Consent to work
consent to work
Elisabeth van Assum Counselling is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all clients, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, or ethnicity.
To ensure a successful therapeutic experience, it is essential for both the client and counsellor to understand their respective rights and responsibilities. This mutual understanding helps build a comfortable and collaborative working relationship.
This Statement outlines what you can expect from me, as well as your responsibilities as a client, to promote your well-being and encourage your agency.
Nature of Counselling
Counselling is a voluntary, collaborative process. I use a client-centred, feminist, humanist, trauma-informed, somatic-informed integrated approach to help you explore your concerns and work towards your goals. The outcome depends on your honesty, openness, and active participation. You may discontinue counselling at any time, and I will support your decision.
Effects of Counselling
Counselling can lead to emotional, psycholocial, somatic and/or spiritual ups and downs. It’s common to feel worse before feeling better. While counselling aims to bring a net-positive change, specific results and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Some issues may surface during sessions that require ongoing processing. Some issues may arise that indicate the client needs other kinds of supports which may exceed the scope of my practice.
Counselling is fundamentally a self-directed counsellor-supported process designed to provide access to your agency and autonomy. This can generate outcomes in which you may experience changes in yourself, in your relationships and in your community which can have both immediate, long term & short term, predictable & unpredictable consequences.
Counselling Relationship
Our relationship is professional, not social. Our interactions are limited to scheduled sessions, except in emergencies when you may contact me by phone. If we meet in public, I will respect your confidentiality and acknowledge you only if you approach me first. I may consult with colleagues or supervisors as needed, but your identity remains protected.
Online Counselling
Online counselling is provided through a secure, PHIPA-compliant platform. While convenient, it presents unique risks, such as:
Confidentiality: Please ensure you are in a private space for our sessions. I will take reasonable steps to protect your privacy, but you must also secure your devices, communications and location.
Technology Issues: Online counselling requires both parties to have reliable technology. You are responsible for any necessary equipment or software.
Crisis Management: I am not a crisis counsellor. If you are in immediate crisis, please contact a crisis line or emergency services.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs)
Incorporating the AI and Clinical Practice Guidelines of the BCACC and my own clinical practice guidelines in order to protect your privacy and maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, I do not and will not use artificial intelligence tools or large language models (LLMs) in any aspect of my clinical practice as it relates to your personal information, the content of our sessions, or any material you share with me.
I also strongly encourage clients not to use AI or LLMs to process, summarize, or seek interpretations of their therapeutic experiences or personal disclosures while engaged in counselling with me. These tools can compromise confidentiality, store information in ways that are outside your control, and may provide inaccurate or unhelpful guidance that can interfere with the therapeutic process.
I occasionally use artificial intelligence tools or large language models (LLMs) to assist with general administrative tasks such as drafting non-clinical communications, organizing practice materials, or improving clarity in written documents. These tools are never used with client information, therapeutic content, or anything disclosed in session. Any use of AI is limited strictly to non-client, non-therapeutic contexts in order to support the efficient operation of my practice while upholding the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality.
If you have questions about this policy or would like support in navigating your use of technology during therapy, I am happy to discuss this with you.
Email Communication
I may send occasional emails with resources or information relevant to your therapy. These emails are not intended for therapeutic discussions. Please avoid sending therapeutic content via email — it’s better to bring such material to session. I will not engage in email-based therapy. Please accept and decline appointments through email communication.
Texting Communication
Texting is for transactional purposes only (e.g., rescheduling, cancellations). I will not respond to text messages regarding therapeutic matters.
Appointments
Sessions are 50 minutes. Please arrive on time, as late arrivals will not be granted extended time. It’s your responsibility to keep track of and cancel appointments as needed. I will send reminders 24 hours and 2 hours prior to our scheduled session. Please accept and decline appointments through email communication.
Cancellations
A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Sessions cancelled within 24 hours will incur the full fee. Emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you miss an appointment without prior notice, you will be charged in full.
Clients with EAP coverage are responsible for any missed or late-cancelled sessions.
Payment & Fees
Payment is required prior to each session, preferably via eTransfer. If paying by cheque, payment is due at the end of the session. A receipt will be provided upon request. My fee is $155 per 50-minute session, effective September 1, 2024. Sliding scale slots are available (currently full). If you experience financial difficulties, please discuss this with me to find a suitable arrangement.
Your Rights
You have the right to request changes in the counselling approach, referral to another therapist, or termination of therapy. I am committed to working within my competencies. If I believe additional expertise is needed, I will inform you and discuss appropriate options. If you feel the process is not working, I encourage you to voice your concerns.
If your safety is threatened or I feel unsafe, I reserve the right to terminate the counselling relationship after consulting with in supervision, and I will assist in finding alternative support.
ending & Termination of counselling
Counselling may be ended at any time by you. I may also recommend ending or transitioning our work if it becomes clear that your needs fall outside my scope of practice or exceed my clinical competencies, if we determine together that I am not the right fit, or if we have completed the therapeutic work we set out to do. I may end the counselling relationship without mutual agreement only if I determine that my safety is at significant risk.
If there is no contact for 30 days, I will consider the counselling relationship closed. I will make a reasonable attempt to reach out before doing so. If we communicate and If you choose to return after a break, your counselling relationship can be reopened, and I will make every effort to provide availability for future sessions.
Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential, except in the following cases:
Abuse: Suspected or disclosed current not historical child, elder, or vulnerable person abuse.
Risk of Harm: If you are an immediate and imminent danger to yourself or others.
Legal Subpoena: If a court orders the release of records.
I participate in peer supervision and consultations to ensure quality care. Case details will be reviewed anonymously.
If you have any questions or concerns about this agreement, please discuss them with me during our session.
