General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

 Dr. Susanne Schwinghammer
Practice for Psychosocial Counselling, Coaching, Supervision & Hypnosis

1. Counselling Agreement
The content and, where applicable, the objectives of psychosocial counselling are jointly defined by Dr. Susanne Schwinghammer and the client during an initial clarification session.
The counselling process requires the client's active participation; the actual work of change is carried out by the client. Dr. Schwinghammer provides professional guidance throughout this process. The selection and adaptation of methods used are at her discretion.
The client acts on their own responsibility throughout the counselling process and is fully accountable for their physical and psychological well-being during the sessions. Any actions taken by the client as a result of the counselling are their sole responsibility.
Dr. Susanne Schwinghammer commits to exercising due care in her role as a certified psychosocial counsellor. Liability is limited to gross negligence and intent, except in cases of personal injury. The professional code of conduct for psychosocial counsellors can be found [here].
All counselling services are subject to strict confidentiality.

2. Location of Counselling Sessions
Unless otherwise agreed, counselling sessions take place at the Practice for Psychosocial Counselling, Coaching, Supervision & Hypnosis, Schanzstraße 46/39, A-1150 Vienna.
Alternatively, sessions can be conducted online via Zoom. In such cases, the client will receive the necessary access link via email in advance.

3. Fees
The fee per started session (50 minutes) is as follows:
->  €100 for individual counselling, coaching, and individual supervision
->  €120 for hypnosis sessions
These rates also apply to online sessions conducted via Zoom.
Fees for group and team supervision are determined individually, based on scope, number of participants, and content. A tailored offer will be provided upon request.
Preparation and follow-up time are included in the session fee. If the session's objectives are achieved before the scheduled end time, the full fee still applies.
Unless otherwise agreed, fees are payable immediately after each session in cash or via bank transfer. For packages of five sessions, the total amount is to be paid in advance. An invoice or payment confirmation will be provided in advance or after the session.
For bank transfers, a payment term of 7 days from the invoice date applies. In case of late payment, Dr. Schwinghammer reserves the right to charge interest on arrears at a rate of 6% per annum from the day following the due date. Additionally, any necessary costs for out-of-court collection measures may be claimed. A fee of €5 will be charged for each written reminder.

4. Cancellation Policy
Appointments for counselling sessions are mutually agreed upon and are binding for both parties.
If the client is unable to attend a session, they must notify Dr. Schwinghammer as early as possible via phone, email, WhatsApp, or SMS.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled session will incur the full session fee.
If Dr. Schwinghammer is unable to attend a session, she will offer an alternative appointment at the earliest convenience.

5. Data Protection
The client consents to the processing of personal data (name, address, email, phone number) for the purposes of conducting counselling sessions, scheduling appointments, invoicing, and fulfilling legal obligations towards regulatory authorities. Relevant documents (e.g., exercises, invoices) may be sent via email.
Data will be stored for a minimum of 7 years following the conclusion of counselling. Sensitive data will be documented exclusively in analog form and pseudonymized. Data processing complies with Article 21 of the GDPR. The data controller is Dr. Susanne Schwinghammer, Schanzstraße 46/39, 1150 Vienna.
The client may revoke their consent to data processing at any time by sending an email to s.schwinghammer@icloud.com. The legality of data processing up to the point of revocation remains unaffected.

6. Confidentiality & Professional Scope
Dr. Susanne Schwinghammer emphasizes that she does not provide medical diagnoses, psychotherapy, or medical treatments.
The client agrees to inform Dr. Schwinghammer of any diagnosed illnesses or significant health issues prior to or during the counselling process. It is noted that certain diagnoses, conditions, or medications may impede the effectiveness of counselling.
Dr. Schwinghammer is bound by a duty of confidentiality regarding all matters entrusted to her. This obligation is waived only if the client provides explicit written consent or if there is a legal or judicial mandate to disclose information. Even with a waiver, Dr. Schwinghammer is not obligated to disclose information.

7. Special Notes on Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a supportive, mindfulness-based technique and does not replace medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. Participation in hypnosis sessions is entirely at the client's own responsibility.
Dr. Schwinghammer accepts no liability for outcomes beyond her control, especially if relevant health or psychological information is not fully disclosed.
Hypnosis sessions are conducted only when the client is in a stable physical and psychological condition.

8. Special Notes on Group and Team Supervision
Participants in group or team supervision are expected to engage respectfully and maintain confidentiality within the group.
Dr. Schwinghammer facilitates and moderates the sessions but is not responsible for group dynamics occurring outside the agreed-upon setting.
Registration for group supervision is binding. The following cancellation policy applies:
->  Cancellation up to 30 days before the scheduled session: no fee
->  Cancellation up to 14 days before the session: 50% of the agreed fee
->  Cancellation less than 14 days before the session or no-show: full fee
If a participant withdraws during an ongoing supervision series, there is no entitlement to a refund for sessions already paid.

9. General Provisions
The contractual relationship between the parties is governed by Austrian law, excluding the conflict of law rules of international private law.
All disputes arising from or in connection with this contract, including its validity, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Austrian courts.