How long will I have to go to therapy?
The therapy process is tailored to each person’s unique individual needs. The therapeutic treatment plan accounts for historical experiences, goals, support systems outside of therapy, and of course commitment to the process. Therapy does not occur in isolation however. Successful therapy requires the individual to put strategies taught during therapy into practice outside of the therapy room, and this is something that can help the process of therapy move along more quickly. For children and adolescents this will require support from the caregiver to implement and practice strategies taught during therapy sessions.
What are the payment options?
Payment is made at the time of service in the form of cash, cheque, e-transfer or credit card. Please note: your bank will charge a nominal fee for e-transfer. We must charge a fee of $25.00 for cheques returned due to Non-sufficient funds. A receipt will be provided at the time of service.
What are my rights as a client?
As a consumer of therapy, you have the right to:
- Be treated with respect at all times
- Ask questions about anything that occurs during therapy
- Choose not to participate in any therapy technique suggested
- End therapy at any time without any obligations other than paying for sessions already completed
- Complete confidentiality, within the below stated limitations
- View all records in your file at any time you choose
- Request a referral to other services
If you have any concerns about our work together, We encourage you to bring these concerns to my attention. As a Registered Social Workers, we are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. This is the regulatory body that ensures ethical practice.
Will this be private and confidential?
Your right to privacy is of utmost importance, and so the information you provide during our sessions is completely confidential. This means the information you provide will not be shared with anyone outside of our therapy sessions. Your information will be stored in a secure location.
Your information will not be released to anyone outside of counseling without your informed, voluntary, and written consent. However, there are a few circumstances in which we are legally bound to disclose information to appropriate authorities, as listed below.
Limits of Confidentiality
- If we obtain information that leads me to suspect that a child (18 years and under) is at risk for, or has been, physically, sexually, emotionally abused or neglected, we are legally obligated to report this information to Family and Children’s Services. This is about protecting children from harm.
- If you inform us about any intent to commit an act which could result in the injury or death of another or others, we are legally required to contact the police. This is about protecting others from harm.
- If there are concerns that you are a danger to yourself, we will discuss any plan that we have to take on your behalf (for example, a phone call and plan with family member or physician). However, if there are situations where we are unable to discuss this with you first, may need to proceed without your consent in order to fulfill my obligation to ensure your safety.
- If we receive a court order or subpoena to release information to a third party, we are legally bound to do so.
Whenever it is safe and possible to do so, we will notify you of any situation in which we are obliged to report. Our preference is to support you in making the actual report.
Furthermore, in the case of couples, if one should attend an individual session, it is understood that the content of the individual session will be confidential from your partner.
Are parents provided details around their teenager’s therapy session?
Understandably, parents sometimes want to know how their child is doing in therapy. While well intentioned, the rules of confidentiality apply to teenagers too.
You are welcome and likely to be involved in scheduling appointments for your child, or you may want to express concerns about a particular issue, but please be aware that we do not share what your child and their clinician discuss in session. Maintaining this therapeutic relationship is essential for your son or daughter to feel they can be open and honest so we can work together on their issues, without fearing it will get back to a parent.
What is required for my minor child to begin therapy?
If you are seeking therapy for minor children, we do require proof of custody or consent from both parents to proceed. Sessions with minor children may require a caregiver be present, to have individual parent sessions, or individual child sessions without the caregiver present.
What if I require the release of information to a third party?
If you need me to release information to a third party, such as a probation officer, doctor, or lawyer, you must provide us with informed consent to do so.