All our communication and what happens in the session becomes a part of your clinical record. Keeping files allows me to work with you in a planned organized manner tracking goals and progress. The records are kept under lock en key in a secure location. I am under clinical supervision with an experienced and qualified therapist. If I need to discuss therapy with a professional colleague, or in any other professional context, your identity will be disguised. In all counselling relationships, there is an adherence to a strict standard of confidentiality. No information given by you to your counsellor will be disclosed to a third party without your consent. Client files are privileged and confidential.
Teletherapy: Prior to starting video-conferencing services, we discussed and agreed to the following: There are potential benefits and risks of video-conferencing (e.g. limits to patient confidentiality) that differ from in-person sessions. Confidentiality still applies for telepsychology services, and nobody will record the session without permission from the others person(s). The client is responsible for securing his or her own computer hardware, internet access points, and password security. The therapist is not liable for confidentiality breaches when they are caused by client error. The therapist is not responsible for their client’s equipment failure, e.g. camera, and/or Internet service. The therapist is not responsible for lapses in confidentiality that are in direct response to the client’s actions.
Exceptions to confidentiality: There are a few exceptions to confidentiality. A therapist is required to maintain client confidentiality, except where there is written consent, danger to self or others or as required by law. A therapist is required to report the sexual or physical abuse of a child to the authorities: 1. If the counsellor thinks any person’s life or health is in imminent danger, he/she is ethically and legally bound to take appropriate action. 2. Under B.C. law, if the client suggests that a child, elder or disabled person may be reported to the Ministry of Children and Family Development and/or police. 3. In extraordinary circumstances, the courts have discretionary power to subpoena or court order files, cases notes and/or obtain counsellor notes. 4. The client directs the counsellor to share information with another person.
By signing below, the client confirms they have read and understood the disclosures, agree to the terms of professional counseling services, and will adhere to the policies and procedures set forth by Equal Counselling.