Consent
and Policies

 

By checking the box “CONSENT & POLICIES”, you are confirming that you have read and understood the terms and information below.

Privacy and Sharing of Information

All information you share with us during counselling sessions is strictly confidential and will not be released to individuals outside of Liberate Counselling Collective (LCC) without your written consent, except as noted below:
I. Risk of Harm: If you indicate that you plan to cause serious and/or imminent harm/danger or death to yourself, and/or to another person, it is the therapist’s duty to warn or report to appropriate individuals or agencies of such intentions.
II. Child Abuse or Neglect: When there is suspicion that a child or minor (under 19 years of age) is being sexually or physically abused/neglected and/or is at risk of such abuse or neglect, the therapist is legally required to take steps to protect the child, and to inform the proper authorities.
III. Legal Subpoena: If you become involved in legal proceedings and the court orders the release of your records.

The Nature of Counselling

LCC Therapists approach the therapeutic relationship as a co-research partnership and regard clients as the experts of their own experiences. Clients are supported in their authority of what will constitute meaningful change and resolution in their lives. Therapy as co-research invites into the therapeutic exchange, alternative ways of perceiving, responding and resolving – as is significant to the individual. You may experience risks and benefits during the therapeutic process. Therapy may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events and may arouse strong feelings and possible discomfort. There are also many benefits to therapy, such as mobilizing away from crisis towards preferred ways of living and relating, and sourcing long term healthy relationships that support your wellbeing.

Release of Information

To ensure best practice, your therapist may seek consultation with other therapists in the collective and/or ask you for permission to record your sessions for supervision sessions with their Clinical Supervisor. Your therapist will not record or invite another colleague without consulting you first. You have the right not to have your counselling sessions recorded. You may, at any time, change your mind and revoke your consent to have your sessions recorded. By checking the box to accept our waiver of consent and policies, you understand that the content of your therapy sessions may be reviewed by the therapist’s supervisor(s) and/or used for educational discussions at LCC, regardless of whether you agree to audio or video recording of your sessions. Your confidentiality will be respected in all such discussions. All possible attempts will be made to de-identify you in order to protect your identity.

Client Correspondence

In between sessions you therapist is available via email only. Please note that it may take a few days for them to get back to you depending on their availability. Your therapist will discuss their specific emailing preferences with you personally. Therapists at LCC are not able to provide crisis response support. In the event of an emergency please contact the Vancouver Crisis Line at 604-872-3311, your local emergency room, and/or 911.

Electronic Communication Policy (ECP)

LCC is pleased to offer our clients online counselling services. Please note that the use of online counselling may encompass certain challenges that are not present in the traditional in-person format. Each of the therapists in our collective remain attentive to, and respectful of, the ethics of our respective regulatory bodies. However, the provision of online therapy involves potential risks that may not be fully avoided, even with our due diligence. When engaging in online therapy, client security and confidentiality can not be completely guaranteed. We are diligent in our efforts to ensure that your security and confidentiality is protected to the highest extent possible, by honouring safe practices. We utilize encrypted software and keep up to date in advances in technology that may inform our practice. While we are using Private Email for email communications, we still recommend you avoid sharing any personal information in our email communications. As well, it is important to acknowledge that we will not make any recordings of our online sessions, and expect that you will not either. Once you consent to online therapy, your therapist will send you the details about how to connect in the chosen telehealth / virtual meeting platform. It is advisable that you spend some time orienting yourself with the select platform before the first session, so that you feel comfortable using it. Please log on several minutes before the session so that you are on time. It is important to recognize that you, the client, may safeguard your own privacy by taking certain measures. Choosing a private and secure location, ideally with a door that locks, will help maintain a degree of safety for you during counselling sessions. When arranging a session, please make sure to choose a time at which you will be alone, in a quiet space that has a reliable and secure internet connection. Please do not use a computer in a public place or one with public/free Wifi. The use of a webcam or smartphone is essential for online therapy. It is helpful for you to protect your device with a password, and to both log out of the online platform and shut down your device immediately following the session. It is also necessary to provide your therapist with a phone number where you may be reached, in case of any impairment in technology. You are also recommend to confirm with your extended health insurance provider as to whether electronic counselling is covered. Some benefit plans that cover counselling do not recognize any or some forms of electronic counselling.
*By choosing to engage in online counselling with LCC, I understand that there may be additional challenges and risks to my privacy, security, and confidentiality. I acknowledge that, while my therapist has identified some of these challenges for me, there may be other risks that are as yet unknown. I understand that my therapist is diligent in maintaining security and confidentiality, through honouring safe practices, including using encrypted software and a protected email platform, and remaining updated with relevant technological advances. My therapist has explained to me the steps I may take to ensure my own privacy during counselling sessions, by choosing an appropriate space and utilizing my device safely and securely.

Cancellation Policy

Standard counselling sessions at LCC start on the hour and last for 50 minutes. Please note that we are unable to extend your appointment if you arrive late. If you arrive part way through your allotted time, we will see you for the remainder of your appointment time and you will still be charged for the full session. Your appointment time is reserved just for you. Your commitment to sessions is not only fundamental to your progress in therapy but also important for LCC’s operations and survival. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves an empty spot in the therapist's day that could have been filled by another client. As such, we require a 24-hour notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who cancel or reschedule the appointment within 24 hours of the scheduled time, or miss their appointment will be responsible for paying the full fee of the session before they can book their next session.

As a client, you have the right to:

  • Ask questions about our approach, background and experience or any other topics that will impact your ability or choice to engage in counselling;

  • Access information in your clinical records or to obtain a copy of those records;

  • Refuse/ say no to a particular counselling technique, approach or anything we suggest;

  • Stop counselling at any time;

  • Ask to be referred to another counsellor or health care professional;

  • Withdraw consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information, except where precluded by law.

If you have any questions, concerns, and/or feedback about our services, you are asked to first discuss this directly with your counsellor. It is our hope that any questions, concerns, and/or feedback can be addressed in a collaborative approach between the client and the counsellor. If the matter cannot be resolved within LCC, you may contact the BCACC (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) at +1 (250) 595-4448.