Booking Information & Client Agreements (Essentials)
 

At Solace and Sanctuary, we provide counselling sessions that may include nature-based and animal-assisted activities, delivered within the scope of counselling practice to support personal wellbeing, emotional regulation, and growth. Sessions are offered in-person, online, indoors, or outdoors.
 

For convenience, we’ve summarised our standard counselling practice and client agreements below. By booking a session, you indicate that you have read this summary and understand that the full agreements and waivers will be reviewed and signed with you during your first session.
 

Important Points Before Booking
 

Voluntary Participation

• You may choose to start, pause, or stop therapy at any time in line with the cancellation policy.

• Participation is always voluntary.
   

Fees & Session Duration

• Standard Session: 60 minutes – $156.16 per session (aligned with NDIS Pricing Arrangements for Counselling Supports)

• All sessions are also charged a 10 minute non face-to-face therapeutic documentation and integration email ($26.55 per session), individually based on their goals, session and notes for integration. 

  • e.g. a 60 minute session is charged for $156.16 + $26.55 - an invoice total of $182.71.​

• Extended Sessions: 90 minutes – available on request, price adjusted accordingly, at same hourly rate

• Payment: Bank transfer preferred, payments made within 7 days. 
   

Cancellation Policy

• For Private & NDIS sessions, short-notice cancellations (less than 2 full business days) may incur 100% of the service fee, in line with NDIS Guidelines.

• You may switch to a telehealth session up to 1 hour before your booking time.
   

Session Environment & Safety

• Sessions may involve horses, dogs, or cats, and may take place indoors or outdoors.

• Please dress appropriately for outdoor sessions (closed shoes, jacket, hat, sun protection).

• Animal-assisted activities carry inherent risks. A signed risk waiver is required before participation.
   

Substance Use

• Sessions cannot proceed if a client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   

Confidentiality

• All information shared in sessions is confidential, except where disclosure is required by law:

  • Risk of serious harm to self or others

  • Child protection obligations

  • Court orders
     

Emergency Support

• Solace and Sanctuary is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14

  • Emergency Services: 000

• Seek appropriate emergency support before attending a session if in distress.
   

Next Steps

The following documents are available for review and will be fully explained and signed during your first session:

• Therapy Services Agreement

• Risk Waiver

• NDIS Agreement (if applicable)
   

These documents cover:

• Privacy and data management

• Ethical practice

• Session boundaries

• Informed consent
   

Additional forms you may review and, if applicable, sign during the first session include:

• Client Record Storage Consent – approval for storing your personal and therapeutic information in Halaxy

• Sensory Regulation Tools Consent – optional use of sensory items during counselling sessions

• Food and Beverage Consent – optional offering of snacks or drinks during sessions
   

These forms are reviewed in-session, and you are welcome to ask questions before providing consent. They can also be viewed on the Client Info Tab.
 

By booking a session, you acknowledge that you have read this summary, understand the session fees, and agree to review the full agreements and provide informed consent at your first session.
 

Full Therapy Services Agreement (Overview)

ABN: 45 948 806 266
 

This agreement contains important information about our professional services and business policies. It is compliant with:

• Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics

• NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Guidelines
   

Key Sections Include:

1. Contract Details – client and provider information

2. Scope of Services – in-person, online, and nature/animal-assisted therapy

3. Benefits and Risks of Equine and Animal-Assisted Therapies – safety information, client and therapist responsibilities, emotional considerations

4. Benefits and Risks of Nature Therapy – outdoor activity benefits and precautions

5. Code of Ethics – ACA and Animal Therapies Limited ethical guidelines

6. Confidentiality & Exceptions – situations where disclosure may be required

7. Privacy – how client information is collected, stored, and used

8. Sessions, Fees & Cancellations – pricing, booking, late arrival, and no-show policy

9. Ending Therapy – voluntary participation and notice requirements

10. Boundaries – professional limits and premises access

11. Complaints & Getting Help Between Sessions – ACA contact and emergency support services

12. Freely Given Consent – signed at first session
     

Please note: Nothing is signed or agreed to on this page. All agreements, waivers, and consents will be reviewed and signed with your therapist at your first session. The prices listed are agreed to on booking your first session, unless cancelled prior to two business days in alignment with the cancellation policy.