Last updated: August 2026

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This page sets out the terms and conditions under which Geheel Counselling-Berading (Geheel) provides counselling services. It outlines the nature and scope of the services provided, the rights and responsibilities of clients, payment and cancellation arrangements, confidentiality and the protection of personal information, and other important aspects of the counselling process.

This page forms part of the informed consent process. By booking and engaging in counselling services with Geheel, clients acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to read and understand these terms and conditions and agree to the arrangements described in this document.

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Counsellor Details and Scope of Practice

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The counsellor is designated as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP), registration number 8947.

Counselling is provided using a person-centred approach, with techniques and interventions tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of each client.

The counsellor does not diagnose or treat mental health disorders and does not provide medical or psychiatric services. Where appropriate and in the client’s best interest, referrals to other professionals or services may be suggested.

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Counselling Orientation, Values and Approach

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The counsellor works from a Christian worldview that informs their understanding of meaning, values and wellbeing.

Faith or belief systems may be explored as part of the counselling process only where relevant and welcomed by the client. Faith-based themes are not used to persuade or convert, and clients are not required to share the counsellor’s beliefs.

Counselling offered by Geheel Counselling-Berading is not religious instruction or pastoral care. Clients of all belief systems are welcomed and respected.

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Nature, Benefits and Limitations of Counselling

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Counselling may involve discussing difficult or emotionally challenging experiences. This may at times lead to temporary emotional discomfort.

While counselling aims to support personal growth and emotional wellbeing, no specific outcomes can be guaranteed.

Counselling is a collaborative process and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances, needs, participation and other factors.

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Client Rights

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Clients have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect and professionalism

• Receive clear information about the counsellor’s scope of practice and ethical obligations

• Ask questions and request clarification at any point

• Provide feedback about the counselling process

• Make informed decisions about their participation in counselling

• Terminate counselling at any time, without penalty

Information regarding the counsellor’s ethical framework is available on request and can also be accessed via the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners at www.aschp.org.za.

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Informed Consent

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By engaging in counselling services, the client provides informed consent to participate in the counselling process, understanding its nature, potential benefits, limitations and their rights as a client.

Clients may ask questions or request clarification about the counselling process at any time.

Consent to counselling may be withdrawn by the client at any time.

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Responsibilities of the Client

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Clients are responsible for:

• Attending scheduled sessions punctually

• Providing at least 24 hours’ notice if a session needs to be cancelled or rescheduled

• Actively engaging in the counselling process to the best of their ability

• Providing information relevant to the counselling process accurately and honestly

• Informing the counsellor of circumstances that may reasonably affect their ability to participate in counselling

Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged at the full session fee.

If a client arrives late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.

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Fees and Payments

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Counselling fees are communicated to the client before a session is booked.

Payment is due before or directly after each session, unless another arrangement has been agreed upon in advance.

Payment may be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or through an approved online payment method, including a Paystack payment link, where applicable.

For online payments, clients may be directed to a secure payment page provided by the relevant payment service provider. Payment processing is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable payment service provider.

Invoices are provided to clients for counselling services. The invoice will indicate the service provided, the applicable fee and the payment details or payment method available to the client.

Counselling services provided by Geheel Counselling-Berading are not claimable from medical aids.

Fees and practice policies may be reviewed from time to time. Clients will be informed in advance of any relevant changes.

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Cancellations, Missed Appointments and Refunds

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Clients are requested to provide at least 24 hours' notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice and missed appointments may be charged at the full session fee.

Where a client has made payment for a session in advance and the session is cancelled with sufficient notice, the payment may be transferred to a rescheduled session or refunded, as appropriate.

Where a refund is applicable, it will generally be processed using the original payment method. Where payment was made through a third-party payment provider, such as Paystack, the refund will be processed through that payment provider and may be subject to its processing procedures.

Any refund relating to a session that has already been provided will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the circumstances and services already rendered.

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Structure and Duration of Counselling

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Counselling typically involves 6 to 12 sessions, though this may vary depending on individual needs.

Sessions are usually scheduled once weekly and last approximately 50 minutes.

Clients may end the counselling process at any time.

The counsellor may also recommend ending or pausing counselling where this is considered appropriate, including where the client's needs fall outside the counsellor's scope of practice or where referral to another professional or service would be in the client's best interest.

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Online Counselling

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Online counselling is subject to certain limitations, including possible technological disruptions and privacy risks beyond the counsellor's control.

Clients are responsible for ensuring that they have a private, quiet and secure environment for online sessions and for taking reasonable steps to protect their own privacy.

Clients are responsible for having a suitable internet connection and functioning device where online counselling is provided.

If technological difficulties significantly interfere with a session, the session may need to be rescheduled or continued using an alternative agreed method of communication.

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Supervision

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The counsellor participates in regular professional supervision with a qualified supervisor.

Client information discussed in supervision is anonymised and treated confidentially. This is standard ethical practice and serves to support the counsellor's professional practice and protect the client's wellbeing.

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Records and Protection of Personal Information

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Session notes and client information are collected, stored and processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable requirements.

Records are stored securely and accessed only by the counsellor, except where disclosure is permitted or required in accordance with applicable law, ethical obligations or the client's consent.

Records are retained for the legally required period.

Clients have the right to request access to their personal information and to request correction of inaccurate or outdated information, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Personal information required for payment processing may be shared with an applicable payment service provider where necessary to process a client's payment. Geheel Counselling-Berading will not share counselling information with a payment provider beyond information reasonably required for payment processing.

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Confidentiality

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The counsellor is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all client information.

Confidentiality may, however, be legally or ethically breached in circumstances including:

• Risk of serious harm to the client or others

• Suspected or disclosed abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person or person with a disability

• Where there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to the client or an identifiable third party, and disclosure is legally and ethically justified

• When required by a court of law or other applicable legal requirement

• When the client provides written consent for the release of information

• When necessary to defend the counsellor in the event of legal action or a formal complaint

Where possible and appropriate, any breach of confidentiality will be discussed with the client beforehand.

Only information relevant to the situation will be disclosed.

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Communication and Availability

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The counsellor's contact details are provided for scheduling, cancellations, payment-related matters and other session-related communication.

Messages regarding appointments and administrative matters will be responded to as soon as reasonably possible during working hours.

Messages are not routinely responded to after hours, on weekends or on public holidays.

Communication outside scheduled sessions is limited to reasonable administrative or session-related matters.

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Professional Boundaries and Social Media

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The counsellor does not initiate or accept personal social media connections with clients, as this may compromise professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Clients are welcome to follow Geheel Counselling-Berading on social media platforms.

No identifying information about clients will be shared on social media.

The counsellor will maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions with clients.

Should the counsellor and client encounter one another in public, the counsellor will not acknowledge the client unless initiated by the client.

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Emergencies and Crisis Situations

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Counselling services are provided on a scheduled, non-emergency basis and do not replace emergency, medical or psychiatric services.

Counselling services are not intended to provide emergency or crisis intervention.

If a client experiences an emergency or crisis outside of a scheduled session, they are responsible for contacting appropriate emergency, medical or crisis support services.

The counsellor is not available for emergency contact or continuous crisis support.

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Changes to These Policies

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Geheel Counselling-Berading may review and update these policies from time to time to reflect changes in practice, professional requirements, legislation, payment arrangements or other relevant circumstances.

Where changes materially affect clients, clients will be informed of the changes where reasonably appropriate.

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