Information about Psychological Treatment
Psychological treatment, sometimes called psychotherapy or counseling, can involve a variety of different activities, including discussion, education, and role-playing, in which the focus is on feelings, thoughts, relationships, and/or behaviors as well as the client’s past, present, and future. For many people, therapy helps resolve difficult current and past situations, gain perspective on and relief from distressing feelings, handle family and social relationships better, cope better with stress, and experience more satisfaction in life. Therapy, however, may involve the risk of remembering and re-experiencing unpleasant events, and can bring up intense feelings such as anger, anxiety, or sadness. Therapists and counselors strive to assist the client in managing the feelings that they experience.
Clients rights and responsibilities
- You have the right to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect
- You have the right to end services at any time, and/or to request a referral to another clinician or agency
- You have the right to information about, and can refuse, any psychological procedure
- You are responsible for keeping scheduled appointments and fulfilling financial obligations for the services that you receive
- You are responsible for attending appointments without being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs
Limits of confidentiality
Clinical information provided by clients is confidential, with the following exceptions:
- Psychologists must do everything reasonably possible to stop or offset the possibility that a client will seriously harm him or herself, and if necessary break confidentiality to secure assistance.
- Psychologists must take necessary steps to protect a reasonably identifiable individual in danger of physical violence.
- Psychologists must report to the ministry of social services a reasonable suspicion that a child [under the age of 19] needs to be protected from physical or sexual abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or harm.
- Psychologists must comply with a valid subpoena for records release.
To better help my clients, I sometimes consult with professional colleagues. At these times, I maintain confidentiality about individual identities. I may also ask your permission to share information with other health professionals in order to coordinate your care as appropriate.
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel 24 hours before your appointment, there is no charge for the missed session.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment and we can rebook your appointment that same week, there is no charge for the appointment change.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment and we cannot rebook for that same week, you will be charged the full fee for the missed session.
- If you miss your appointment with no notice, for reasons other than a medical emergency, illness, dangerous weather, or a death in the family, you will be charged the full fee for the missed session.
Access between appointments and emergency situations
You can contact my work telephone number [054.348.8507] during daytime and evening hours and leave a message regarding appointments and other matters. I will typically be able to respond to your message within 24 hours.
In case of an emergency, depending on the nature of the situation, you should also contact your general medical practitioner, or go to a Terem walk-in clinic, or hospital emergency room as appropriate.
