Participation in therapy can result in a number of benefits to you, including improving interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that led you to seek therapy. It is my intention as your therapist to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. Working toward these goals, however, requires effort on your part. Therapy requires your very active involvement, honesty, and openness in order to change your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I will work with you, asking for your feedback and views on your therapy, its progress and other aspects of our work together and I will expect you to respond openly and honestly. During therapy, remembering or talking about unpleasant events, feelings, or thoughts can result in you experiencing considerable discomfort or strong feelings of anger, sadness, worry, fear, or experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc.
There may be times when I challenge some of your assumptions or perceptions or suggest different ways of looking at, thinking about or handling situations, which can cause you to feel upset, depressed, challenged or disappointed. You have the right to agree or disagree with my recommendations and/or opinions. Attempting to resolve issues that brought you to therapy in the first place, such as personal or interpersonal relationships may result in changes that were not originally intended.
Therapy may result in decisions about changing behaviors, employment, substance use, schooling, housing or relationships. Sometimes a decision that is positive for one family member is viewed quite negatively by another family member. Change will sometimes be easy and swift, but can also be slow and even frustrating. There is no guarantee that therapy will yield positive or intended results. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each person, it is difficult to predict the length of your therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result.
As a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists I adhere to their code of ethics.( http://www.aamft.org/resources/LRM_Plan/Ethics/ethicscode2001.asp)
• The client authorizes release of information with his/her signature
• The client presents a danger to self.
• The client presents a danger to others.
• Child abuse and/or neglect are suspected.
• Elder abuse and/or dependent adult abuse and/or neglect are suspected.
Sessions are scheduled for fifty (50) minutes.
Scheduled appointments mean that time has been reserved specifically for you. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice the client will be billed for the missed session.
Please call to find out about insurance and payment options.
Be treated with respect and honesty throughout your relationship with your therapist in a safe environment free from sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Be provided with quality counseling services without bias to race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual preference, or socio-economic status.
Be provided with quality counseling services as fits the best interest of your situation or you will be referred in a timely manner.
Know that counseling will be conducted in a lawful and ethical manner regardless if you are participating in individual, couple, family, child or group counseling sessions. Counseling consists of face-to-face contact between the therapist and the person(s) in treatment focusing on the presenting problem(s) and the associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors; assessing possible cause of the problem(s) and previous attempts to cope with it; and the possible alternative courses of action and their consequences.
Refuse to answer any questions or disclose any information you choose not to reveal.
Request and receive information from your therapist about your progress.
Refuse a particular type of treatment or end treatment without obligation or harassment.
Know that you are expected to benefit from counseling but there is no guarantee that you will. Maximum benefits from counseling can occur with regular attendance; however, you may temporarily experience counseling at times to be difficult and/or uncomfortable.
Know that all information and records obtained during the course of counseling are held strictly confidential, and they will not be released without your written consent unless:
• The client authorizes release of the information with his/her signature.
• The client presents a physical danger to self.
• The client presents a danger to others.
• Child abuse and/or neglect are suspected.
• Elder abuse and/or neglect are suspected.
• Dependent adult abuse and/or neglect are suspected.
NOTE: In cases of abuse or neglect the therapist is required by law to inform the potential victims and legal authorities so that protective measures can be taken.
Your rights as a client are to:
