Counselling Services Agreement and Informed Consent
My name is Dar Debrecen, and I provide counselling services as a trained and educated counsellor. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and am currently completing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Calgary. Please note, however, that I am not a registered social worker or licensed mental health professional in British Columbia. The services I offer are independent of my studies, and the University of Calgary is not supervising, endorsing, or responsible for my work.
Scope of Services
I integrate a variety of approaches, including:
•Talk therapy
•Guided meditation
•Bilateral stimulation techniques
•Frameworks such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy, informed by Attachment Theory
These services are intended to support emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and self-reflection. While informed by evidence-based practices, they are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care. I do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
I may also incorporate additional techniques or approaches as appropriate to your needs and goals.
Holistic and Informational Guidance Disclaimer
In addition to counselling services, I may provide information and suggestions related to holistic practices, tools, and supplements that can support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These recommendations are based on my personal experiences and research and are offered solely for educational and informational purposes.
Please note the following:
1.Non-Medical Advice: I am not a licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor, naturopath, or physiotherapist. The information I share should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription.
2.Client Responsibility: It is your responsibility to research and consider any suggestions I provide. Before implementing any practices or using any tools or supplements, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether they are safe and appropriate for you.
3.Assumption of Risk: By engaging in any practices or using any tools or supplements I suggest, you do so voluntarily and at your own risk. I am not liable for any outcomes, whether positive or negative, that may arise from following these suggestions.
Clarification of Qualifications
While I am trained in various therapeutic frameworks and approaches, I am not a licensed or regulated mental health professional. The services I provide are not equivalent to those offered by licensed therapists or other regulated professionals. If you are seeking professional, regulated mental health services, I encourage you to consult a licensed healthcare provider. I am not qualified to diagnose or treat psychological conditions and do not provide psychotherapy or formal therapy.
Non-Therapeutic and Non-Regulated Disclaimer
The services I provide, including frameworks such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), are intended for personal growth and emotional wellbeing but do not constitute formal psychotherapy. I do not offer diagnostic services or psychological treatment. My approach is designed to support self-reflection and emotional growth, not to replace licensed mental health care.
Client Responsibility and Assumption of Risk
As part of our work together, we may explore emotional experiences and engage in somatic or body-focused techniques. These methods are generally safe but may evoke intense emotions, physical sensations, or discomfort. Some clients may experience emotional overwhelm or dysregulation, and it is important for you to inform me immediately if you feel distressed during or after our sessions.
While I am here to support you through these experiences, you assume responsibility for managing your own emotional state during and after our work together. I encourage open communication to ensure we can adjust any techniques if necessary to meet your needs and preferences.
Duty of Care and Emotional Safety
I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for you during our sessions. However, please be aware that emotional experiences and body-focused interventions can sometimes lead to emotional distress or physical discomfort. If you experience emotional overwhelm, please communicate this with me so we can adjust the approach to ensure your safety and well-being.
In the event of emotional harm or distress, I will make every reasonable effort to help you manage your experience during and after the session. If necessary, I can refer you to licensed professionals or healthcare providers for further support.
Emotional Harm and Follow-Up Care
In addition to taking responsibility for your emotional wellbeing during our work together, you are encouraged to inform me if you experience emotional distress. I will assist you in managing emotional reactions during sessions, and I can provide resources or referrals for further support if needed.
If you experience significant emotional overwhelm, I will discuss the best course of action for follow-up care, which may include adjustments to the approaches used or recommendations for further professional support.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is extremely important to me. The information you share during sessions will remain confidential, except in the following circumstances:
1.Risk of harm: If you disclose intent to harm yourself or others.
2.Legal obligations: If required by law (e.g., subpoena or court order).
3.Child or elder abuse: If I become aware of abuse or neglect.
Note-taking: I may keep brief, confidential notes to track our work together, which may involve the use of secure AI tools. These notes are used solely to enhance your care and are stored securely.
Legal Disclaimers
•The services I provide are offered independently and are not connected to or supervised by the University of Calgary or any other institution. The University of Calgary cannot be held responsible for my work.
•By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that the services are non-therapeutic and non-regulated and agree not to hold me liable for any perceived outcomes or lack thereof.
Acknowledgment and Consent
By signing below, you acknowledge that:
1.You understand the scope and limitations of the services being offered.
2.You consent to participate in these services voluntarily.
3.You agree to the privacy and confidentiality terms outlined above.
4.You understand the legal disclaimers and your personal responsibilities.