Welcome – Welcome to Murray-Plains Health Spa Pty Ltd. This document contains important information about our professional service and business policies. You will be asked to provide informed consent when you complete your Intake Form, so please read this document carefully. We can discuss any questions that you may have with regards to this document prior to, or at the time of your consultation (if needed).
Goals of Hypnotherapy – There can be many goals for the hypnotherapy relationship. Some of these will be long term goals, such as improving the quality of your life, learning to live with mindfulness and self-actualisation, etc. Others may be more immediate goals such as: decreasing anxiety and depression symptoms, developing healthy relationships, changing behaviour, etc. Clients will set their own goals, however the hypnotherapist may make suggestions on how to reach the goals…….but in all instances you decide on your journey.
Risks / Benefits of Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy is an intensely personal process which can sometimes bring unpleasant memories or emotions to the surface. There are many benefits to hypnotherapy, such as helping you to: develop coping skills, make behavioural changes, reduce various symptoms, improve the quality of your life, learn to manage anger, or learn to live in the present, etc. The success of hypnotherapy is reliant upon your willingness to participate, and to continue to work on various aspects of your life in between sessions. Hypnotherapy can be a very successful therapy, although there are no guarantees that it will work for you, as it is a highly individual therapy.
Confidentiality – Your hypnotherapist will make every effort to keep your personal information private. If you wish to have information released, you will be required to sign a consent form before such information will be released. There are some limitations to confidentiality to which you need to be aware. For instance, your hypnotherapist may consult with a supervisor or other professional hypnotherapist in order to give you the best service. This is also a necessary part of ongoing supervision for all hypnotherapists and psychotherapists. In the event that your hypnotherapist consults with another therapist, no identifying information (such as your name, address, etc) would be released. Please also be aware that hypnotherapists are required by law to release information when the client poses a risk to themselves or others, as well as in cases of abuse or neglect to others (i.e., children, elderly, etc). If your hypnotherapist receives a court order (subpoena), s/he may be required to release some information. In such a case, your hypnotherapist will consult with relevant professionals and limit the release to only what is necessary by law.
Confidentiality and Group Therapy – The nature of group therapy makes it difficult to maintain confidentiality. If you choose to participate in group therapy, be aware that your hypnotherapist cannot guarantee that other group members will maintain your confidentiality. Your hypnotherapist, however, will make every effort to maintain your confidentiality by reminding group members frequently of the importance of keeping what is being said in the group confidential. Your hypnotherapist also has the right to remove any members from the group, should s/he discover that a group member has violated the confidentiality rule.
Confidentiality and Technology – Some clients may choose to use technology in relation to their hypnotherapy sessions. This may include: online hypnotherapy (i.e., Skype Zoom, Webconsult, etc) telephone, email, text or chat. There may be risks associated with using technology, with the possibility of unauthorised persons attempting to discover your personal information. Your hypnotherapist will take every precaution to safeguard your information, but cannot guarantee that unauthorised access to electronic communications could not occur. Please take precautions with regard to safeguard your information, by being aware of any friends, family members, significant others or co-workers who may have access to your computer, phone or other technology used in your hypnotherapy sessions. Should a client have concerns about the safety of their emails, your hypnotherapist can arrange to communicate by telephone instead.
Record Keeping – Your hypnotherapist may keep records of your hypnotherapy sessions and a treatment plan which includes goals for your hypnotherapy. These records are kept to ensure a direction to your sessions and continuity in service. This information will not be shared, except with respect to the limits to confidentiality discussed in the ‘confidentiality’ section of this web page. Should the client wish to have their records released, they are required to sign a release of information form which specifies what information is to be released and to whom. Records will be kept for at least seven years, but may be kept for longer. Records will be kept either electronically (with password protection) or in a paper file (which is stored in a locked cabinet).
Appointments – Appointments will generally be 60 minutes in duration, and may be scheduled on a weekly, fortnightly or a less frequent bases. A teleconference of approximately 15-20 minutes will generally precede your appointment, so that your therapist can collect any relevant information and/or feedback from a previous session. The time scheduled for your appointment is assigned to you and you alone. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, then 24 hours notice would be appreciated.
Professional Fees – You are responsible for paying the agreed fee at the end of your session. Payment of all fees can be made via: electronic transfer, credit card or cash. Please note that all credit card payments incur a credit card processing fee. A receipt will be provided at the time of the payment. If you anticipate becoming involved in a court case, it is recommended that you discuss this fully with your hypnotherapist. If your case requires the hypnotherapist’s participation, you will be expected to pay for the professional time required. Your fee may also include access to an online hypnotherapy mp3 (that is targeted to one of your hypnotherapy goals) for a limited time following your session. Your fee will also include brief access to your hypnotherapist in between your session. Limits apply.
Health or Work Insurance – Some clients have access to health or work related insurance, which may subsidize their hypnotherapy treatment. Murray-Plains Health Spa Pty Ltd does not send invoices to any insurance companies, and all sessions must be paid for at the time of the consultation. It is the client’s responsibility to pursue any subsidies from the relevant insurance provider. You need to be aware that your insurance company may require you to authorize the hypnotherapist to provide them with clinical information. A signed form will be utilized in these instances.
Contacting your Hypnotherapist – The hypnotherapist may not be immediately available by telephone, as s/he may be with clients or otherwise unavailable. At these times, you may leave a message on voicemail, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The hypnotherapist will not return missed calls, so please be aware that your call will not be returned unless you leave a voicemail message. You may also send a text, in order to arrange a time to have a brief discussion with the hypnotherapist in between your sessions. If you feel that you cannot wait for a telephone call to be returned, and you believe that it is an emergency situation, then please call 000.
Email – Hypnotherapists usually request a client’s email address, to email relevant documentation, and/or to periodically check in with the client. S/he may also use the email address to send newsletters with valuable therapeutic information (such as tips for relaxation techniques, etc) or may share a blog or a video recording that is considered appropriate for the client. These types of emails, however, are very infrequent.