please disclose this so that we can discuss next steps. If your therapist has referred you to Better Life Therapy for specialized treatment (i.e. sex addiction recovery for example), we will need to have a release on file from you in order to coordinate care with your primary therapist and collaborate on a clinical plan that best supports your process.

Therapy is best experienced in an atmosphere of trust. Thus, all therapy services are strictly confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your written permission. There are exceptions to confidentially where disclosure is required by law (see below). There may be occasions where your therapist may consult with adjunct therapists in order to discuss aspects of your sessions to best support your process. When doing so, please understand that your name will not be used and your therapist will change significant identifying details in order to protect your confidentiality. Your confidentiality is very important to us. Should you request that your therapist speaks with another professional or person (i.e. doctors, former therapists, teachers, family, friends or anyone else outside the therapy room), you must first provide your signed written consent in order to do so and only after your therapist determines if this is in the best interest of supporting your therapeutic process and progress.

Your confidentiality as a client is of utmost importance. To support and secure your clinical information, Better Life Therapy has set up a system as part of our therapeutic services in order to securely store and protect your information in a confidential and protected capacity. Thus, Better Life Therapy will be utilizing Practice Better to electronically save and store client information and data and to confidentially communicate with clients in various capacities via the Internet.

Please notify Better Life Therapy if you are aware of a friend/ family member or associate has previously attended/ attends counselling or engages services provided by Better Life therapy. 

Practice Better and all client protected health information are HIPPA compliant.

Any handwritten notes or EMDR session notes are stored to your file.

Legal Exceptions to Confidentiality
 

Better Life Therapy Group takes confidentiality very seriously. Your information is confidential, with the exception of information relating to current child abuse, or suspected child abuse, child pornography, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, or intent to harm self or others, or unless mandated by a court of law. Legally, therapists are mandated reporters of abuse or intent to harm another. If you are suicidal or homicidal, your therapist with will take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to you or another.

Legal exceptions to confidentiality are in place to protect your safety and the safety of others. This includes: when there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect), or adult dependent care abuse, elder abuse/neglect; and where a client threatens to harm or kill other(s) (homicide), or threatens to damage another person’s property.

If you are homicidal and make a serious threat to hurt another person(s), your therapist will contact 000 and make every attempt to warn the intended victim or victims. Additionally, if a court issues an order to release records (for example a divorce hearing or custody hearing), your therapist must abide by the court order and may be compelled by court order to testify under oath and thus must answer all questions honestly.

Mandated Reporting of Incidents Involving Minors

A minor is defined as any person who is legally under the age of 18.

Your therapist is obliged under Australian law to report to the appropriate authorities any instance where a client discloses that they have accessed, streamed, or downloaded material through any electronic or digital media depictions where a child is engaged in an obscene sexual act.

It is important for you to understand that your therapist is mandated to report this to legal authorities.

Suicide Policy

If you are suicidal, your therapist will take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to yourself. This may include breaking confidentiality if you pose a serious risk of self-harm to yourself.

I am aware of the limits of confidentiality and am aware my therapist will take reasonable measures to prevent me from harming myself.

No Secrets Policy

Please note that with couples and family therapy the couple and/or the family is the client (e.g. the treatment unit), not the individuals. Better Life Therapy practice a no-secrets policy when conducting marital/couples/family therapy. This means that confidentiality does not apply between the couple or among family members when one member of the treatment unit requests an individual session or contacts their therapist outside of the therapy session to share a secret. On occasion, an individual session may be scheduled to assist in the overall therapy process to the treatment unit (e.g. the couple) and will be scheduled only when mutually agreed upon. Please understand that any information given in the individual sessions will not be held in confidence or secret in couples and/or family sessions.

Your therapist will encourage the person holding the secret to share the secret in the following session and will support the client in doing so. Your therapist also reserves the right to share or disclose information revealed by one partner or family member in an individual session to the other partner or family members as deemed appropriate or necessary to support the treatment unit's overall treatment progress and goals. If you are seeking couples therapy or family therapy, please have each member of the treatment unit fill out and sign an intake form.

Sobriety Policy

We ask that all clients, couples, families, and group members arrive to therapy sober and not under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If your therapist notices that you are intoxicated (such as slurred speech, rapid speech, smelling of alcohol, behavior that indicates intoxication with cocaine, prescription drug abuse, marijuana, or other substances) the therapy session will be immediately terminated. We will also assist you in finding a safe ride home (via friend, family member or taxi) as driving while under the influence constitutes a risk to others and is a reportable offense. Once you are safely home, your therapist will reschedule the therapy session where this occurrence will be processed. You will be charged your full fee for the session if you arrive intoxicated to a ZOOM or face-to-face appointment. 

Non-Discrimination Policy

We respect each person’s right to choose his or her own belief system. Better Life Therapy works well with both the Christian client and the atheist client, as well as clients from many religions and beliefs. If a client would like to work from a faith-based approach, your therapist will be happy to discuss this with you and support your process. Additionally, we respect each person’s right to their choices in terms of sexual orientation and provide a safe place for both straight, gay and transgender clients.

At Better Life Therapy we believe in supporting people of all ethnicities, cultures and physical challenges. While our gender, ethnicity, orientation or spirituality may be different, we are open to discuss any concerns or questions you may have in working with a therapist who is either a different race, religion, orientation or gender than you. Having an open discussion on any of these topics can lead to a greater level of trust and rapport. If you have any questions regarding our therapeutic approach and style or our non-discrimination policies, please feel free to discuss this with your therapist now and/or in the future.

Fee Increases

Fees are reviewed each year and may increase periodically. Every consideration of a client’s current finances will be made. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this fee agreement. Please understand that you have the right to terminate therapy at any point. If you have any questions regarding the fee policy, please do not sign until discussing with your therapist.

Appointments/Cancellations Policy

If you are trying to reach your therapist on the same day of your session, please contact your therapist via the phone number you have been given vs. an email. Please note that cell phones cannot be guaranteed as confidential. We make every effort to return calls and emails within 24 hours. We understand that occasionally circumstances beyond your control may arise which would prevent you from keeping your appointment. If your therapist is unable to attend your therapy session (outside of scheduled vacations) due to an unexpected emergency or illness, every attempt will be made to contact you 24 hours in advance on the phone numbers and/or email you have provided. If you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness, we ask that you conduct your session via the phone. If your therapist is ill, he or she will extend the same consideration.

Client Cancellation Procedures and Fees

Short-Notice Cancellation: Appointment cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled appointment will be charged the full agreed-upon fee for the session.

No-Show: If you do not show up for a scheduled appointment (that you have not called to cancel prior to the 48 hours) you will be charged the full fee for the session. If you tend to forget appointments please let us know – we will be happy to email you in advance to confirm your sessions. However, you are responsible for keeping track and attending your sessions.

Group Therapy: Group therapy runs in 13-week modules. Group is closed at 8 members per module. Each client is responsible for their commitment to the group for the full module (13 weeks). Payment is due before the group starts. All 13 sessions are to be paid whether or not the client attends as the spot in the group is saved for that particular client. A client may be asked to leave the group if more than 2 sessions are missed per module, as it will impact the group flow and bonding.

NOTE: While group therapy can be very helpful, it is not for everyone. Group therapy is available as space becomes open in the group and at the discretion of your therapist. Group is completely confidential, group members must not be discussed outside of group.

Group therapy will have a whatsapp platform set up from your therapist, it is at your discretion to participate in the whatsapp group conversation. This is an online app that can be accessed through your iphone, tablet or computer device.

Ongoing Cancellations or Multiple No-Shows: It is understandable that occasionally an appointment will be cancelled or missed due to illness or emergency. However, your regular session day/time has been reserved for you. Our current client schedule and waitlist does not allow for a great deal of flexibility with respect to continual cancellations, rescheduled appointments, or no shows. If you find that your schedule is no longer able to accommodate the session time reserved for you, please discuss this with your therapist. He or she will do their very best to find an alternative solution, such as phone sessions so that we can continue our work together. However, please note that should ongoing cancellations, frequent reschedules (even those within the same week), missed appointments, late payments/nonpayment become an issue, your therapist will discuss this with you. If after discussing other options with you your attendance has not changed, we will need to open up your reserved time to the waitlist and add you to the waitlist. If you prefer not to be placed on the waitlist, then we will provide you with three therapy referrals and/or terminate with you.

Illness Policy

When a private practice therapist is consistently exposed to cold and flu viruses in the office and becomes ill as a result, the office closes down, sessions and groups are canceled, and everyone suffers. In order to maintain good health and create a safe and relatively germ-free environment so that Better Life Therapy Group can support all of our clients, we ask that clients who are experiencing any stage of illnesses respect safety boundaries and to conduct their sessions via phone until they are recovered completely and are not experiencing any signs of illness, fever, rash or a cough or contagious symptoms at any stage.

Stage of illness includes: starting to feel flu symptoms, suspect they may be coming down with the flu, dealing with a current cold, head cold, or flu or flu-like symptoms, or are at the end of a flu cycle, currently have the flu, a cough, a cold, pink eye, contagious rashes, scabies, lice, chickenpox (or a child with chickenpox), or any other potentially contagious illnesses no matter how mild. Your therapist will extend the same respect and consideration if we are ill.

I understand that if I choose to show up for my therapy session, couples session or group session at any stage of a contagious flu virus or other illness, my therapist will use discretion, will uphold safety boundaries, and will ask me to leave the office, conduct the session via phone.

I understand that my fee will apply to all sessions that are not canceled by 48 hours prior to my scheduled session. On the rare occasion that an emergency or grave illness occurs that does not allow me to give 48 hours notice, special consideration will be extended. Otherwise, the session will be conducted via phone and the fee will stand.

CONDUCT

I agree to follow the directions of the equine specialist and facilitators and that any misconduct or refusal by me to follow any direction will result in the CANCELLATION of this session and immediate removal from the arena NO MATTER where that may occur.

EFFECT OF THIS DOCUMENT

WARNING

UNDER THE FAIR TRADING ACT 1999

Under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1999 several conditions are implied into contracts for the supply of certain goods and services.

These conditions mean that the supplier named on this form is required to ensure that the recreational services it supplies to you are rendered with due care and skill, and as fit for the purpose for which they are commonly bought as it is reasonable to expect in the circumstances, and

Reasonably fit for any particular purpose or might reasonably be expected to achieve any result you have made known to the supplier.

Under section 32N of the Fair Trading Act 1999, the supplier is entitled to ask you to agree that these conditions do not apply to you. If you sign this form, you will be agreeing that your rights to sue the supplier under the Fair Trading Act 1999 if you are killed or injured because the services were not rendered with due care and skill or they were not reasonably fit for their purpose are excluded, restricted or modified in the way set out in this form.

NOTE: The change to your rights, as set out in this form, does not apply if your death or injury is due to gross negligence on the supplier’s part. “Gross negligence” is defined in the Fair Trading (Recreational Services) Regulations 2004.

I understand that my signature to this document constitutes a complete and unconditional release of all liability of the proprietors of Argosy Agricultural Group and Better Life Therapy to the greatest extent allowed by law in the event me and/or the children under my care, suffering injury or death.

EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) Therapy

EMDR is a simple, efficient form of therapy utilizing Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)- usually in the form of eye

movements, tapping, or auditory tones in order to accelerate the brain’s capacity to process and heal a

troubling memory thought, feeling, phobia, etc. BLS stimulates the same eye movements which occur during

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or dream sleep. BLS causes two parts of the brain to work in conjunction in order

to reintegrate a memory. Some clients can experience relief or positive effects in just a few sessions. EMDR is

effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms, whether the traumatic event occurred many years ago or

yesterday. It often yields desired results with little talking, without the necessity of pharmaceuticals, and does

not require “homework” in between sessions.

Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress, phobias,

panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief,

addictions, chronic pain, and migraines.

The possible benefits of EMDR treatment include the following:

∙ The memory is remembered, but the painful emotions and physical sensations/disturbing

images/thoughts are no longer present.

∙ EMDR helps the brain reintegrate the memory and store it in a more appropriate place in the brain.

The client’s own brain reintegrates the memory and does the healing.

The possible RISKS of EMDR treatment include the following:

∙ Reprocessing a memory may bring up associated memories. This is normal and those memories will

also be reprocessed.

∙ During the EMDR, the client may experience physical sensations and retrieve images, emotions, and

sounds associated with the memory.

∙ Reprocessing of the memory normally continues after the end of the formal therapy session. Other

memories, flashbacks, feelings, and sensations may occur. The client may have dreams associated with

the memory. Frequently the brain is able to process these additional memories without help, but

arrangements for assistance will be made in a timely manner if the client is unable to cope.

As with any other therapeutic approach, reprocessing traumatic memories can be uncomfortable; that means

some people won’t like or won’t be able to tolerate EMDR treatment well. Others need more preparation,

offered by the therapist, before processing traumatic events using EMDR.

∙ There is no known adverse effect for interrupting EMDR therapy; therefore, a client can discontinue

treatment at any time.

∙ Alternative therapeutic approaches may include individual or group therapy, medication, or a

different psychotherapy modality on an individual basis.

HISTORY & SAFETY FACTORS

The client must…

∙ Be willing to tell the therapist the truth about what he/she is experiencing.

∙ Be able to tolerate high levels of emotional disturbance, have the ability to reprocess associated memories

resulting from EMDR therapy, and to use self-control and relaxation techniques (eg. Calm place exercise).

∙ Remember debriefing instructions and call his/her therapist, connect with supportive family/friends, or use

meditation or other techniques (e.g., calm place, container, other EMDR resources) he/she has agreed to in therapy if needed.

∙ Disclose to a therapist and consult with his/her physician before EMDR therapy if he/she has a history of current eye problems, a diagnosed heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or is at risk for or has history of a stroke, heart attack, seizure, or other limiting medical conditions that may put him/her at medical risk. Due to stress related to reprocessing some traumatic events, pregnant women should consult with their OB/GYN before discussing EMDR therapy. Postponing may be appropriate in some cases.

∙ Inform therapist if he/she is wearing contact lenses and remove them if they impede eye movements due to

irritation or eye dryness. The therapist will discontinue BLS if the client reports eye pain. Other forms of stimulation can be substituted if appropriate.

∙ Assess his/her current life situation to determine EMDR approach. The client may need the ability to postpone demanding work schedule immediately following an EMDR session.

∙ Before participating in EMDR, discuss with therapist all aspects of an upcoming legal court case where testimony is required. The client may need to postpone EMDR treatment if he/she is a victim or witness to a

crime that is being prosecuted because the traumatic material processed using EMDR may fade, blur, or disappear and his/her testimony may be challenged.

∙ Understand disagreements with family and/or friends may occur as the client learns new skills such as assertiveness or social skills after processing problems and disturbing material using EMDR. Vulnerable clients

may need to be protected.

∙ Be willing to explore the issue(s) that may arise as change occurs. For example, changes regarding identity, finances, loss of identification with a peer group, and/or attention.

∙ Consult with his/her medical doctor before utilizing medication. Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of EMDR. For example, benzodiazepines may reduce effectiveness possible due to state-dependent

processing and/or regression may occur after ceasing antidepressants.

∙Address with the therapist client’s ability to attend to EMDR due to recent cocaine dependence, long-term amphetamine abuse, seizures, and/or other neurological conditions. EMDR is contraindicated with recent crack cocaine users and long-term amphetamine users.

∙ Discuss with the therapist any dissociative disorders; Dissociative Identity Disorder, unexplained somatic symptoms, sleep problems, flashbacks, derealization, depersonalization, auditory/visual hallucinations,

unexplained feelings, memory lapses, multiple inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations, multiple diagnoses with little treatment progress.

EMDR may trigger these symptoms, but may also be helpful in attempting to resolve

them.

List of Fees

Payment must be paid via invoice prior to your appointment. Credit card details can be stored online and charged prior to your session. 

Unless otherwise discussed the fees for therapy at Better Life Therapy are as follow;

Better Life Therapy Fee:

1.a Individual  Session: $180 (Plus GST) per 60-minute session 

b. Individual  extended Session: $220 (Plus GST) per 90-minute session 

  c.Couples therapy session: $320 (plus GST) per 60- minutes. Couples sessions require both participants to partake in an individual session prior to the couples session as a prerequisite. 

2. EMDR:  $260 (plus GST) 90-minute session. 

3. Outpatients Intensive (OPI) Programs - 5 days (approx. 40 hours of intensive therapy) - $2600 plus GST

The outpatient's programs run approximately every 12- 14 weeks. Each program is run with different themes.

6-8 participants per therapist. The programs include equine-assisted psychotherapy, group work and psych-education.

4. Group Programs - in person - 13 weeks, 2 hours per week of therapy - total cost is $1950 including GST for the 13 weeks - Group programs are run as an adjunct to the Out-Patient Intensive Programs (OPI) programs and participants are required to have completed an OPI program to enrol in a group. In-person groups include the use of family constellations and trauma processing. 6-8 participants per group.

5. Group 12 Step Programs - Zoom - 13 weeks, 2 hours per week $80 per week including GST ($960)- Group programs. The online group includes the use of homework and task processes. 4-6 participants per group.

6. 12 Value x session pack - 12 sessions, 1-hour face to face or online sessions, paid in advance. $1920 includes GST

TeleMental Health Counselling and Psychotherapy via Zoom

I have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting my right to future care or

treatment nor risking the loss or withdrawal of any program benefits to which I would otherwise be entitled.

Technology

• Better Life therapists will use HIPPA compliant video services, Zoom.

• The client is responsible for securing his or her own computer hardware, internet access points, and

password security.

• Better Life Therapy is not liable for confidentiality breaches when they are caused by client error.

• Better Life Therapy is not responsible for their client’s equipment failure, e.g. camera, and/or Internet service.

• Better Life Therapy is not responsible for lapses in confidentiality that are in direct response to the client’s

actions.

Disconnection Problems

• If video services are not available due to unplanned equipment or service malfunction, sessions will

occur via telephone or mobile.

Recordings Are Prohibited

• Clients are not allowed to make an audio or video recording of any portion of the session.

Risk of Harm

• Online therapy is not a crisis based clinical service.

• Online psychotherapy may not be appropriate for clients with active suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or

clients who are experiencing acute mental health problems, such as manic or psychotic symptoms.

• It is the responsibility of the client to inform their therapist if they are at risk of harm to self or

others.

• At intake, a client who reports being at risk of harm to self or others, will not be offered online

psychotherapy services from Better Life Therapy Group.

• If through the intake evaluation or subsequent psychotherapy sessions, a client is deemed to be at risk

of harm to self or to others, Better Life Therapy will terminate the sessions while providing alternative referral

suggestions.

• If a client who was not formerly at risk, should become at risk of such harm to self or others, they must

immediately report it to their therapist. It such cases, a client may be referred to a traditional non-online counselling program or provider.

Confidentiality Restrictions

• The laws that protect the confidentiality of any medical information also apply to online psychotherapy.

• Information about the client will only be released with his or her express written permission, with the

exceptions of the following cases

o If the counsellor determines risk of self-harm

o If the counsellor determines risk of harm to others

o If the counsellor is informed about or suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor or of an

incapacitated adult

o If the counsellor believes that someone’s mental condition leaves the person gravely disabled.