Oakwise Therapy - Online Counselling Terms and Conditions
Welcome to Oakwise Therapy, an online counselling practice based in Sydney, Australia, providing individual and couple counselling services. These terms and conditions govern your engagement with our services. Our dedicated counsellor is Zohreh Mokhtari, and we operate in compliance with the regulations, ethical standards, and laws established by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Clients are expected to engage in the counselling process with openness, honesty, and a commitment to personal growth.

Confidentiality:

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. We strictly adhere to PACFA and ACA confidentiality standards. All information disclosed during counselling sessions is treated with the utmost confidentiality, with limited exceptions as mandated by law or when there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others. Cases whereby Oakwise Therapy has a legal obligation to disclose information. These situations are:
a) If 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 court, or
c) When required by law (e.g. Mandatory Reporting for child protection, unlawful activity), or
d) When failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk of serious harm, e) When your prior approval has been gained for authority to release information to a nominated person.

Informed Consent:

By engaging in online counselling services with Oakwise Therapy, you provide informed consent to participate in the counselling process. You acknowledge your understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with online counselling. You also agree to the terms outlined in this document.

Code of Ethics:

Zohreh Mokhtari, as a registered psychotherapist and counsellor, follows the PACFA and ACA Code of Ethics. These codes outline the standards for professional conduct, confidentiality, and the overall ethical practice of counselling services.

COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

Personal information will only be collected when it is lawful to do so and when directly related to the service provided. Notes are taken during sessions with Zohreh to monitor therapeutic outcomes and provide the best possible counselling service. As an accredited counsellor, Zohreh is required by law to keep notes and take reasonable steps to securely protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and from unauthorized access, modification, and disclosure.

STORAGE OF INFORMATION

Your information will remain confidential, private, and securely stored, and will be securely disposed of after five years. It will be protected from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. ​

ACCESS AND ACCURACY

You have the right to access your information with reasonable notice. You will be allowed to update, correct, or amend your personal information where necessary. If you would like to access your information, please submit a request to zohreh@oakwisetherapy.com.au ​

Online Counselling:

All counselling sessions are conducted online through secure platforms. Clients are responsible for ensuring a private and comfortable space during sessions to maintain confidentiality. Oakwise Therapy services are available to clients residing in Australia. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in a location where online counselling is legally permitted.

Session Fees and Payments:

At Oakwise Therapy, we value your commitment to the counselling process. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule appointments. Failure to provide sufficient notice or missing a scheduled session will result in the full session fee being charged. This policy is in place to honor the time set aside for your session and to compensate for the preparation undertaken by Zohreh. Exceptions to the cancellation policy may be considered in cases of unexpected emergencies, and Zohreh will discuss such situations on a case-by-case basis. Clients are responsible for adhering to the agreed-upon payment terms.

Complaints and Concerns:

If you have any concerns or complaints about the counselling services provided by Oakwise Therapy, please communicate them promptly to Zohreh. We are committed to addressing and resolving any issues in a timely and professional manner.

Governing Law:

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Australia. Any legal disputes arising from the counselling services provided by Oakwise Therapy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Australian legal system.

LIABILITY WAIVER

Under no circumstances will Oakwise Therapy or any of its employees or affiliates be liable for any damages — whether direct, special, or consequential — that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the counselling services provided. Clients understand and agree that they are fully responsible for their own well-being during their therapy/counselling sessions, and subsequently, including their choices and decisions.

Changes to Terms and Conditions:

Oakwise Therapy reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Clients will be notified of any changes, and continued engagement with our services implies acceptance of the revised terms.

By engaging in online counselling services with Oakwise Therapy, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions were last updated on January 2024.

CONSENT

By choosing to engage in therapy and counselling with Oakwise Therapy, you are confirming that you understand agree and consent to the following: It is your choice to participate and you can stop counselling/therapy/services at any time;

Any information collected about you will be kept under the Privacy Act 1988; All material will be treated with respect for your rights to privacy and confidentiality; Zohreh Mokhtari of Oakwise Therapy will maintain secure electronic records about the services provided;

Counselling is collaborative. Zohreh, of Oakwise Therapy, is not liable if you do not see results in a specified amount of time. As with any personal development-related service that you purchase, your results may vary and will be based on many variables, so therefore guarantees cannot be made.

Zohreh is an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor in Australia, and the governing law and exclusive jurisdiction for all products and services in Australia. Zohreh Mokhtari of Oakwise Therapy is not a medical doctor, and as such, if you have medical concerns, please see a medical professional.

You will not record any part of a session without written permission from Zohreh of Oakwise Therapy.

You will provide 24 hours' notice of cancellations or pay the cancellation fee if sufficient notice has not been provided.

Client's Agreement:

By signing below or engaging in online counselling services with Oakwise Therapy, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms and conditions and the contents of this consent form. I acknowledge that I have the right to ask questions and seek clarification about any aspect of the counselling process.