Counselling Services Informed Consent Form
The Therapist
I am a registered counsellor (B0091) with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). I am bound by its code of ethics and practice and subject to its complaint's procedure.
I work mainly as a person-centred counsellor using reality therapy as my main approach. I integrate other approaches when appropriate and helpful. Reality therapy is based on the philosophy that each human being has five basic needs, and meeting the need for love and belonging is the essence for is the pre-requisite for the change. I will seek to establish a safe 'therapeutic relationship' with you to help resolve whatever troubles you and work toward finding a better way forward in your life.
Confidentiality
All information is confidential and is disclosed only with written permission except when the client is dangerous to themselves, danger to others or someone is a danger to them. The counsellor will make the of these limits of confidentiality and will inform the client when sharing information with others. Please note that when virtual sessions are conducted, the ability of maintaining confidentiality becomes at risk because the counsellor will not be able to control the client's environment (e.g. if other members of the family are in the same room). For this reason, the counsellor cannot guarantee complete privacy.
Counselling duration
The duration of the therapeutic process will depend on the type of difficulty or problem the client is facing. Some people prefer to work with an open contract, whereas others prefer to work with a fixed number of sessions followed by a review.
In all cases, the counsellor and client will review the therapeutic process with the therapist at the end of each session. This helps assess whether the client's needs are being met, and this will also help (if required) to make the necessary adjustments and/or establish new goals for the process.
The standard session duration is 50-60 minutes, and sessions of varying duration would be charged accordingly.
Payment
For each 60-minute session, counselling fees vary depending on the therapist's qualifications and experience:
SGD 160 - SGD 200 for standard sessions with fully registered counsellors
SGD 100 for sessions conducted by provisional counsellors (supervised by a clinical supervisor)
The exact fee for your session will be confirmed at the time of booking. Clients must make payment 24 hours before the appointment for it to be confirmed. If payment is not received, the appointment will be automatically canceled.
Payment Methods:
Payment can be made via PayNow, PayLah, or Internet Banking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of sessions with less than 24-hour notice will incur the full fee.
Postponement of session
We will always aim to give the client as much notice as possible of any holidays, training workshops, conferences or illnesses that might prevent him from being available at the time/day of the scheduled session. The counsellor will always aim to offer an alternative arrangement in such cases.
Supervision
As part of professional standards, counsellors may need to share and discuss some of the information in our sessions with a qualified supervisor from time to time. This is done under a strictly confidential and professional framework.
The client's identity is always kept anonymous. Written confirmation may be required to be passed on to a third party, which is restricted to a minimum. We do not provide in-depth reports on the sessions or give opinions or diagnoses.
Notes and Record-Keeping
Our policy is to keep minimum notes and records. The information we do store includes personal information, such as
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Emergency contact person
- Background information that might be relevant to the counselling process
- Your signed contract with us
- Confidential case notes (describing the main focus of the session with any important information)
You can request in writing to see the information held on you. If you have any concerns about our policy on confidentiality and note-keeping, you are welcome to discuss them with your therapist.
Influence of alcohol or substances
Sessions will not occur if the client is under the influence of any misuse of alcohol or substances.
Contact Number of Counsellor
The contact number given by the counsellor is strictly for appointment only. No counselling, support or therapy would be rendered via call or text.
In the event of an emergency, such that I am in danger of hurting or killing myself, I agree to do the following:
- Call the National Care Hotline (1800-202-6868),
- Call the SOS helpline (1800-221-4444) or
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate assistance.
- Other emergency hotline includes 995 and 999