Kindly review the following Informed Consent Policy. The following outlines the basic understanding between the client and therapist. It details the responsibilities and obligations of your therapist, as well as the expectations for you as the client. Additionally, this document contains important information regarding our professional services and business policies. Please do not sign this Informed Consent form unless you fully understand and agree to all the terms. If you have any questions or concerns, please bring this form to your next session so that you and your therapist may review the document in detail. By signing this document, you acknowledge and agree to the terms set forth herein.
Voluntary Participation:
By engaging in counseling services, all clients acknowledge and voluntarily consent to participate in treatment. Counseling is a significant commitment, requiring substantial investment of time, financial resources, and personal energy. Therefore, it is essential that clients carefully consider their selection of a therapist. During the initial sessions, clients are encouraged to assess whether the therapist is a suitable match for their needs. In the event that the client determines the therapeutic relationship is not conducive to their goals, the therapist will assist in facilitating the transition to an alternative provider, should the client wish to pursue a new therapeutic relationship.
All clients are expected to attend scheduled appointments punctually and adequately prepared to engage in discussions regarding their therapy goals and concerns. Clients shall not attend therapy sessions while under the influence of mood-altering substances.
Client Responsibilities and Expectations:
Clients are further expected to maintain an open and honest dialogue throughout the therapeutic process, as this enables the therapist to provide the most effective assistance in achieving the client's goals. It is important to understand that counseling differs from a medical doctor's visit, as it requires active and consistent participation on the part of the client.
To maximize the effectiveness of therapy, clients are encouraged to apply the insights gained during sessions to their daily lives and to engage in work outside of scheduled appointments. Failure to maintain consistent attendance may negatively impact the progress and efficacy of therapy.
Therapist Responsibilities and Commitment:
The therapist will make every reasonable effort to be prepared and present at the designated appointment time, except in the case of unforeseen emergencies. The therapist will remain attentive and supportive throughout the therapeutic process, actively working to assist the client in achieving their therapy goals. Additionally, the therapist will endeavor to facilitate the client's development of self-awareness and provide guidance in addressing and resolving identified problem areas.
No Guarantee of Outcome:
While many individuals experience improvement through therapy, it is acknowledged that some may not experience the same results. Accordingly, the therapist makes no express or implied guarantee regarding the outcomes of therapy. Specifically, the therapist cannot guarantee results such as increased happiness, the resolution of marital issues, cessation of substance abuse, reduction in symptoms of depression, or any other specific therapeutic outcomes.
Risk Associated with therapy:
As with any treatment, therapy carries potential risks. Just as medications may cause unforeseen side effects, counseling may evoke painful memories, lead to unanticipated life changes, or bring about uncomfortable emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. In some instances, clients may experience a temporary exacerbation of symptoms during the course of therapy, which could, in rare cases, require hospitalization. Additionally, as therapy facilitates personal growth and change, it is not uncommon for clients to reach a point where they feel they have undergone significant personal transformation, potentially leading to feelings of disorientation or discomfort as they recognize that they are no longer the same person they were at the outset of therapy. These experiences may be unsettling but are sometimes a natural part of the therapeutic process.
Potential Benefit of Therapy:
Therapy may provide a variety of potential benefits, including but not limited to: enhanced coping mechanisms, the development of effective solutions to specific issues, increased self-awareness and insight, improved communication skills within relationships, symptomatic relief, and a boost in self-esteem. These benefits are not guaranteed, as outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances and engagement in the therapeutic process.
Alternative to Traditional Therapy:
Alternatives to traditional therapy may include, but are not limited to, stress management techniques, twelve-step programs, peer self-help groups, bibliotherapy, and support groups. These alternatives can serve as complementary or supplementary options, depending on individual needs and preferences, but are not a substitute for professional therapeutic intervention.
Qualifications and Professional Credentials:
The professionals providing therapy may hold various degrees and licenses within the field of psychology, including but not limited to: Master's or Doctoral Degrees in Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, or related mental health fields In each case, the therapist or physician is duly licensed to provide psychotherapy or the practice of medicine, in accordance with their specific training and educational background.
Counselling Approach and Theoretical Orientation:
Your therapist generally utilizes a therapeutic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic and Humanistic principles. The therapist places significant emphasis on client responsibility within the therapeutic process, fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship. This approach aims to create a nurturing and safe environment conducive to personal change. Additionally, the therapy may involve exploring past experiences and their ongoing impact on the client’s current life, analyzing underlying belief systems and their contribution to maladaptive functioning or resistance to change, and implementing targeted emotional, cognitive, and behavioral techniques designed to facilitate progress toward the client’s specified goals.
Colleague Consultation:
In accordance with established standards of professional practice, your therapist may consult with other licensed mental health professionals regarding the care and management of cases. The purpose of such consultation is to ensure the highest quality of care and to receive guidance on best practices. Rest assured that your therapist will uphold strict confidentiality throughout this process, ensuring that no identifying information, including real names, will be shared without your explicit consent.
Frequency, Duration and Length of Therapy:
Once mutual agreement has been reached to proceed with therapy, appointments will generally be scheduled on a recurring basis, typically every 1-2 weeks, at a mutually agreed-upon time. The standard duration for therapy sessions covered by most insurance plans is 50 minutes, though sessions may occasionally extend to 90 minutes depending on circumstances.
Given that the therapy sessions are allocated specifically for your personal treatment, you are expected to arrive at each session with a clear sense of the topics or concerns you wish to address during that time. The length of therapy is highly variable and depends on factors such as the client’s level of motivation, the number and severity of issues to be resolved, and the efforts made outside of scheduled sessions. On average, many clients report achieving their therapeutic goals within approx 7-20 sessions sessions, though some may require fewer, and others may find it necessary to extend therapy beyond this range.
Confidentiality and Privilege:
All information and content shared during therapy sessions will be kept confidential, except as outlined in the section titled Exceptions to Confidentiality and Privilege. Your information will not be disclosed to any third party without your explicit, written consent. Additionally, your information is considered privileged, meaning that your therapist is not obligated to testify in court regarding your counseling unless you waive this privilege, or unless compelled by a court order.
Exceptions to Confidentiality:
As a mandated your therapist is legally required to breach confidentiality under certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, the following:
Additionally, confidentiality may be limited in the case of minor clients. Parents or legal guardians have the legal right to access a minor client's records.
Medical Records:
In accordance with applicable laws and professional standards, we are required to maintain treatment records for all clients. You have the right to request a copy of your records. However, if we believe that reviewing your records may cause emotional harm, we may instead provide them to a licensed mental health professional of your choosing for review. Please be aware that these are professional records, and without appropriate training, they may be misinterpreted or cause distress. Therefore, we recommend reviewing your records in the presence of your therapist so that we can discuss their contents in context.
Client records will include the following: a data sheet completed prior to the start of therapy, a chronological listing of appointments and associated fees, signed release forms, copies of any correspondence related to your case, a copy of the signed informed consent packet materials, and a copy of all therapist notes.
All client records will be securely stored by your therapist for a period of 7 years from the date of service termination. As a client, you have the right to access and review your records. You also have the right to contest any material in your records, which will be duly noted. However, you do not have the right to alter your records or request the removal of information. While you are entitled to view your records, please note that the records remain the property of Full Circle Healing Centre Pvt. Ltd.
Counselling and Records for the Minors:
If you are under the age of 18, please be aware that, under applicable law, your parents or legal guardians have the right to review your treatment records and obtain information regarding your diagnosis, progress, and treatment. As part of our policy, we request an agreement from parents or guardians that they will refrain from unnecessary review of your records and will limit their involvement in your treatment process. If they consent to this arrangement, we will only provide them with general information about the progress of our work together, unless we determine that there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others. In such cases, we will inform your parents or guardians of our concerns.
Emergency and Interruption of Therapy:
In the event of a mental health or substance abuse emergency, clients are encouraged to contact 8855083789, or WhatsApp on 8855053789 for immediate assistance.
If your therapist is on vacation or will be unavailable for a brief period, you will be provided with the contact information of an alternative therapist who can address any urgent questions or provide support as needed.
In the event of a longer interruption of therapy, appropriate referrals will be made to ensure continued care and support during the absence.
Termination of Therapy:
Either the client or the therapist has the right to terminate therapy at any time. As a client, your voluntary participation allows you to discontinue therapy at your discretion. If the therapist determines that you are no longer benefiting from therapy, or if a conflict of values arises, the therapist may initiate a discussion regarding the potential termination of services. Should you desire continued counseling, your therapist will provide you with a referral to a qualified professional capable of addressing your needs.
