code of conduct

My Commitment to You

At Sage Counselling Services, I aim to provide a high-quality, professional counselling and supervision services that supports your well-being, helps you explore change and works towards goals that are meaningful to you.

The following commitments guide our work together and help establish a respectful, clear and supportive professional relationship.

Respect and professional care

I will treat you with dignity, fairness and respect, recognising your individuality, values and right to make your own decisions. I will maintain appropriate professional boundaries and conduct myself with integrity.

My counselling practice is bound by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia’s Code of Ethics, the PACFA Scope of Practice and the National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (Queensland). Copies of the relevant codes are available upon request.

Clear agreements and informed choice

Before we begin, I will explain the nature of the service, fees, confidentiality and its limits, and the terms of our agreement. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether the service meets your needs.

Where another person or organisation pays for your sessions, we will clarify their role and agree on any information-sharing arrangements before proceeding.

Competence and honesty

I will accurately describe my qualifications, experience and areas of competence. I will work within my professional scope and will not provide information or advice that I know to be misleading or beyond my expertise.

I will discuss realistic expectations and will not promise or imply outcomes that I cannot guarantee.

Privacy and confidentiality

I will protect your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy obligations and the Sage Counselling Services Privacy Notice.

I will explain circumstances in which information may be disclosed, including with your consent or where required or permitted by law. I will obtain your express permission before identifying you publicly as a client or reference.

Your progress and ongoing support

We will review whether our work together continues to meet your needs. If another practitioner or service may be better placed to support you, I will discuss this with you and support an appropriate referral or transition.

Conflicts of interest

I will take reasonable steps to avoid conflicts between my interests and yours. If an actual or potential conflict arises, I will disclose it promptly and discuss how it can be managed in your best interests, including whether referral is appropriate.

I will disclose any referral fee, commission or other benefit I may receive from a recommendation made to you.

Professional communication and agreements

I will communicate respectfully, respond to enquiries within a reasonable timeframe and honour the agreements we make. Any proposed changes will be discussed with you.

I will respect the work of others, acknowledge their contributions and comply with applicable copyright and intellectual property obligations.

Feedback and complaints

Your feedback is welcome. You may make suggestions, raise concerns or provide feedback verbally or in writing.

I will take concerns seriously and respond respectfully and fairly. Raising a concern will not result in unfair treatment or affect your right to appropriate care.

You may also raise a complaint directly with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia or the Queensland Office of the Health Ombudsman, as appropriate. You do not have to raise the matter with me first.