This form is designed to ensure you have received the information necessary to begin Art Therapy sessions. Please read carefully and feel free to ask me any questions if you require further clarification.

Qualifications: I have an Honors B.D. in Graphic Design from OCADu, a Graduate Degree in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (DTATI), I am a Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) Member #34824648 and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) R.P. #008119

Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate." (CATA)

• The participant discusses recent events (similar to talk-based therapy)
• Art directives are designed to assist individuals in exploring goals
• Themes arising can become starting points for art-making
• The client is supported through their own process
• The art-making process can illuminate aspects of one's life and emotional world.

As with any psychotherapeutic process, long buried feelings may emerge. You may experience uncomfortable feelings like anger, guilt, frustration, sadness or helplessness before you feel better. Art Therapy is a personal journey and there are no guarantees of what will be experienced, but together we will work to achieve the best possible results for you.

As an Art Therapist working with a variety of clients, I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality while also respecting your right to information. A key focus of our therapeutic relationship will be to promote your personal growth and well-being. To establish a trusting environment, it is crucial that I uphold your privacy.

I will provide you with general updates regarding your treatment progress; however, specific details will only be shared at your discretion. Please be assured that I will not disclose any personal information about you or the content of our therapy sessions to anyone outside of the following three exceptions:

1) If the client requests the release their personal information to an outside party. In this event a Form 14 from the Mental Health Act is required.

2) By Federal Law a therapist is required to: *Report to authorities when they suspect a child is being abused *To comply with a court ordered subpoena.

3) Common Law dictates that it is the responsibility of the therapist to report to authorities when they are privy to plans that a client has to physically harm him/herself or another.

In my Art Therapy practice, I follow the Code of Ethics set out by the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) of which I am a member and the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO)

Individual Session 50 minutes - $160

TERMINATION OF THERAPY:

Clients are free to terminate at any time.

I store in a locked environment, personal contact information, progress notes, referral notes, billing documentation and artwork that the client has not taken home for the purpose of: keeping track of appointment dates, important details of the client's life story, what occurs in sessions and financial aspects of the private practice. Products of the therapy session, art, will be kept up to one year at which time they will be photographed, and original items recycled. All files will be kept for seven years after termination of therapy, at which time they will be shredded. When necessary, all files will be moved in a secure manner.

• request, files will be made available to the client within a two-week time period.
• In keeping with your privacy needs, please let me know if, or how, you would like to be greeted if we encounter each other in a public setting.
• I welcome any question or discussion related to your privacy rights.
• All conditions relating to confidentiality mentioned above are in keeping with the Privacy Act of Canada. (A copy may be found on their website www.priv.gc.ca)

At any time, a client may request to look at his or her own files. Upon receipt of a written request.

I understand and I am in agreement with the above stated conditions.

I consent to participation in Art Therapy sessions with Claire Nicholls and acknowledge that I have been informed of the nature of such therapy.

This form requests information which will help us design a treatment plan geared specifically to your needs. Please take time to complete the form carefully. We appreciate your time and effort in completing these documents. If you have any questions, let me know. Thank you.