Confidentiality
Once you agree to attend counselling sessions, you enter into a professional relationship with a counsellor rather than a personal one. Although counselling sessions can be emotionally and psychologically intimate, you need to remember that contact is limited to the paid session time between you and your counsellor. You cannot invite your counsellor to social gatherings, give them gifts, or ask to relate to them in any other way outside of your professional relationship.
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The same guidelines apply to clients who are dependents (under 18 years of age). Your child/ youth must trust their counsellor. As the parent/guardian, you have the right and responsibility to question and understand the nature of the therapeutic activities and the progress of your child/youth. It is crucial that you are part of the therapeutic process.
Duty to Report
All cases of suspected abuse or neglect of children that have not yet been reported (includes client and others, present and historical abuse if the perpetrator is alive and has access to children), as well as abuse of a vulnerable adult, will be reported to the appropriate authority.
Any intentions or a plan to harm another person will be reported to the authorities and the intended victim will be warned.
When information is subpoenaed by a court of law or when required by federal or provincial laws, rules, policies, or regulations, our confidentiality agreement is voided. If you access service through a third-party provider, you should be aware of any limits to confidentiality.
Disclosure or implication of a suicide plan will be reported to legal authorities, and attempts will be made to notify your family or emergency contact.
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Communication
Our therapeutic communication will be restricted to Janeapp or other agreed-upon encrypted emails (administrative details may only be handled by text and non-encrypted email).
You are welcome to email information that you would like to have included in the next session. However, my response will be limited as I do not provide therapy via email. Please note that email from all sources is uploaded to the file.
For those under 14 years old, any communication (email and telephone) from any source is added to your/your child’s file - please only send information appropriate to be viewed by each parent.
Encrypted case notes of all sessions are kept in JaneApp on a password-protected computer for ten years after your last appointment, after which they will be deleted.
During working hours, I will attempt to respond to any email or telephone call within 24 to 48 hours. However, outside of working hours, I will not be checking email or voicemail messages.
I do not provide emergency services. In the case of an emergency or crisis, contact a crisis centre at 780-482-4357 or 911, or go to a hospital emergency room.
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Risks and Benefits
Many factors determine the progress of counselling, and there are no guarantees of length of time or resulting behavioural or emotional changes.
Counselling can offer support and growth opportunities; however, it can also be a complicated process for some.
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Dual Relationships
I will avoid dual relationships. If they cannot be avoided, I will ensure dual relationships do not compromise our therapeutic judgment, objectivity, or effectiveness.
The clinical relationship will never be acknowledged without your consent.
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