Practice Policies

Professional Policy

I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), I am also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). As such, I will provide services catered to you in accordance with all guidelines set forth by my governing body. I will utilize the best-suited therapeutic modality for your specific situation. Your mental, emotional, and physical well-being are my primary concerns.

Client Rights and Responsibilities

The therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor requires work from both sides. Entering the therapeutic relationship requires your understanding that during counselling you may experience difficult feelings such as anger, sadness, guilt, shame, embarrassment, and other unpleasant feelings resulting from talking about your past and present life and choices. By discussing these things there can be closure, acceptance, forgiveness, progress, improved satisfaction, and reductions in distress. However, there are no guarantees of a particular outcome.

Sessions will be 50 minutes. The first 2 to 3 sessions will be a comprehensive assessment of your individual needs. After this, we will discuss your goals and I will make recommendations on what the course of treatment might look like. It will require work on your part, which may include “homework” that I will ask you to complete between sessions. Therapy is an active process and completing the assigned homework will help yield the best results.

Sessions

Sessions will be 50 minutes in duration. The frequency of the sessions will be discussed and agreed upon according to your individual needs and my availability. If a session needs to be cancelled, 24 hours notice is required (Unless we can both agree that the reason for the missed appointment was out of your control).

Consent and Confidentiality

Consent is required before the therapeutic relationship can begin. It is your right to withdraw your consent at any time for any reason without repercussion. A consent form will be provided for you to review and sign outlining the responsibilities of therapy. The consent form will be valid for a period of one year unless a shorter time is specified. I utilize Jane software for all my notes and counselling sessions. This software is safe, secure and is in compliance with PHIPA and PIPEDA regulations. Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me.