Terms and Conditions

Website Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 17/06/26

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using this website ("Website"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use this Website.

This Website is operated by Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy ("we", "us", "our").

2. Website Information

The information contained on this Website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.

While reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information published on this Website, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information, services, or related content.

Any reliance you place on information provided on this Website is at your own risk.

3. No Professional Advice

The content of this Website does not constitute counselling, psychotherapy, mental health treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, legal advice, or any other form of professional advice.

Viewing this Website, reading its content, completing contact forms, or communicating via email does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and Stephen Howard.

Professional counselling and psychotherapy services are only provided following an agreed intake process and informed consent procedure.

4. No Therapeutic Relationship

Accessing this Website, subscribing to newsletters, downloading resources, or making enquiries does not establish a counsellor-client relationship.

A professional therapeutic relationship is only established following mutual agreement to engage in counselling services and completion of any required intake documentation.

5. Crisis and Emergency Services

This Website is not a crisis service and is not monitored continuously.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are at risk of harming yourself or another person, or require urgent assistance, contact:

Emergency Services (Australia): 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Your nearest hospital emergency department
Your treating doctor or local mental health service

Do not rely on email or website enquiries for urgent support.

6. Services

Descriptions of counselling, psychotherapy, supervision, consultation, educational, or related services are provided for general information only.

All services remain subject to availability, professional suitability, and any applicable service agreements, informed consent documents, and professional standards.

We reserve the right to decline or discontinue services where clinically appropriate, ethically required, or otherwise necessary.

7. Telehealth Disclaimer

Where counselling services are provided via telephone or online platforms, clients acknowledge that telehealth services carry limitations and risks, including:

Technical interruptions;
Reduced access to non-verbal communication;
Privacy risks associated with internet communications;
Limitations in responding to emergencies remotely.

By participating in telehealth services, clients accept these limitations and risks.

8. Appointments, Fees and Cancellation Policy

Fees for services are advised prior to commencement of counselling unless otherwise agreed.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee, unless otherwise arranged with Stephen Howard.

Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without notice may also incur the full session fee.

Payment terms for services will be outlined during the intake process.

9. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental component of counselling and psychotherapy services. However, confidentiality is not absolute.

Information may be disclosed where required or authorised by law, including circumstances involving:

Risk of serious harm to yourself or another person;
Suspected abuse or neglect where mandatory reporting obligations apply;
Court orders or other legal requirements;
Professional supervision, consultation, or insurance requirements, with appropriate safeguards.

Further information regarding confidentiality is provided through the informed consent process.

10. Professional Registration and Scope of Practice

Stephen Howard provides counselling and psychotherapy services within the scope of his qualifications, training, experience, and professional obligations.

Any professional memberships, registrations, or affiliations are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the relevant professional bodies.

Nothing on this Website should be interpreted as guaranteeing outcomes from counselling or psychotherapy services.

11. Jurisdiction and Service Availability

Services advertised on this Website are primarily intended for individuals located within Australia.

Individuals accessing the Website from outside Australia are responsible for ensuring compliance with any laws or regulations applicable in their jurisdiction.

We reserve the right to limit or refuse services where legal, ethical, insurance, or professional considerations require.

12. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this Website, including text, graphics, logos, images, resources, downloads, branding, and design elements, is owned by or licensed to Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy and is protected under Australian intellectual property laws.

You may view and download Website content for personal, non-commercial use only.

You must not reproduce, modify, distribute, publish, transmit, or commercially exploit any Website content without prior written permission.

13. User Conduct

You agree not to:

Use the Website for unlawful purposes;
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to Website systems;
Interfere with Website functionality or security;
Introduce malicious software or harmful code;
Infringe the rights of any other person.

14. Third-Party Links

This Website may contain links to third-party websites.

Such links are provided for convenience only. Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy does not endorse and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, privacy practices, or services offered by third-party websites.

15. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy excludes all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special loss or damage arising from:

Use of this Website;
Reliance on Website content;
Technical interruptions or Website unavailability;
Errors or omissions in Website content;
Viruses or malicious software.

Nothing in these Terms excludes rights that cannot be excluded under Australian law.

16. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies available under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) or any other applicable legislation where such rights cannot lawfully be excluded.

17. Privacy

Your use of this Website is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

18. Security of Electronic Communications

While reasonable measures are taken to secure electronic communications, no internet transmission can be guaranteed as completely secure.

You acknowledge that information transmitted electronically may be intercepted, delayed, corrupted, or lost.

19. Website Availability

We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to this Website and reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Website without notice.

20. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms or misuse of the Website.

21. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia.

Any dispute arising from the use of this Website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

22. Changes to These Terms

These Terms may be amended from time to time.

Any changes become effective immediately upon publication on this Website. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms

23. Contact Information

Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy

Website: stephenhoward.com.au

Email: info@stephenhoward.com.au

Phone: 0439 974 544

For the website itself, I would also recommend a separate Privacy Policy, Informed Consent & Service Agreement, and Collection Notice to ensure compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles and to properly cover counselling-specific record keeping, confidentiality, and telehealth practices.