General Consent
Psychological Services
Psychotherapy can have many benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy also has been shown to have great benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reduction in feelings of distress. But there are no guarantees of what you will experience. If you have any questions about my procedures, we should discuss them as they arise. You are free to bring your therapy to an end as you may wish.
Online Counselling Consent
Procedural and Confidentiality Concerns for Phone and Video/Online Counselling.
Online therapy has the same purpose or intention as session conducted in person. However, due to the nature of technology used, I understand that online therapy may be experienced somewhat differently than face-to-face sessions. I understand that there are risks and consequences of participating in online therapy, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite best efforts to ensure high encryption and secure technology on the part of my counsellor, that: the transmission of my information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures; the transmission of my information could be interrupted by unauthorized persons; and/or the electronic storage of my medical information could be accessed by unauthorized persons. The laws of confidentiality of my personal information also apply to online therapy. As such, I understand that the information disclosed to me during therapy is generally confidential, however, there are both mandatory and permissive exceptions as described in the confidentiality agreement. I understand there is a risk that services could be disrupted or distorted by unforeseen technical problems. I accept that online therapy does not provide emergency services. If I am experiencing an emergency situation, I understand that I can call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. If I am having suicidal thoughts or making plans to harm myself, I can call the crisis line at 1-800-784-2433 for free 24 hour support. Clients who are actively at risk of harm of self or others are not suitable for online therapy services and will be referred to appropriate support. I understand that there is a risk of being overheard by anyone near me if I am not in a private room while participating in online therapy. I am responsible for (1) providing the necessary computer, telecommunications equipment, and internet access for my online therapy sessions, and (2) arranging a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free of distractions or intrusions for my online therapy session. It is the responsibility of my therapist to do the same on their end. I understand that I cannot record my online sessions.