Terms of Service and Consent

Nature of Counselling

The Therapists at Your Counselling Ltd. approach counselling from an integrative perspective, using modalities such as Client-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioural, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural, and Solution-Focused techniques.

We encourage you to ask questions regarding your Therapist’s education, training, and credentials during your initial session. You can also review their profiles and education by visiting our team page.

Counselling Services

Counselling is a complex and personalized process, shaped by the unique personalities of both the counsellor and the client, as well as the specific issues addressed during sessions. Effective counselling requires active participation from the client, with progress often extending beyond the office setting. While counselling can bring numerous benefits (improved relationships, new coping strategies, skill development, reduced distress, changes in unwanted behaviours, and enhanced self-esteem), it can also evoke difficult emotions like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness.

Initial sessions typically focus on assessing the client’s needs, after which a treatment plan may be developed if both parties choose to continue therapy. Clients are encouraged to evaluate their comfort level with the therapist, as therapy demands a significant commitment of time, money, and energy. Any questions regarding the therapist’s procedures can be addressed at any point during the process.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental right of all clients seeking counselling. Any information shared during sessions is kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without the client’s written consent, except in specific cases:

• Duty to Warn: the counsellor must notify appropriate parties if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, or if there is suspected or confirmed abuse involving a child, elder, or vulnerable person.
• Court Subpoenas: legal cases may require the disclosure of the counsellor’s notes or records.
• Consultation: information may be discussed confidentially with other counselling professionals to ensure the best possible care, without revealing the client’s identity.

Clients’ Rights

Clients have the right to ask questions about any aspect of their therapy. Therapists are open to discussing their methods and willing to explore alternatives that may better suit the client’s needs. Clients are encouraged to request adjustments or refuse certain techniques if they do not feel comfortable, and may inquire about the therapist’s qualifications or request a referral at any time. Clients are free to discontinue therapy at any time, though a termination session is recommended for closure.

Respectful Communication and Conduct

Your Counselling Ltd. is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for clients, therapists, administrative staff, and visitors.

We recognize that counselling often occurs during times of significant stress, frustration, or emotional difficulty. Clients are encouraged to share concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback. We are committed to addressing concerns in a respectful and professional manner.

Abusive, threatening, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or aggressive communication and behaviour will not be tolerated in any form: in person, by telephone, email, text, video session, social media, or any other means.

If respectful conduct is not maintained, the practice may take appropriate steps including pausing communication, limiting correspondence, cancelling future appointments, suspending or terminating services, and referring the client to alternative providers where appropriate. Any outstanding fees remain payable in accordance with this agreement.

By engaging in services with our practice, you acknowledge and agree to maintain respectful communication and conduct throughout your relationship with the practice.

Record Keeping

Your Counselling Ltd. maintains your demographic and administrative record, including contact details, appointment history, billing information, consent forms, and other non-clinical documentation. Your treating therapist maintains your clinical record, including documentation related to your assessment, treatment, and therapeutic progress.

All records are maintained in a secure digital format with encryption protocols and industry-standard safeguards. Records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following your final session, or longer where required by applicable legislation or professional obligations.

Clinical records document attendance, clinical observations, therapeutic interventions, treatment planning, and general topics relevant to therapy. Process notes maintained by a therapist are not considered part of the clinical record and are generally not subject to disclosure.

Upon written request, your therapist may prepare a clinical summary subject to applicable privacy legislation and your written consent. Individual session notes are not routinely released. Reasonable administrative fees may apply.

Contacting Your Therapist

For scheduling, billing, or administrative matters, please contact our main office. Our administrative team is available Monday through Friday.

Therapists are not available by telephone without a pre-arranged appointment. Voicemails and emails sent directly to a therapist are typically reviewed and responded to within 36 hours during regular business days. For urgent scheduling or administrative concerns, please contact the administrative team through the main office.

Emergencies

In case of an emergency between sessions, please contact the appropriate support for your location:

• Calgary: Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-4357 (available 24/7), the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Centre, or 911.
• Dartmouth and surrounding areas: Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167 (available 24/7), the nearest Emergency Room, or 911.

Clients in either location may also dial 988, Canada’s national 24/7 confidential Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Clinic Structure

Therapists operating under the name “Your Counselling Ltd.” are independent practitioners, not business partners. While they may collaborate on clinical or business matters when necessary, each practitioner is autonomous. All client concerns are addressed directly between the client and their respective therapist.

Questions, Concerns, and Feedback

For questions about your therapeutic care, we encourage you to speak directly with your therapist. For administrative matters (scheduling, billing, clinic policies, or documentation requests), please contact our Client Services Team. They are responsible for the administration of the practice and authorized to make decisions on administrative policies. Decisions made by the Client Services Team on administrative matters are considered final.

If your concern relates to a therapist’s professional conduct or ethics, our Client Services Team can provide the contact information for your therapist’s regulatory college and explain the appropriate complaint process.

Professional Consultation and Collaboration

To support the highest quality of care, your therapist may consult with other therapists or clinical leadership within the practice. These consultations are intended to enhance clinical decision-making and professional support. Whenever possible, non-identifying information is used. All individuals involved are bound by the same legal, ethical, and professional obligations of confidentiality.

By providing your consent to treatment, you acknowledge and agree to these professional consultations as part of the delivery of your care.