Last updated: 25 October 2026
1. About these terms
These terms apply to this website, to booking sessions online or by WhatsApp, and to counselling sessions with Gillian Misplon (“Gillian”, “I”, “me”) of Gillian Misplon Counselling, 214 Carpe Diem, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town, 7441. By using the website or booking a session you agree to them.
Before your first session you will also be asked to read and sign a Client Informed Consent & Counselling Agreement. If anything in these terms differs from that agreement, the signed agreement applies.
2. The counselling service
Counselling is a collaborative, client-centred process: a safe, confidential and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences and concerns, at your own pace. You remain responsible for your own choices, decisions and actions.
Counselling is provided within Gillian’s professional training, competence and ASCHP-approved scope of practice. It does not include:
- medical or psychiatric diagnosis or treatment;
- psychological or psychometric assessment;
- medico-legal or forensic assessment, or expert psychological opinion; or
- services outside Gillian’s competence or scope of practice.
Counselling is not a substitute for medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment where that is needed. Where your needs fall outside this scope, Gillian may recommend a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor, social worker or other suitably qualified professional. A referral is meant to support you; it is not a failure of counselling.
3. Not an emergency service
Sessions, WhatsApp messages and this website are not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services straight away:
- Emergency (from any mobile): 112
- Ambulance: 10177 · Police: 10111
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
4. Booking sessions
Sessions are one-to-one online by WhatsApp call or Google Meet, during weekdays, evenings and weekends by appointment. You can book through the online booking system or by sending a WhatsApp to 069 720 0442.
To book online you need an account with your name, email address and a WhatsApp number. Please keep these details accurate: booking confirmations and reminders are sent to your WhatsApp number. Keep your sign-in details private; you are responsible for bookings made from your account.
5. Changing or cancelling a session
You can move or cancel a booking yourself in the booking system up to the cut-off it shows (usually 24 hours before the session). After that, please send a change request through the booking system or a WhatsApp, and Gillian will respond as soon as she can.
If Gillian needs to cancel or move a session, she will let you know by WhatsApp as early as possible and offer another time.
6. Fees and payment
Session fees are available on request. Fees, payment arrangements and any charges for late cancellations or missed appointments will be communicated and agreed with you separately before your first session. You are responsible for paying the agreed fee.
7. Confidentiality
What you share in counselling is confidential. Confidentiality may be limited where there is a serious or immediate risk of harm to you or someone else; where there is reasonable concern that a child or a vulnerable or elderly person is being abused, neglected or put at significant risk; where disclosure is required by law, a court order or other lawful authority; where it is needed for professional supervision or safeguarding; or where you have agreed to it. Where reasonably possible, Gillian will discuss any disclosure with you first.
Professional supervision is part of responsible practice. Aspects of your sessions may be discussed with a supervisor, with your identity withheld wherever reasonably possible. See the privacy policy for how your personal information is handled.
8. Reports and legal proceedings
Gillian does not ordinarily provide assessment reports, medico-legal reports or evaluative statements for legal, employment, insurance or other forensic purposes. If disclosure or participation in legal proceedings is required by law or a court order, she will comply with those requirements.
9. Communication outside sessions
WhatsApp, SMS and email are for practical matters such as arranging or confirming appointments, not for ongoing counselling or crisis support. Reasonable steps are taken to protect electronic communications, but they can never be guaranteed to be completely secure.
10. Using this website
The content on this website is general information about counselling and the practice. It is not advice for your particular situation. Text, photographs and design on the site belong to Gillian Misplon Counselling or its licensors and may not be copied for commercial use without permission. Please don’t misuse the website or the booking system, for example by trying to access other people’s information or interfering with how it works.
Links to other websites (such as WhatsApp or Google Maps) are provided for convenience. Those services have their own terms and privacy policies.
11. Responsibility
Gillian will provide counselling with reasonable care, within her training, competence, ethical responsibilities and scope of practice. The website and booking system are provided as they are; while every effort is made to keep them available and accurate, uninterrupted access can’t be guaranteed. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any responsibility that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, including your rights under the Consumer Protection Act.
12. Changes and governing law
These terms may be updated from time to time; the date at the top shows the latest version. They are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
13. Questions
If you have a question or concern about these terms or about the counselling process, please raise it with Gillian on WhatsApp at 069 720 0442 or in a session.