09:30am = 0:00

Margaret Wulfil:

Are you ready forms done?

Some people are not ready to write because their literacy level is not good enough. So we can reach out to Margaret for help with assignments – answers.

Person to go to when struggling with writing assignments.

We can approach Margaret via email

15:00

Karen:

PPT Using a sStrructered approach to counselling - 48

Last week – confidentiallity briefing

Everything is private and confidential unless harm to self or others - or legal obligation to provide information or a file like a subpoaena - also obliged to report anything of criminal nature

Practices give out all this information up front via email or correspondence

Can disclose information by written permission..

We need to make it known that we are taking note and tell them how we are storing it securely.

Often doen in first session.

THEN go to open ended question

Ellicit from them why they have come in

Find out reasons for seeking counselling

Maybe they have things that they want to discuss

Explain what counselling is about

Need to clarify if they have gone to counselling, what they expect, what we can and cannot do

Professional boundaries

Almost all people who come to counselling come in a voluntarily

If a person walks in stressed you have to figure out when to provide the consent information and other necessary bits

Need to discuss costs and how much time they have been allocated to counselling

Once terms and conditions and ethical things are covere then we can start OPEN ENDED questions and see where the client is at...

Being able to engage with people in the phone is very important. To Feel welcome.

Be very personal. Once they hear their name, use their name.

Intitial boundaries are established in first session. Go through it with the client.

If the client fits the criteria

In counselling it is important to know how people are going to be funded.

PPT 50 Intake

Alex: Examples of the spill for privacy session.

PPT 51

Client history

We don't have to discuss clients difficult BG

[We are not therapists]

31:00

PPT 52

Many different approaches to counselling – in this course we are just learning 'counselling' skills.

Need to ask permission if wanting to work with other agencies – which is a good thing to work collaboratievely.

PPT 54 – Informed consent

PPT 55

It is a legal thing to deal woth confidentiality – important.

34:50

Last week we discussed about mandatory reporting.

We are legally obliged to report if someone, anyone is at risk of serious harm.

Sometimes people that come to us are very upset and distressed and we need to learn how to approach this situation.

Will show a video that can be a bit confronting.

ROBOT:

Key Disclosures for the Initial Counselling Session

In Australia, as a counsellor preparing for your first meeting with a client, it's crucial to ensure that you adhere to a set of guidelines and ethical standards that protect both you and the client. Here are the key elements you should disclose and discuss during the initial counselling session:

Privacy Policy and Confidentiality: Explain how you will handle the client's information, including how it's stored, who has access to it, and under what circumstances (if any) it might be shared. It's important to emphasize the client's right to privacy while also outlining any legal exceptions to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting obligations.
Terms and Conditions of the Counselling Service: Clearly outline what the client can expect from the counselling sessions, including session length, fees, cancellation policies, and any other terms and conditions relevant to your practice.
Mandatory Reporting: As a counsellor, you may be required to report certain information to authorities, such as situations involving harm to the client or others. It's important to clarify the situations under which you are legally obligated to break confidentiality.
Record Keeping: Discuss how you keep records of the counselling sessions, the type of information recorded, how it's stored securely, and the duration for which it's kept.
Duty of Care: Highlight your commitment to ensuring the client's safety and wellbeing throughout the counselling process. This includes creating a safe environment for sessions and adhering to professional standards and ethics to prevent negligence【6†source】.
Professional Boundaries: It's also beneficial to establish clear professional boundaries from the outset. This helps in maintaining a professional relationship and setting the right expectations for both the counsellor and the client.
Counselling Process: Give an overview of what the client can expect in terms of the counselling process, including the approaches and techniques you may use, how progress will be evaluated, and the potential duration of therapy.

It's essential to provide this information in a clear, accessible manner, allowing the client to ask questions and express any concerns. This initial disclosure helps to build trust, sets the foundation for a productive counselling relationship, and ensures that both you and your client are aligned on expectations and legal and ethical considerations.

Remember, these guidelines are based on general practices and ethical standards within the counselling profession in Australia. It's always a good idea to stay updated with the guidelines provided by your professional association and any legal requirements specific to your state or territory.

===

38:50

VIDEO: Simulation scenario (sexual assault unit)

Counsellor introduces self

Explains where they weill meet privately – asks if clients wants to meet and then descrivbes where they are going

Descibes the room where they will be chatting and asks client where they would like to sit and then explains she will shut room

Then she asks where she wants the counsellor to sit

Counsellor explains everything she is doing

asks about their distance

Asks client to look around room and take in what they see

Tells client to look around and see what is around – to have a sticky beak

Then tells client that it must be tough to be here.

What would take for client to help her be there.

CLient took pillow.

What is it like to have pillow held?

Does it help you to be here?

How did you get here?

Was dropped off.

Do you have arrangement to be picked up.

How long do you thnk you will like to be here?

If you had a choice how much longer would you like to be here?

15 mins

Then if we just took 15 minutes just to get used to be here and get used to room, the sit, the pillow... such a good idea .. a good resource to help you be here.

There is a struggle to be here, but on the other hand there ar things here to help take the edge off.

What is it like for you to kmnow that it wont be half an hour but 15 minutes

Maybe call mum and tell her session is shorteer

Some people find it confronting being here bevcasue of the name of the sevice... a big deal

you are doing a great job and i am here with you..

45:30

K: Reflecting on video

In this early stage we look onto non verbal communication

JAG: I explained my siting

Clayton: Appreciated the counsellor helping make the client feel in control as they may have come in to the room with having lost control over assault

K: Have to be careful not to ober do it... It felt like she was stirring at the client too much. Dont force eye contact too much.

Margaret: Offering water was good, but maybe a bit pressumtopus to think client needed water.

K: If that person was a walk in, you have to be mindful when you introduce the legal and ethincal stuff.

You could say, normally we go through some prelimenary procedure...

55:00

Counsellor was using "grounding" to help client.

Sometimes we can have paper, lollies, water available.

56:10

K: Has done Art Therapy – provide clients with pen and paper, it helps clients to feel comfortable

====

Key Disclosure – example

"Welcome to Our Counselling Services: What You Need to Know"

As we begin our counselling journey together, it's important for me to share with you some key aspects of how we'll work together to ensure a safe, confidential, and effective therapeutic experience:

Privacy and Confidentiality: Your privacy is paramount. I'll explain how your information is kept secure and the specific situations where confidentiality might need to be broken, such as legal obligations.
Our Agreement: I'll outline the structure of our sessions, including timings, fees, and policies on cancellations, so everything is clear from the start.
Safety and Reporting: Your safety is my priority. I'll discuss the conditions under which I'm required to report certain information to ensure the well-being of all involved.
Session Records: We keep notes on our sessions securely stored, and I'll let you know how this information is managed and protected.
Commitment to Your Well-being: I'm dedicated to providing a supportive environment that respects your rights and well-being throughout our sessions.
Boundaries and Expectations: We'll set clear professional boundaries to maintain a respectful and effective counselling relationship.
The Counselling Process: I'll share how our sessions will progress, the approaches we might use, and how we'll work together towards your goals.

This overview is meant to ensure transparency and comfort as we move forward. I'm here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Let's work together towards a positive path forward.

====

Scene 1: Discussing confidentiality

Just want to draw something very important about confidentiality... some things I may have to share with my supervcisor, but there are some instances where I have to break confidentiality, harm, crime, legal proceedings. If any of these things come up I will talk to you first.

Also need to talk anout the fees for our sessions, as well as appountment cancellations.

Did you have any other questions.

If you wouldnt mind popping your signature...

To start off, have you ever been to therapy before?

I undestadn that it can be confronting at first..

Let me wexplain how I like to do this,. collaboratively... give us a chance to get to know each other more...

To start off are there any other things apart from mental healtj therapy that helps you cope?

...

1:01:00

Ashleig: liked it.

Gerogie: Didnt like say, "We are here to talk to you about your problem."

K: Didn;t like that sort of language either.

She also said that she would have to tell the client if disclosing infirmation (mandatory reporting).

1:06:00

Opening session

VIDEO

Ask if wanted water

Tells name

Explains what else they do in the clinic

Before we begin need to dislose our offices's confidential obligations

Information

If you shared asomething a bout a child at risk, i would have to report.

Same with adult, because of ethical grounds

Also, a court of lwaw could subpoena to report

ASnd finally, sarah, i may share with my suprevisor but keep information confidential..

Client asked to explain Subpoena.

Explaining what counselling is about

In time we'll set goals

Important that I will not be telling you what to do, but will strive to provide you encouragement to help you work with your goals.

I would like to talke anbout what expectations you have of me as a counsellor.

Sometimes in counselling some difficult things may come up, do you have suggestions how we can have these difficult conversations?

Discussing logistics of counselling, days available,

Discuss payment and fees.

1:18:00

Alex: Any written versions of this disclosures for us to be able to use?

K: She has been considering. Is pointing to Headspace brochure.

====

ROBOT:

Certainly, incorporating examples can help clarify the concepts further. Here's an enhanced version of the dialogue with added explanations and examples for key points:

Intake session

Introduction and Confidentiality

Counsellor: "Welcome! Let's start by talking about confidentiality. This means everything we discuss stays between us. However, there are exceptions, like if I learn of a situation where someone could be harmed. It's my legal duty to report this to protect those involved."

Session Structure

Counsellor: "Our sessions will be scheduled in advance, and we'll discuss all the practical details—such as session length, fees, and what happens if you need to cancel. This helps us manage expectations and ensures we're both clear on how we'll work together."

Safety and Mandatory Reporting

Counsellor: "Part of my role is to ensure everyone's safety. For example, if you or someone else is at risk of harm, I'm required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities. It's a process known as mandatory reporting. Similarly, if I receive a subpoena related to your care, I may need to disclose some information to the court, but I'll always aim to respect your privacy and inform you if this happens."

Note-Taking

Counsellor: "To support our sessions, I take brief notes which are kept confidential and secure. This could be summaries of our discussions, your progress, or plans for future sessions. It's a standard practice that helps me provide you with the best care."

Professional Boundaries

Counsellor: "It's important we maintain a professional relationship, focused solely on your well-being. This means I can't be your friend or have a relationship outside of our sessions. It helps keep our work together focused and effective."

Collaborative Approach

Counsellor: "Our work together is a partnership. We might use different methods, like talking therapies or activities, depending on what suits you best. It's about finding the right path forward for you, at a pace that feels comfortable."

Getting Started

Counsellor: "I'm here to support you on this journey. If there's anything you're unsure about, or if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Are you ready to get started with our first session?"

By adding these details and examples, the dialogue aims to make the concepts more tangible and understandable for the client, setting a solid foundation for your therapeutic work together.

===

K: Alex, every service is different in what they want to disclose.

1:23:40

Going to morning break.

10:55am