Terms of use

These Terms of Use govern your use of the website mindfreetherapy.com.au and any related services provided by Francesca (Frankie) Lion trading as Mindfree Hypnotherapy (ABN 20960718769) (“we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to abide by these Terms of Use and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

This policy is effective as of 1 July 2026 and was last updated on the same date.

Scope of Service & Health Disclaimer

• Nature of Service: Clinical Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy intended to support wellbeing, relaxation and personal development. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a registered medical practitioner.
• Medical Discouragement: We expressly do not attempt to dissuade clients from seeking or continuing medical treatment provided by a registered medical practitioner.
• Professional Boundaries: We expressly do not provide medical, psychiatric or psychological crisis treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor regarding medical conditions.
• Client Disclosure: You agree to provide a correct medical history and disclose relevant health conditions (such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or any other clinical mental health issue) prior to your first session.

Mandatory Health Disclosures (Victoria)

Clinical Hypnotherapy is not a registered health practitioner service in Australia. Instead, hypnotherapy falls under the scope of a “general health service”. As such, hypnotherapists are required by law to comply with the Code of Conduct for General Health Services.

• Code of Conduct: You may view the full CODE OF CONDUCT FOR GENERAL HEALTH SERVICES here.
• Complaints: If you have concerns about the service provided, you are encouraged to discuss them with us first. However, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC) via their website or by calling 1300 582 113.

Mandatory Consumer Guarantees

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any non-excludable statutory rights you have under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) or the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Where our services fail to meet a consumer guarantee (e.g., if services are not provided with due care and skill), you are entitled to a remedy as prescribed by law.

Cancellations and Refunds

To ensure fairness and manage our clinical schedule, the following policy applies:

• Notice Period: At least 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling, unless the period from the time of booking to the time of the session is less than 48 hours.
• Cancellation Fees: Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice, or “no-shows,” without reasonable justification (e.g. a genuine emergency or illness) may incur a fee of up to 100% of the session price. This fee represents a genuine pre-estimate of the loss suffered by the practice (liquidated damages) due to the inability to re-allocate the time slot.
• Refunds: In accordance with the ACL, refunds are not provided if you simply change your mind or where services were provided with due care and skill.

Privacy and Health Records

We handle personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

• Record Retention: Adult records are kept for a minimum of 7 years following the last consultation. Records for minors are retained until the client reaches age 25.
• Privacy Policy: Please refer to our full Privacy Policy for details on how we store and protect your data.
• Confidentiality: Your information is confidential except where disclosure is required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting) or to prevent a serious risk of harm.

Intellectual Property

Materials on this website are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law. We grant customers a limited license for personal, non-commercial use of purchased products. This license terminates automatically if you violate these Terms.

Professional Ethics & Testimonials

• Professional Membership: Francesca de Jonghe is a registered member of the Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (AACHP) and is listed on the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA) National Register.
• Testimonials: In line with the HCA Code of Ethics and the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, we do not use testimonials that make unsubstantiated claims or create unrealistic expectations of a “cure”. You are responsible for any reviews or feedback provided to us.

Liability & Indemnity

To the extent permitted by law (and without excluding ACL guarantees), we are not liable for any consequential loss arising from the use of our services. This website and its materials are provided on an “as is” basis.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. You submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in this location.