How long is each session?
A therapeutic hour includes a 50 minute session for the client and 10 minutes for me to prepare for your next session, complete chart notes and billing related documents.
How often are the sessions?
Psychotherapy is most effective when done in a consistent manner, so most often psychotherapy sessions are once weekly or twice each month. Flexibility is important and I can personalise a schedule that works best for you.
What hours are you available?
The Centre for Life Solutions is open Monday –Sunday, 9am –9 pm, by appointment only. I offer daytime, weekend and evening sessions. If I am in session or out of the office, you will receive my voice mail. Please leave a brief message, and Iwill return all messages as soon as possible, typically within 1 hour. If you are calling about a psychiatric emergency, call 911.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Your appointment time is made just for you and only you. To that end, if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, I will have to issue a full charge for your missed session to allow me to release your appointment time to another client.I recognise that emergencies can happen and if that is the case, your missed session will not be charged to you.
How can I be assured of my privacy?
In order for the Centre for Life Solutions to provide psychotherapy services, personal information will be collected (e.g., name, address, telephone number, health history, and social situation) in order to help assess your needs. This information will then be used to discuss treatment options with you and to help you to receive the treatment you choose. You maintain the right to review and the right to a copy of your personal information, barring a few rare exceptions. A complete copy of the privacy policy is available upon request.
In what kind of setting will I have my counselling?
Your psychotherapy sessions will be held in my private, safe, confidential and comfortable office.
I have never been to counselling before. What can I expect?
Psychotherapy is tailored to each individual’s needs. After the initial detailed assessment, discussion on mutual goals of therapy will be discussed. As well, the number of sessions that best suits you will be decided. Methods of therapy will also be jointly discussed.
How will I know when I am getting better?
You will know that you are getting better when you feel that your symptoms are decreasing. For example, if you came in with feelings of sadness, you may see an improvement in your mood and energy level.
Can I be assured of confidentiality?
Confidentiality will be respected at all times. No information will be communicated (directly or indirectly) to any third party without the your informed and written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include the legal, and/or ethical obligations to:
- Inform a potential victim of a client’s intention to harm them.
- Inform an appropriate family member, health care professional, or police of a client’s intention to end his/her life.
- Release a client’s file if there is a court order to do so.
- Inform the Children’s Aid Society if there is suspicion of a child being at risk or needing protection due to neglect, and/or physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
- Report a health professional who has sexually abused a client.
- Share information with a supervising psychologist or psychological associate in the practice for supervision purposes.