Informed Consent

1. Roles of The Therapist

The therapist's primary role is to assess and evaluate the issues presented by the client and explore treatment plans whereby these issues can be resolved. The therapist acts as a guide and/or facilitator. The decision to adopt the treatment plans rests solely on the client. The therapist does not make them on behalf of the client, and will not be actively involved in the client's decision-making process.

2. The Consultation

The client understands that until a plan of treatment is developed and agreed upon by both the therapist and the client, all services provided are consultative. The therapist will evaluate the issues faced by the client and determine the available treatment and possible outcomes. The therapist does not have an obligation to  provide continuing services to the client, nor the client has any obligation to receive them, including but not limited to, the referral assistance offered by the therapist, if any.

3. Confidentiality

All information communicated between the therapist and the client will remain confidential. The data will only be released to a third party under the following conditions:

a. The client provides written permission to the therapist to do so;  or 

b. The client is thinking about suicide, harming oneself or others, facing a medical emergency; or 

c. A court order

4. Other Circumstances In Which Information May Be Disclosed

a. In couple or family therapy, confidentiality privileges do not apply between the couple or among family members. The therapist will use his/her clinical judgement when revealing such information. Confidential information will not be released to an outside party unless the therapist is authorised to do so by ALL adult family members who are part of the treatment. 

b. There may be occasions whereby the therapist seeks the guidance and assistance of a third party to provide the best possible treatment and outcome for the client. In such cases, client information may be disclosed. Where applicable,  identifying information such as the client's name shall not be revealed and only clinical information about the client shall be discussed. 

c. There may also be occasions whereby student interns may participate in the counselling sessions as part of their course requirements. In such cases, permission shall first be sought from the client before the commencement of the session.

5. Roles of The Client

Participating in therapy may yield benefits such as improved interpersonal relationships and resolving presenting concerns.  However, working towards these benefits requires effort from the client too. The client must be actively involved, honest and open to changing thoughts, feelings or behaviours. The therapist  cannot be held liable or responsible for any adverse outcome, and is therefore indemnified against any complaint of professional negligence by the client, should the desired outcome not materialise or fulfil the perceived or preconceived expectations of the client. The therapy session serves as a complement to any medical treatment the clients may be currently undergoing and NOT a replacement.

6. Referral Assistance

As soon as a therapist feels that a client would not benefit or could no longer benefit from the consultation with the therapist, the therapist may refer the client to other professionals. With the approval of the client will the therapist transfer information necessary for the other professional to continue the therapy.

7. Client-Therapist Relationship

Not all client-therapist relationships are unethical and the therapy will never involve any relationships that are sexual or exploitative that impair the therapist's objectivity, clinical judgement and therapeutic effectiveness. It is the responsibility of the client to communicate any discomfort with the client-therapist relationship. The therapist may discontinue the client-therapist relationship if it interferes with the effectiveness of the therapeutic process or the welfare of the client.

I have read and fully understood the above. By accepting the therapist for this counselling session, I acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.