Social Media Policy
Social media is a lovely way to stay connected with the wider community, share resources, and offer a sense of what Wildwood is about. This policy explains how I use the Wildwood Instagram and Facebook pages, and what you can expect when interacting with them. It exists to protect your privacy and to keep my online presence consistent with my professional and ethical obligations as an ACA-registered counsellor.
Purpose of my social media presence
The Wildwood Instagram and Facebook pages share reflections, mental health information, resources, and updates about the practice. My hope is that they offer something warm and useful, whether or not you ever become a client.
What social media content is (and isn't)
Anything I post on social media is general information and reflection only. It is not counselling, psychotherapy, or personalised mental health advice, and it isn't a substitute for working with a practitioner who knows you and your circumstances. If something I post stirs things up for you, that can be worth exploring with your own therapist — or you're welcome to enquire about working with me through the contact page on this website.
Your privacy comes first
Please be aware that publicly following, liking, commenting on, or sharing Wildwood's social media content is visible to others and could identify you as a client, or as someone seeking support.
To protect client privacy: I don't follow clients' personal accounts, and I don't accept friend requests from current or former clients on my personal profiles. If you follow or interact with Wildwood's pages, that is entirely your choice — I simply want you to make it with full awareness. I will never acknowledge a therapeutic relationship with anyone online, whether in comments, messages, or elsewhere.
Direct messages and client communication
Social media messages are not checked regularly and are not a secure or confidential channel. Please don't use Instagram or Facebook to discuss clinical matters, share personal information, or make or change appointments. For anything related to our work together, please use the contact details provided on this website. If you send me a message on social media, I may reply briefly and redirect you to email.
Not a crisis service
My social media accounts are not monitored around the clock and are not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For urgent support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
Testimonials and feedback
Occasionally clients choose to share feedback about their experience at the end of our work together. Any testimonial that appears on my website or social media has been offered freely and shared with the client's explicit consent. I never ask or pressure clients to provide testimonials, clients may choose to remain anonymous, and consent can be withdrawn at any time, just contact me and the testimonial will be removed. Sharing feedback (or choosing not to) has no bearing whatsoever on the care a client receives.
Respectful engagement
I want Wildwood's online spaces to feel safe and welcoming. Harassment, discrimination, and abusive or demeaning comments have no place there, and I reserve the right to delete such comments and block accounts that post them.
Sharing and crediting content
When I share content created by others, I credit the original creator. If you'd like to share my content, you're very welcome to, I simply ask for the same courtesy of attribution.
Ethics
My social media presence is an extension of my practice and is guided by the Australian Counselling Association's Code of Ethics and Practice, including its commitments to client confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respect for the dignity and diversity of all people.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact me at info@wildwoodcounselling.com.au.