PRIVACY POLICY
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It is a condition of services by Irene Evangelou Therapy that you, the Client review, fully understand and sign this document prior to the session. This document contains important information about the services and business policies of Irene Evangelou Therapy. Although this document is long, it is very important that you understand and agree to them before you book an appointment.
By making an appointment, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions. If you are unable or unwilling to agree to these terms and conditions and waiver of liability, then you should not book an appointment or continue with your course of therapy.
LIABILITY & INDEMNITY
Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) has benefits and risks. Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness, because the process may require discussing the unpleasant aspects of your life, similar to other forms of therapy such as counselling and/or psychotherapy.
RTT® has however, been shown to have benefits for many individuals and often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, increased skills for managing stress, and resolutions to specific problems. However, there are no guarantees about what will happen. RTT® requires active participation on your part, and to be most successful, you will have to work on things we discuss outside of sessions.
RTT® is not the practice of medicine, psychology, or psychiatry, and is not in any way intended to be a replacement or substitute for diagnosis or treatment of any complaint or ailment. Irene Evangelou does not practice medicine and her services are not a replacement for counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric or medical treatment. No service or product is intended to treat any disease or illness, psychological or mental health condition.
Under no circumstances will Irene Evangelou be liable for any damages, including without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, consequential, or other damages (including without limitation lost profits, lost revenues, or similar economic loss), whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, arising out of the advice or information provided to you during professional services provided by Irene Evangelou. In addition, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold Irene Evangelou harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of your participation in the professional services.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
You may be offered a free 45 minutes online initial consultation. No therapy will be provided during the consultation.
The purpose of this initial consultation is for the client to enquire more about the RTT® session and their presenting issue. During this call, estimates of the number of sessions required to deal with your presenting issue are given on the basis of the information presented at the time. Estimates are only rough guidelines and are subject to change.
BOOKING & PAYMENT
After your initial consultation appointment, you may invest in any of the transformation packages on offer as discussed with Irene Evangelou. The agreed payment of the transformation packages must be made in order to schedule your session.
If you made advanced investments for sessions 2 and 3 through the Silver 60 and Gold 90 programs, then your consecutive sessions must be utilised immediately after the completion day of the first and second (where applicable) 30 day sessions, unless otherwise advised. This is particularly important for issues that require the extra sessions as discussed with Irene Evangelou. This is to ensure that you receive the full benefits of your healing and transformation journey.
If you have been advised by Irene Evangelou that you can use your additional session(s) at a separate time, because it has been agreed that you can work on an unrelated issue to your initial presenting issue, then you will have 6 months from the completion of your first 30 days to utilise your sessions.
The sessions will consist of the following:
Intake: The purpose of this 45 minute intake is to discuss your presenting issue in depth and to map out your goals and desires. No therapy will be provided during this session. Estimates of the sessions that were provided during your initial consultation call are only rough guidelines and are subject to change, based on the intake, your situation and/or what emerges out of the session.
RTT® session: A session is 120 minutes, so please ensure that you set aside 2.5 hours of your time. You will be able to book this session after your intake appointment. Please refer to the important notice under the Zoom Sessions clause regarding the terms of this session.
CANCELLATION, RESCHEDULING & REFUNDS
Cancellation & Rescheduling
If you need to cancel or re-schedule a session, please do so via email or phone (SMS/Whatsapp) at least 48 hours prior to a session. Please ensure you receive a confirmation of this cancellation, as indication that I have been notified and an appointment rescheduled.
Refunds
No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 48 hours of sessions. If you have opted for an instalment payment, your account will still be charged in full for the session that you have missed.
Where you have invested in a transformation package with 2 or more sessions, if you failed to cancel any of your session appointments within 48 hours of your session, the advanced payment that you have made will go to your next appointment and you will be required to make an additional payment for the session that you have missed, if you wish to continue with the program. If you have opted for an instalment payment, your account will still be charged in full for the session that you have missed.
Similarly, if you fail to cancel an intake appointment within 48 hours of the session, you will be required to make an additional payment of AUD$75 to rebook the appointment. These terms are created to ensure that we respect each other’s valuable time.
Where a transformation package of 2 or more sessions have been booked and paid for in advance, if you have been advised by your medical professional that you shouldn’t proceed with sessions, you must provide this evidence to me in writing from the said medical professional. A pro rata refund will then be issued after deduction of the full standard session fee and/or any sessions that you have already attended.
Session fees are for my time and professional expertise and are not a guarantee of a successful outcome. Therefore, no refunds will be given for any sessions where you have attended and paid for the session in full. Where you have opted for an instalment payment, any outstanding balance for the session will still be charged in full according to the agreed payment plan.
Session Fees
All professional fees will be disclosed to you prior to booking. My professional fees are subject to review and may increase from time to time. You will always receive confirmation of the professional fees before booking.
Payment Methods
Payment may be made direct via PayPal or through your bank account.
ZOOM SESSIONS
An RTT® session will usually take 90 - 120 mins. So please set aside at least 2.5 hours of your time for the session. During the session we will work on the presenting issue discussed during the consultation appointment. If you wish to work on another issue, you will have to make another appointment to address this issue.
You must ensure:
that you will attend the session alone.
that the environment around you is safe and will remain distraction free throughout the session. Please make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you will not be disrupted during this time. Set aside 2.5 hours of uninterrupted time for this session.
that your phone, computer, and any other form of device is kept on silent or on airplane mode.
that you will be free from the influence of alcohol or drugs for the whole session unless the drugs you are taking is prescribed by your doctor.
that you have a stable internet connection and that your laptop/computer is plugged in.
that I can hear you clearly during our session. Please ensure you test your microphone and/or headset before the session.
that you provide me with the correct address of your online location, in the event of an emergency.
that you provide me with a phone number or other means of communication and a third-party emergency contact number if it differs from the ones provided in your Intake Form.
Important: Please note that if there are disruptions to the session because you have failed to adhere to the terms and conditions listed above, a replacement session will not be provided to you, the time of your session will not be extended, and you will not receive a refund. You will be required to make payment for another session if you wish to proceed. This is to ensure that we value each other's time, and you get the best outcome from the session that you have invested in.
CONTACT BETWEEN SESSIONS
Any contact between sessions will be via email or text during office hours only (9am – 6pm AEST). Any messages received outside of these hours will be dealt with during office hours only.
MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
I may ask questions about your medical history to establish any contra-indications to treatment. This will also help to assess whether your health is affecting (or being affected by) the therapeutic goals you wish to achieve. Please update me of any medical changes during your course of therapy, or if you are returning to therapy after a period of absence.
If you are receiving care or treatment from any medical, healthcare or therapy practitioner, e.g. GP, Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counsellor, you may be asked to seek their permission before any therapy sessions can commence.
Please note that I will be unable to offer my professional services if you suffer from epilepsy, have a pacemaker or any form of psychosis.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
All clients below age 18 require parental consent before participating in any sessions. Clients under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
ATTENDING YOUR SESSIONS
Please ensure that you are available at your session start time. If you are running late, please let me know as soon as possible. I will do my best to make a full session available, however, as the ability to do this will depend on bookings after your session, this cannot be guaranteed. If you are late for a session, then the same charges for a full session will apply and you will not be provided with a make-up session for the time you missed.
HYPNOTHERAPY RECORDINGS
Hypnotherapy recordings should not be listened to whilst driving, operating machinery or undertaking any other activity where concentration is required. Any recording provided is for your personal use only and must not be shared, lent, copied or sold under any circumstances.
OUTCOME OF SESSIONS
The agreement to work on the issues presented by you in no way implies or guarantees the resolution of your presenting issue(s). No outcome can or will be guaranteed. However, I will always endeavour to use my best efforts and skills to work towards your goals and intended outcomes.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
During the course of any therapy sessions, I will treat you with respect and not abuse the trust you place in me. I will use best practice at all times in our mutual interest. In return, you undertake not to harm yourself, or any other person, including me, or any property belonging to either me or any other person.
You agree not to attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, except those medications which have been prescribed by your doctor. If you do attend any sessions under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, or demonstrate violent or abusive behaviour, I will cancel the session and may refuse to see you for any further sessions without refunding any payment already made.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All contact, including sessions, telephone conversations and emails, will be conducted in confidence and may be recorded. Prior to any recording, your agreement will be sought. All recordings, conversations and notes will remain confidential, except in the following circumstances:
1. Where you give permission for confidentiality to be broken
2. Where I am compelled by a court of law
3. Where the information is of a nature that confidentiality cannot be maintained, for example:
The possibility of harm to yourself or others exists
In cases of fraud or crime
When minors (under 18 years old) are involved
4. Where a referring GP or other healthcare professional requires a report. A copy of the report will be available on request.
GOVERNING LAW
These terms and conditions and waiver of liability and any other matters arising out of or in relation to these terms, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Australia. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian courts to settle any dispute which may arise out of or in connection with these terms and conditions and waiver of liability.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS UPDATES
These terms and conditions are subject to revisions without notice. Please familiarise yourself with any amendments if you have re-started therapy with me after a long period of absence.
DATA PROTECTION
For my services, your personal data is collected, processed, used and stored in accordance with the Privacy Policy. By booking an appointment, this signifies your acceptance of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not book an appointment. The terms of this Privacy Policy may change from time to time without prior notice to you, so please check my website periodically for any changes.
Privacy Statement
What data do I keep and why ?
Name and age: this is basic information that helps me to identify you.
Address, email, phone number: I use this as a means of contacting you regarding your sessions.
Next of kin/medical professional’s details: This information is used in the event of an emergency, or if I find that you may be at risk and there may be a need for me to contact your next of kin or medical professional. If possible, I will let you know in advance.
Session notes: I keep brief notes of your session(s) for reference.
Will I share your data and if I do, who will I share it with and for what purpose?
It is highly unlikely I will share your data unless I am subpoenaed by court. If you or anyone you tell me about is at harm or at risk of harm, I may have to pass this information on to the appropriate authorities. I may also discuss your case with my colleagues, however, your identity will remain confidential. I will not sell, use or distribute your personal information for unethical reasons.
How will I store your data?
Electronic data that you provide me as part of my service will mainly be stored by third-party cloud services that Irene Evangelou subscribes to. These services mainly include, Calendly, Google, Outlook, and PayPal.
How long will I store your data for and how will I dispose of it?
Your data will be stored for a period of at least ten years from the date of your session and in the case of a minor, for a period of at least seven years after that minor attains the age of majority. This is a requirement set by the insurer. After this time, your personal information and data will be disposed of and deleted.
CONCERNS & COMPLAINTS
If you have a concern or complaint regarding your therapy, please discuss this with myself in the first instance and I will endeavour to resolve the issue.
STATEMENTS OF UNDERSTANDING
By signing the Client Agreement, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Client Agreement. You also agree with the statements below:
I confirm that I have been advised by Irene Evangelou of the scope of the therapies that she provides and give my full consent to receiving therapy sessions from Irene Evangelou.
I understand that results may vary from person to person and the agreement by Irene Evangelou to work on the issues or problems presented by me, using whatever therapies are appropriate to my situation, in no way implies or guarantees the resolution of any presenting problems or issues.
I understand that RTT® and Hypnotherapy or information provided by Irene Evangelou either in person, via telephone, email or online, is not a replacement or substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment. If I have any doubts or concerns about my health, I will seek advice from an appropriate qualified healthcare professional.
I declare that, if advised by Irene Evangelou prior to or following any therapy sessions, to seek medical approval, I will consult with my GP, hospital consultant and/or other healthcare professional and gain the appropriate written approval for Irene Evangelou prior to the next therapy session.
In the case that I have been advised by my medical practitioner to discontinue sessions with Irene Evangelou, I will provide this information in writing from my medical practitioner to Irene Evangelou. In this instance, Irene Evangelou has advised that I am free to terminate any or all sessions and a pro rata refund will be issued after deduction of the full standard session fee or any sessions that you have already attended.
I understand that my level of motivation is vital in the therapy process and I agree to participate to the best of my ability at all times, including making reasonable use of therapeutic suggestions during and between sessions, as well as listening to the personalised audio recording(s) for at least 30 consecutive days as advised and/or carry out other therapeutic tasks as appropriate as per discussion during the follow-up sessions.
I have accurately and truthfully answered any questions and provided background information during the initial consultation and/or first therapy session and will continue to do so during any subsequent therapy sessions.
CONSENT
By signing the client agreement, I consent that Irene Evangelou consent to the use of your information as stipulated under the Confidentiality and Privacy Policy statements and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Waiver of Liability detailed in this document.
You also understand and agree that Irene Evangelou may release information to a specific individual or agency, if it has been determined that a vulnerable person (child or elder) is at risk; if I, as a client, am in imminent danger to myself or others; or if a subpoena of records has been requested.
I also understand that, at any time, Irene Evangelou may discuss aspects of my case with other colleagues, always keeping my full name and identity completely confidential unless I have given permission otherwise.