Confidentiality

Your involvement in counselling is confidential and private. Your counsellor will not share your information without your written consent (see exceptions to confidentiality below). Should you require your counsellor to communicate with another professional, written consent must be obtained prior to releasing any information. If you request a copy of your file, a request of file form must be completed and a file briefing meeting is recommended.

Registered Professional Counsellors and Master Practitioners of Clinical Counselling adhere to a strict Professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in maintaining confidentiality regarding your involvement in counselling, in accordance with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

There are exceptions confidentiality as outlined below:

Where your counsellor;

• 1. Has evidence or strong suspicion of child, elder, or vulnerable person(s) abuse or neglect;
• 2. If you are assessed to be a danger to yourself or others;
• 3. If your counsellor and/or their records are subpoenaed by a Court of Law or law enforcement;
• 4. If your counsellor and/or their records are audited by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association to protect the public.

Prior to beginning counselling you will discuss the informed consent form which outlines the nature of counselling including confidentiality and privacy, and sign the document. If you have any questions please speak to your Counsellor prior to signing this document.

Minors and Confidentiality

Confidentiality and privacy protects minors’ information in the same way as it protects adults. For more information on how confidentiality and privacy applies to minors or mature minors, please speak with your counsellor.