Terms and Conditions

Practitioner: Veronika Zvereva, M.Couns, MACA ACA Registration: Level 2 (Registration No. R82556) — View ACA profile ASCH Registration: Professional Member — View ASCH profile ABN: 11 450 091 322

These terms apply to all counselling and clinical hypnosis services provided by Veronika Zvereva (“the Practitioner”). By booking a session, you agree to these terms.

Sessions and Fees

  • Sessions are conducted online via Google Meet. Face-to-face sessions are available in Sydney by arrangement.
  • Short-term therapy: 50 minutes — online $120, in-person $140 (typically 16–20 sessions).
  • Long-term therapy: 50 minutes — online $120, in-person $140.
  • Clinical hypnosis (standalone): 60 minutes — online $150, in-person $170.
  • All fees are GST-free — counselling is an exempt health service.
  • Payment is processed through Halaxy at the time of booking or as invoiced.
  • The Practitioner is available for sessions across Australia and New Zealand.

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

  • 24 hours or more notice: Full refund or reschedule at no charge.
  • Less than 24 hours notice: No refund. The full session fee ($120 or $150 depending on session type) applies.
  • No-show (failure to attend without notice): No refund. The full session fee ($120 or $150 depending on session type) applies.
  • Rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice is treated as a late cancellation.
  • The Practitioner may make exceptions at her discretion for genuine emergencies.
  • The Practitioner reserves the right to cancel or reschedule sessions with reasonable notice. If the Practitioner cancels, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Everything discussed in sessions is confidential, with the following exceptions required by law or ethics:

  • Risk of harm: If there is an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of another person.
  • Mandatory reporting: If there are reasonable grounds to suspect a child or young person is at risk of significant harm (Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, NSW).
  • Legal requirement: If disclosure is compelled by a court order, subpoena, or other legal process.
  • Professional supervision: De-identified case material may be discussed in clinical supervision to ensure quality of care. Your name and identifying details are not disclosed.

These limits will be discussed with you before counselling begins.

Telehealth (Online Sessions)

  • Sessions are conducted online only, via Google Meet.
  • You are responsible for your own internet connection, device, and a private, quiet space where you will not be overheard.
  • Please do not attend sessions while driving or in a public place.
  • Sessions must not be recorded by either party without prior written consent.
  • If a session is interrupted by a technology failure, the Practitioner will attempt to reconnect. If the session cannot resume, it will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
  • Online counselling may not be suitable for all presentations. The Practitioner reserves the right to recommend in-person services with another provider where clinically appropriate.

Emergency Protocol

  • The Practitioner is not an emergency or crisis service.
  • If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
  • For crisis support: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | 13YARN 13 92 76 (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander support).
  • At intake, you will be asked to provide your physical location, emergency contact, and GP details.
  • Counselling is a collaborative process. The Practitioner uses psychodynamic therapy and clinical hypnosis.
  • Outcomes depend on many factors and cannot be guaranteed.
  • You have the right to ask questions about the approach at any time.
  • You may end counselling at any time without penalty.

Clinical Hypnosis — Additional Consent

If clinical hypnosis is part of your treatment:

  • Hypnosis is a therapeutic tool used alongside psychotherapy. You remain aware and in control throughout.
  • You can choose to end the hypnotic state at any time.
  • Potential effects may include mild drowsiness or headache after a session (rare and temporary).
  • Hypnosis will not be used without your explicit consent for each session in which it is applied.

Privacy and Health Records

The Practitioner complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, and the NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.

  • What is collected: Contact details, health and personal history relevant to therapy, session notes, and billing records.
  • Why: To provide safe, effective counselling and meet legal obligations.
  • Storage: Records are stored securely in Halaxy (an Australian health practice management platform). Session notes are encrypted and access-controlled.
  • Retention: Records are kept for a minimum of 7 years from the date of your last session, as required by NSW law.
  • Your rights: You may request access to your records or ask for corrections at any time by contacting the Practitioner.
  • Data breaches: In the unlikely event of a data breach likely to cause serious harm, you will be notified in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
  • Third-party platforms: Sessions use Google Meet, which may process data through overseas servers. By attending sessions, you acknowledge the inherent limitations of internet-based communication.

Scope of Practice

  • The Practitioner provides counselling and clinical hypnosis only.
  • This is not a medical, psychiatric, or psychological service. The Practitioner does not diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions.
  • Counselling is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have medical concerns, please consult your GP or specialist.
  • The Practitioner holds current professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Complaints and Feedback

Your feedback is welcome. If you have a concern:

  1. Raise it directly with the Practitioner — in session or via email at admin@veronikazvereva.com.au.
  2. Australian Counselling Association (ACA): theaca.net.au/complaints
  3. Health Care Complaints Commission (NSW): 1800 043 159 | hccc.nsw.gov.au
  4. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (privacy concerns): oaic.gov.au

Changes to These Terms

The Practitioner may update these terms from time to time. You will be notified of any material changes before your next session.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

Last updated: March 2026