Professional Standards & Code of Conduct

Buddhist Counselling is committed to providing counselling in a professional, ethical, respectful and safe manner.

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Daniel Troyak provides mindfulness-based counselling as a non-registered health practitioner and practises in accordance with the NSW Code of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners, prescribed under the Public Health Regulation 2022.

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The following principles provide clients with a clear overview of the professional standards that guide the service.

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Safe and Ethical Practice

Counselling will be provided safely, ethically and within the limits of Daniel’s training, experience and professional competence.

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Where a client's needs fall outside the appropriate scope of the service, this will be discussed and referral to a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or another suitably qualified health practitioner may be recommended.

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Buddhist Counselling will not discourage clients from seeking medical, psychological, psychiatric or other appropriate healthcare.

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Respect, Dignity and Inclusion

Every client has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and without discrimination.

Counselling is available to people of all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Clients do not need to be Buddhist, religious or have previous experience with mindfulness or meditation.

Buddhist principles, mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practices are used only where appropriate to the counselling process and the individual client.

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Professional Boundaries

Clear professional boundaries will be maintained throughout the counselling relationship.

Clients will not be subjected to sexualised behaviour, inappropriate relationships, exploitation, coercion, manipulation or other conduct inconsistent with a professional therapeutic relationship.

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Qualifications and Scope of Practice

Information provided about Daniel's qualifications, experience and professional role will be accurate and will not misrepresent his competence or scope of practice.

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Daniel Troyak is a Mindfulness-Based Therapist, accredited Buddhist Chaplain and Pastoral Counsellor. He is not a psychologist, psychiatrist or medical practitioner.

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Buddhist Counselling does not diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions, prescribe medication or provide medical treatment.

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Client Choice and Informed Consent

Clients have the right to receive clear information about the nature of the service, fees, confidentiality, privacy and any proposed counselling or contemplative practices.

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Participation is voluntary. Clients may ask questions, decline a particular practice or exercise, or withdraw consent to counselling at any time.

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Privacy and Confidentiality

Personal and health information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy and health-record obligations.

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Confidentiality may be limited where disclosure is required or authorised by law, including certain circumstances involving serious threats to health or safety, child protection requirements, court orders or other lawful processes.

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Further information is provided in the Client Information, Consent & Counselling Agreement and Privacy Policy.

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Appropriate Referrals

Daniel recognises the limitations of the services he provides.

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Where another form of healthcare or specialist support would be more appropriate, clients may be encouraged to seek additional professional advice or referred to another suitable practitioner.

Where appropriate, clients are encouraged to keep their GP or other treating health professionals informed about the care and support they are receiving.

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Fees and Financial Conduct

Fees will be communicated clearly before services are provided.

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Clients will not be subjected to financial exploitation, unnecessary services or misleading representations about the benefits of counselling.

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Buddhist Counselling is a private counselling service. Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan rebates are not available and Buddhist Counselling is not a registered NDIS provider.

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Practitioner Fitness and Professional Responsibility

Counselling will not be provided while the practitioner is impaired by alcohol or drugs or where a physical or mental condition makes it unsafe to practise.

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Appropriate professional supervision, continuing development and consultation may be undertaken to support safe and ethical practice.

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Complaints

Clients are encouraged to raise any concerns directly with Daniel where they feel comfortable doing so.

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Clients also have the right to make a complaint about a health service or non-registered health practitioner to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC).

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Making a complaint will not affect your right to seek healthcare or support elsewhere.

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NSW Code of Conduct

This page provides a plain-language overview of the standards followed by Buddhist Counselling. It does not replace or modify the statutory NSW Code of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners.

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The official NSW Code and associated requirements take precedence where there is any inconsistency between this website summary and the applicable law.