Consent to Therapy

Reproduced from the practice's Informed Consent for Psychological Services.

Eligibility for services

Psychological services are offered to individuals who are 18 years of age and above. By accepting this document, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and are voluntarily seeking psychological services.

Nature of psychological services

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process aimed at understanding concerns, improving emotional well-being, and facilitating meaningful change. While psychotherapy can be beneficial, outcomes cannot be guaranteed and may vary from person to person. At times, discussing difficult experiences, emotions, or past traumatic events may temporarily increase distress before noticeable improvement occurs. Such reactions are often a part of the therapeutic process.

Initial assessment and treatment planning

The first session is typically an intake and assessment session focused on understanding your concerns, personal history, and current difficulties. The primary purpose of this session is information gathering and formulation. However, where clinically indicated, therapeutic interventions may begin during the first session itself.

Confidentiality

All information disclosed during therapy will be treated as confidential and will not be shared without your consent except where disclosure is legally or ethically required. Exceptions include serious and imminent risk of harm to self or others, court orders, legal mandates, ongoing child abuse, child sexual abuse, child neglect, or circumstances involving a minor that require reporting. Only the minimum necessary information will be disclosed. Clinical discussions may also be brought to supervision, consultation, or peer review while protecting client identity whenever possible.

Risk management and emergency situations

Where there is significant concern regarding safety, including suicidal intent, self-harm risk, or risk of serious harm to others, the clinician may contact an emergency contact, local guardian where applicable, healthcare providers, emergency services, or appropriate authorities if necessary for protection and safety.

Clinical notes and record retention

The clinician may maintain clinical notes and records related to assessment and treatment. Records will be stored securely and retained for six months following the last attended appointment, after which they may be securely destroyed. A gap of six months or more may require a new intake and assessment process.

Termination of services by the clinician

The clinician reserves the right to suspend, discontinue, or terminate services when continued treatment is not clinically appropriate, safe, or feasible. This may include repeated non-attendance, non-payment, threatening or abusive behaviour, significant boundary violations, requests outside the clinician's scope of practice, or circumstances requiring referral. Immediate termination may occur in situations involving safety concerns or serious violations.

Voluntary participation

Participation in psychotherapy is voluntary. You may ask questions, discuss concerns, and discontinue therapy at any time.

Fees, cancellation and rescheduling

Clients are expected to review and adhere to the separate Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy provided by the practice.

Your confirmation

By booking, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older; that you have read and understood the information provided; that you understand the limits of confidentiality; that you understand the potential benefits and risks associated with psychotherapy; and that you voluntarily consent to participate in psychological services.

The version of this document you accepted, and the date and time you accepted it, are recorded with your booking.