Informed consent is a core component of the counselling relationship. Informed consent is composed of two things: it is informed, and it is ongoing. Informed means you, the client, fully understand what you are agreeing to and have the chance to ask any questions you have about the counselling process. Ongoing means you, the client, can withdraw your participation at any time and your counsellor will not force you to keep going. (Court-mandated counselling is a rare exception to this rule. If you are involved with the legal system, you will be referred to a different practice).
Counselling Therapy is defined as: a relational process based upon the ethical use of specific professional competencies to facilitate human change. Counselling therapy addresses wellness, relationships, personal growth, career development, mental health, and psychological illness or distress. The counselling process is characterized by the application of recognized cognitive, affective, expressive, somatic, spiritual, developmental, behavioural, learning and systemic principles.
Help treat disorders or issues in thinking, behavior, interpersonal, emotional functioning;
Use specific standardized processes to assess, monitor, and keep track of your symptoms (such as level of anxiety or stress over time);
Help improve your mental health by helping your develop and improve your personal life, relationships, or career growth;
Help improve personal awareness and coping strategies;
Help improve your decision-making and problem-solving skills
I cannot give you a diagnosis of a psychological illness or disorder
Note: during counselling you and your counsellor may talk about mental health conditions, symptoms, disorders, or questionnaires. It is often easier to speak in generic terms which we both understand, and any questionnaire you complete is not for a diagnosis but rather for tracking symptoms. These conversations should not be considered a diagnosis.
I cannot prescribe medication or advise you on the dosage of a medication
Note: during counselling you and your counsellor may discuss your medication, if you take any. These conversations may include things such as the name, dosage, and frequency of the medication you take. This should not be taken as medical advice or medication review. Please speak to your prescriber about your medication, or speak to your pharmacist.
The goal of counselling is always to get better, but it is important to recognize that choosing to start counselling has some risks. The benefits of counselling include the ability to live a life more fulfilling, improved ability to cope with various stressors and life challenges, and getting a better understanding of yourself and your goals. You may also notice relief or resolve of stressors, develop life-skills, and build resilience.
As you begin to talk about things that are uncomfortable or upsetting, your symptoms may seem to worsen at first. This is normal and should resolve within the first few sessions. Potential risks include facing and remembering unpleasant or upsetting events, feeling unfamiliar or unexpected feelings or memories, and uncover issues that are difficult or uncomfortable to confront. You may notice changes in your mood and behavior, which can impact your relationships, work life, and/or daily activities. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk to your counsellor before starting therapy.
In rare cases it is possible that a client could be harmed by the actions or inactions of a therapist. As a licensed Registered Counselling Therapist, I am required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which govern my interactions with clients. If you feel that I have harmed you in any way or breached these standards, I hope that you will speak to me directly about your concern. You are also free to take your concerns directly to the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapy (NSCCT).
It is important that you feel comfortable to talk openly and honestly about your thoughts and feelings during counselling. What you say during counselling sessions will be held in confidence and will not be disclosed to anyone without your written consent, including specific details on what will be discussed; this is an ethical and legal requirement. There are rare exceptions to confidentiality that are mandated by provincial law, federal law, and/or regulatory requirements. This means that at certain times your Counsellor is required to break confidentiality to protect yourself or someone else, or to comply with the law. The reasons confidentiality may be broken include:
If your counsellor becomes concerned that you might harm yourself or another person;
If your counsellor discovers or has reasonable suspicion that a child, vulnerable person, or elderly person is being harmed or in danger;
If you are under 16 years old and indicate that you are (or have been) abused or neglected;
If your counsellor is ordered by subpoena or 'Order to Produce' to release records or appear in court or at a professional conduct hearing
If you are reviewing this page as a parent or legal guardian for a minor to receive counselling therapy services, you should be aware that the child's privacy will be protected to ensure that they feel comfortable sharing sensitive information (e.g., drug use, lying, sexual behaviour, etc.). This information will not be shared with parents or guardians unless there is a significant risk of harm to themselves or someone else.
In addition to the above exceptions to confidentiality, if you are referred through an EAP service there are additional limits of confidentiality. EAP providers typically require your therapist to send a detailed intake, progress notes from each appointment, and final report when sessions are completed. EAP files are usually identified with a client number rather than a name, to maintain some aspect of confidentiality.
Your Counsellor cannot be held responsible for how your information is handled by a third party, such as a family doctor, EAP provider, or other healthcare professional. By agreeing to release your information to other healthcare professionals, you accept this risk.
Your Counsellor cannot be held responsible for information when it leaves their custody. This includes leaving notes in your car, in plain view in your home, etc.
To maintain a level of professional integrity and ensure best practices in client care, your Counsellor may consult with other Counsellors and/or an approved clinical supervisor. No identifying information will be shared under these circumstances.
Your Counsellor uses audio recording during all sessions (in-person and online). Audio recordings are used to aid with file maintenance (e.g., making notes, reviewing progress). These recordings are handled in the same secure and confidential way as your file and will not be shared for any other purpose.
Any information (e.g., email, forms, etc.) transmitted via the internet cannot be guaranteed to be secure. By consenting to take part in counselling, you accept these risks.
To be compliant with Nova Scotia and Canadian legal requirements about data storage and security, particularly for healthcare records, all therapists are required to adhere to various legislation. Paper records are stored in a locked filing cabinet that only your counsellor can access. Digital records (e.g., digital forms, notes, referral forms, etc. that you send or share with your counsellor) are stored in accordance with PIIDPA in Nova Scotia.
The counselling hour typically allows for 55 minutes with the counsellor and 5 minutes reserved for file review and notations. Fees for this service, as well as for consultations, reports, and letter writing, are $110.00 per hour. Payment can be made by cash or e-transfer ONLY; we cannot accept debit or credit cards as there are no payment options on site. Online appointments are payable by e-transfer ONLY.
Payment is due immediately before (no more than 3 hours) or immediately after the appointment. If late payment is not received before the next appointment, your appointment will be rescheduled.
Missed appointments or short-notice cancellations are billed at half of the expected session rate.
We do not do direct billing. Payment accepted in cash or e-transfer and a receipt is given at the end of each session. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage. If services are refused your Counsellor will be happy to intervene on your behalf. Sorry, we do not do direct billing.
A note on tax-free therapy: counselling therapy/psychotherapy is tax-free when provided by certain providers. Please check with an appropriate professional such as an accountant to determine tax deductions or expenses for counselling.
To avoid being billed for a missed appointment, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellation or reschedule. Missed appointments or short-notice cancellations will be charged at half of your expected session rate. Short notice cancellations will only be in emergency situations (inclement weather, family emergency, etc.). Appointments can be cancelled by phone or email only please. If you arrive late or leave early, you will still be charged for the full session. Please call if you expect to be late.
Insurance law states all missed appointments must be clearly indicated on the receipt. Most insurance companies do not provide coverage for missed appointments.