Confidentiality Agreement
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Thank you for considering us during this difficult time. Your discussions with your counseling therapist will focus on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to how you interact with your circumstances, yourself, and others. These discussions aim to bring relief to your situation and help you overcome your challenges. All information shared, noted, and recorded by any therapist at FHCTS will remain confidential within the counseling session, adhering to the guidelines of the registering bodies (CAP / BCACC / CPCA). Consultation may occur between relevant FHCTS staff and other professionals bound by existing confidentiality agreements to ensure the best possible treatment for our clients.
The following are exceptions to confidentiality:
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1. when disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others
2. when legal requirements demand that confidential material be revealed
3. when a child needs protection.
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The client may not record sessions unless the therapist provides written permission before the session. Beyond this restriction, the client is free to discuss the content of their counseling sessions with anyone, at any time. The confidentiality of the sessions, except for what is specified in this document, is at the client's discretion.
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Teletherapy
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Online sessions are conducted via the Zoom platform, which uses unique meeting IDs and passcodes. Our computer systems are protected by firewalls and Norton security. Despite these precautions, electronically transmitted information may still be vulnerable to leakage. If we become aware of a threat to your confidentiality, we will promptly assess the situation and inform all relevant parties, including affected clients and the professional associations with which we are registered for oversight and guidance.
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Each of Daniel’s , but not Mia's, sessions are recorded and transcribed, using the Zoom program, to ensure complete and detailed documentation. In-person sessions are not video recorded, but online sessions are recorded by default. If you prefer not to have video recordings of your sessions, please indicate this at the start of "My Story" and submit your preference when ready. The full contents of these sessions are accessible under the supervision of Dr. Randy Johnson, PhD, who is Daniel's supervisor in the Registered Provisional Psychologist program with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Daniel's clients may request these recordings for their personal use at any time. However, once Daniel provides the link to the cloud file where the recordings can be viewed, he will not be able to safeguard the content. The client, and possibly others through the client, may access this information. As a result, the client will be solely responsible for the content.
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Communication
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No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
Liability Waiver Form
Freedom & Hope Counselling and Therapeutic Services (FHCTS) is committed to aiding and supporting those in mental/emotional distress. Our primary goal is to lead an individual or couple into better living, and a deeper relationship with themselves and with others. The nature of this process will often mean difficult emotional issues must be confronted. By signing this document, the signee acknowledges that “positive” change is not guaranteed by FHCTS, and that change is the sole responsibility of the client, as they move towards a positive outcome in counselling.
I also acknowledge that I understand that FHCTS will not force change in my life, nor do they guarantee improvement. I acknowledge that the process of finding freedom and gaining hope requires facing fears, hurts and wounding’s from the past - which cause emotional distress in the present, carry into the future until the healing is completed. Such distress is expected in psychological counselling where confusion and deeply entrenched emotional pain are revealed. I acknowledge that cognitive and emotional distress revealed in counselling is my responsibility alone and not caused by FHCTS or any of its members or contributors. I understand that my health, happiness, and healing are my own responsibility, and it is my choice as to how I will deal with the difficult issues brought to light during counselling. I understand I am free to end the therapeutic relationship with FHCTS at any time. I understand that it is my sole responsibility to manage want I do not want to, or cannot face. To the degree FHCTS and I progress in Counselling / Therapy, is the degree I have chosen.
Booking
Please schedule and make payment for your counseling sessions at least 24 hours in advance of your session. For one, this avoids us missing an appointment by your therapist due to insufficient notice, and two, this helps us plan our schedules better.
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Receipting
Typically, receipts are issued to clients during the first or second week of each month. If this timing is not suitable for you, please inform your therapist, and they can provide you with a receipt as needed.
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Payment Policy
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Please be aware that each "hour" session lasts for 50 minutes. This time allows your therapist to take notes about your session and prepare for the next one, unless they decide otherwise. Sessions may occasionally run longer, especially if the client finds it challenging to recover from discussing difficult subjects. If this occurs, your therapist will inform you of the additional fee (based on your current rate, rounded to the nearest 15-minute mark) and provide you with an email for e-transfer payment within 24 hours of the session ending.
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Regarding booking, unless you are in an emergency situation, FHCTS kindly asks that you schedule your sessions at least 2 days in advance. This advance notice helps us prepare for your upcoming session. To book and pay for a session on our website, please follow these steps:
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1. Click on the "Book Now" tab in the menu.
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2. Under "Our Services," select whether you are booking an Individual or Couples/Family Session, and then choose your therapist.
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3. Choose the month, day, and select a time. Click "Next" at the bottom.
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4. You may choose to create an account. Click "Log in" and follow the process. Alternatively, you can skip this step and proceed by filling in your personal details, then click "Book Now."
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5. Fill in the payment details on the next page.
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6. To the right, under "Order summary," click on "Enter a promo code" if your therapist has agreed to a discount due to your financial concerns, as discussed during your consultation. Then, click "Place Order."
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7. You will immediately receive a confirmation of your booking via email. All clients will receive a master receipt for the previous month during the first or second week of each month unless express requested.
If you are paying through e-transfer, please book your session with your therapist first. Then, at least 48 hours before your session, send the payment via money transfer to your counselor at either miafhcts@outlook.com or danielfhcts@outlook.com.
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Any payments made for scheduled appointments are fully refundable if you cancel your appointment more than 48 hours before the session. Rescheduling sessions between 24-48 hours prior to the original booking time will incur no extra cost. If you encounter difficulty attending your appointment on the day of your session and wish to move it to another time on that day, please contact us by email or text. We will make every effort to accommodate you if our schedule permits. However, if we are unable to do so, your booked session will proceed as planned, whether or not you attend. Cancelled appointments within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full session amount, except in exceptional circumstances.
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You may be eligible for rate reductions of up to 75% based on your household income, equity, and special circumstances. If you are interested in this option, we suggest discussing it with your chosen therapist before booking your session. Clients on a reduced rate must stay in communication, adhere to the agreed-upon schedule, and attend sessions as agreed. Failure to comply will result in the loss of any rate reduction allowances granted by FHCTS.
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Regarding insurance coverage, Daniel is a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a Registered Clinical Counsellor, which are accepted by most insurance plans. Mia is a Registered Professional Counsellor and a Counselling Therapist. To confirm coverage, it is advisable to check with your insurance provider to ensure they accept these designations.
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