Informed Consent Process

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Psychological services aim to support wellbeing through evidence-based approaches. Individual and organisational experiences and outcomes vary - there are no guarantees of specific results. Services are not a substitute for medical treatment or legal advice.

What to Expect

Before we begin working together, we'll have a thorough discussion to ensure you understand the nature of our work, your rights, and what you can expect from the process.

For Individual Clients

Psychological support can facilitate meaningful change, though the path isn't always linear or predictable. 

Progress for Individuals May Include:

  • Increased self-understanding

  • New coping strategies

  • Improved relationships

  • Greater emotional flexibility

  • Enhanced work satisfaction

What We'll Discuss:

  • The nature of therapy and realistic expectations

  • How confidentiality works and its legal limits

  • Your rights, including accessing your records, providing feedback, or making complaints

  • Fee structures and payment expectations

  • Dr. Katharine Smith’s training, supervision, and scope of practice

  • Emergency procedures and after-hours support

This isn't just paperwork - it's the foundation of our working relationship and your opportunity to ask any questions to ensure MindWise Workplace Solutions is the right place for you.

For Organisational Clients

The pace and nature of change varies for each organisation. Our work together honours your unique journey without predetermined outcomes. 

Progress for Organisations May Include:

  • Having a clearer understanding of psychosocial risks

  • Implementing  evidence-based strategies for risk management

  • Improving team dynamics or an enhancing safety culture

  • Developing sustainable wellbeing practices

Progress is never linear or predictable, but whatever progress looks like for you, we will start by setting clear agreements upfront to ensure ethical, effective engagement that serves your organisation's genuine needs.

Understanding Our Professional Relationship

Therapy and workplace consultation both involve inherent power dynamics. To address this:

  • You maintain autonomy over all decisions

  • Questions about my approach are always welcome

  • You can request a different psychologist at any time (if available)

  • Your feedback shapes our work together

  • You have the right to disagree with my perspectives

My Role in Your Journey

While I bring professional training and expertise, you are the expert on your own life or organisation. My role is to:

  • Offer psychological perspectives that might be helpful

  • Share evidence-based tools and strategies

  • Hold space for experiences without judgment

  • Collaborate on approaches that fit your values

  • Support your autonomous decision-making

We work as partners, with your wisdom combined with psychological insights.

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Your information remains confidential except when:

  • Required by law (including mandatory reporting obligations under Queensland's Criminal Code Act 1899)

  • There is serious risk of harm to yourself or others

  • You provide written consent for specific disclosure

  • Court orders require disclosure

Full details are outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Financial Accessibility

We recognise that psychological services can create financial strain. Several options may help make services more accessible:

  • Medicare rebates can reduce out-of-pocket costs by approximately 50% (with a valid Mental Health Care Plan)

  • Sessions may be scheduled fortnightly or monthly rather than weekly

  • EAP services through your employer may cover costs entirely

  • In exceptional circumstances, a sliding scale may be available

Financial hardship should not prevent access to mental health support. Please discuss any financial concerns during our initial contact so we can explore available options together.

Formal Consent Process

Before commencing services with MindWise Workplace Solutions, you will be asked to sign a comprehensive informed consent document that formalises these understandings. The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss any questions before making this commitment.