Informed consent

Before therapy begins, you enter a client service agreement with Norwest Wellbeing that sets out how we work together: you set the goals, we provide the clinical expertise, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Informed consent means you understand and agree to this before your first session.

What the agreement covers

The client service agreement establishes the working relationship. The key points:

• Your goals, your choice. Therapy goals are set by you, the client. Your practitioner helps you clarify and pursue them, but what you work on is your decision.
• No guarantees of outcome. Clinical hypnotherapy is effective for many people, but no ethical practitioner guarantees results, and we don't. Fees are for the practitioner's time and expertise, and are non-negotiable under the agreement.
• Active participation matters. Progress depends significantly on what you do between sessions. Practising techniques, listening to recordings, and applying what you've worked on. Therapy is something you do, not something done to you.

Session durations

Sessions ordinarily run 50–60 minutes. Your initial consultation runs up to 90 minutes, giving time for a thorough assessment as well as the first therapeutic work.

Confidentiality and its limits

Your sessions are confidential, with specific legal limits: de-identified professional supervision, risk of harm to self or others, mandatory child or elder abuse reporting, and court orders or subpoenas. These are set out fully in confidentiality. How your information is stored and retained is covered in privacy and your records.

What happens next

You'll encounter the agreement as part of joining the practice. Read it, ask anything that's unclear, and consent before therapy starts. Curious what the first appointment itself is like? See your first session. What to expect.

Who to contact

Questions about informed consent can go to your practitioner directly, or to hello@norwestwellbeing.com.au / (02) 8069 9777. The full document is at /informed-consent.