paperbark place

counselling

your voice matters

paperbark trees

often grow in swampy ground

layer upon layer of bark

gathering over time

our hearts are a little like that

they carry layers of

challenge and heartbreak

confusion and strength

joy

and longing

 ✧

my grandma Elva used to say

we are diamonds in the rough

life brings dirt and grit

but looking closer

with a little curiosity and kindness

the quiet spark within shines

and the day can feel lighter

at paperbark place your voice matters

a little about Karina

a little about Karina

listening matters to me

not just to the loud parts

of your story

but to the quieter ones too

 ✧

sometimes

another person's ears

can help us hear

our own voice

if you’re wondering

whether counselling might help

you are welcome

to reach out

a few practical things

Karina Schofield is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and holds a Bachelor of Counselling from Edith Cowan University. She is currently studying a Master of Counselling at the University of New England

Follow us on instagram @paperbarkplacecounselling

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paperbark musings

quiet reflections along the way

paperbark place counselling

some notes on working together

when sharing feels risky

it's safe to say you're angry or disappointed here

contact

Thank you! Your enquiry has been sent successfully.

Address

3 Ferrier St, Swan View WA 6056, Australia

Phone

+61 447 184 282

Email

karina@paperbarkplace.com.au

ABN

86673302365

Operating Hours

by appointment
Monday to Friday
7am until 9pm

FAQs

session

$100 — 50 minutes

concession for health care card holders, pensioners, and students

$80 — 50 minutes

reduced-fee online sessions

$50 — 50 minutes

yes, counselling is private and confidential

there are a few legal exceptions, for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to someone, or concerns about the safety of a child

these limits are always explained at the beginning so that the counselling relationship can be built on clarity and trust

sometimes people reach out because life feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to carry alone

counselling can offer a space to talk about things like

  • relationship difficulties

  • feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck

  • life transitions and change

  • family tensions or conflict

  • parenting struggles

  • grief, loss, or heartbreak

  • questions about identity, direction, or meaning

  • experiences that have been difficult to speak about before

  • feeling disconnected from yourself or others

Our commitment to your privacy

At Paperbark Place, your privacy is important.

This policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected. It is guided by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

What information is collected

We may collect personal and sensitive information relevant to providing counselling services, including:

  • your name, contact details, and date of birth

  • emergency contact details

  • relevant health and background information

  • counselling records and session notes

  • payment and appointment details

You are welcome to ask what information is being recorded at any time.

How information is collected

Information is usually collected:

  • directly from you (e.g. intake forms, conversations, emails, phone calls, or text messages)

  • from other professionals, if you have given consent

  • through your use of the website (e.g. contact forms or analytics)

Why your information is collected

Your information is collected to:

  • provide counselling services

  • understand your needs and support your wellbeing

  • communicate with you about appointments and services

  • send appointment reminders by SMS, phone or email

  • meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations

Storage and security

Your information is stored securely.

This may include:

  • secure digital systems and cloud-based services (password protected)

  • locked physical files (if applicable)

Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

Confidentiality

What you share in counselling is kept private.

However, there are some limits to confidentiality where disclosure may be required by law, including:

  • risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • mandatory reporting obligations

  • court orders or other legal requirements

Where possible, this will be discussed with you before information is shared.

Sharing information

With your consent, information may be shared with:

  • other healthcare providers

  • support persons

  • referral services

You can withdraw consent at any time.

Access and correction

You have the right to:

  • request access to your personal information

  • request corrections if something is inaccurate or incomplete

Requests will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe.

Website and digital privacy

If you visit the Paperbark Place website:

  • limited information may be collected (e.g. cookies or website analytics)

  • this helps improve website function and user experience

You can adjust your browser settings to manage cookies.

Please note that email and online communication may not always be fully secure.

Retention of information

Client records are kept for the period required by law and professional guidelines (generally at least 7 years, or longer for minors).

After this time, records are securely destroyed or de-identified.

Questions or concerns

If you have any questions about your privacy, or concerns about how your information is handled, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:

Karina Schofield

Paperbark Place

karina@paperbarkplace.com.au

0447 184 282

If you are not satisfied, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Last updated: May 2026