Privacy & Ethics
Your trust matters, and it is protected with care, clarity, and professionalism.
At The Embassy of Friendship, your privacy, dignity, and emotional safety are central to the therapeutic relationship. Counselling is a place where you should feel safe to speak openly, explore deeply, and be met without judgement. This page outlines how your information is protected, how sessions are conducted, and the ethical principles guiding my practice.
Legislation
NZ Privacy Act 2020
Counselling Code
NZAC Code of Ethics
Psychology Standards
NZAPP Standards
Confidentiality & Privacy
Everything you share in counselling is treated with strict confidentiality.
Confidentiality applies across all aspects of care:
There are rare and specific legal or safety circumstances where confidentiality must be breached to ensure safety:
- Serious, imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else
- Risk of abuse or neglect involving a child or vulnerable person
- Legal obligations, such as a formal subpoena or court order
Whenever possible and safe to do so, I will always discuss this with you first before taking action.
Ethical Practice & Professional Standards
My work is guided by the ethical frameworks of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology (NZAPP), and international best-practice clinical standards.
Respect, Dignity & Non-Judgement
You are accepted unconditionally, exactly as you are, without judgement or bias.
Clear Professional Boundaries
Transparent agreements, ethical conduct, and healthy therapeutic boundaries at all times.
Cultural Sensitivity & Awareness
Attuned respect for your unique heritage, identity, worldview, and lived experience.
Trauma-Informed Pacing
Gentle, mindful regulation that respects your nervous system, capacity, and readiness.
Fee & Schedule Transparency
Honest, upfront communication about rates, appointment times, and cancellation policies.
Ongoing Supervision & Development
Regular clinical supervision and continuous education to ensure the highest standard of care.
Cultural Respect & Intercultural Sensitivity
I warmly welcome clients from all cultural, spiritual, and social backgrounds.
My university studies in intercultural education, psychology, and sociology, combined with my own lived experience of immigrating to New Zealand 17 years ago, give me a deep and empathetic understanding of:
Online Sessions & International Clients
Online counselling is available for clients across New Zealand and worldwide. Over the years, I have supported clients in Canada, the UK, the USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria.
It is not my main focus, but it is possible, and often deeply meaningful for people who feel drawn to my way of working.
Data Protection & Record Keeping
- Session notes are stored securely, encrypted, and kept strictly private.
- No information is ever shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
- Digital communications (email & text) are kept minimal and professional.
- Online video sessions use secure, encrypted platforms.
Your Rights as a Client
You have the fundamental right to:
- 1Be treated with unfailing respect, dignity, and compassion
- 2Ask questions about the therapeutic process at any time
- 3Request changes to how we work or the pacing of sessions
- 4Pause, review, or end therapy at any time without penalty
- 5Receive clear, upfront information about fees and scheduling
- 6Expect safe, ethical, and professionally grounded care
My Commitment to You
I am committed to creating a therapeutic relationship that is:
"You will be met with warmth, steadiness, and, when needed, clarity and challenge to support your growth."
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions about privacy, ethics, or how your information is handled, you are always welcome to ask at any time. Your comfort and clarity matter.