CONFIDENTIALITY

Policy

Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and psychotherapy. It helps form a trusting bond and plays a large role in establishing a meaningful therapeutic relationship between client and psychotherapist. 

PSYCHOLOGIST'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOU:

You have the right to absolute confidentiality. The psychologist or psychotherapist cannot and will not disclose to anyone what is discussed during sessions, or even that you come to counselling/ psychotherapy, without your prior consent. In the event that you see your psychologist outside of the counselling room, on the street or in a supermarket or at an event, your psychologist will pretend not to know you unless you make the first move to establish communication. This is to preserve and respect your privacy as a client. If you choose to discontinue counselling and psychotherapy, the information you have shared will continue to be private.

However, there are some legal exceptions when this confidentiality clause will no longer apply.

  1. If the psychologist has good reason to believe that you will harm another person it is her legal and moral responsibility to inform the person concerned and the authorities of your intentions.
  2. If the psychologist has good reason to believe you are in danger of harming yourself it is her legal and moral duty to inform people that will come to your aid.
  3. If the psychologist has good reason to believe that you are abusing/neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if she is provided with information where someone else is doing this, it is her duty to inform the authorities and the concerned people.

You shall be informed if either of these exceptions have to be put into effect.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CLIENT:

You are responsible for being punctual and attending your sessions at the appointed date and time. If you are late the session will not be prolonged beyond the time slot allotted to you and you will be billed for the complete time that you have booked for counselling and psychotherapy.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A CLIENT:

  1. You are entitled to information about the psychologist’s methods and approach towards counselling and psychotherapy, psychological techniques used, duration of therapy—if it can be determined—and the fee structure employed. Please feel free to ask for this information and any other questions that may arise for you.
  2. You are entitled to seek a second opinion or terminate counselling and psychotherapy at any time.
  3. Confidentiality (as elaborated above)
  4. Once you have read the preceding information and have understood your rights and responsibilities as a client you may proceed with booking a session.

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