Fees and Code of Ethics
Confidentiality
All client information is held as part of professional accountability and client safety procedures and will not be shared with anyone else without your consent, or where I believe there to be an immediate risk to life or safety. This includes information collected via the intake form and client notes.
The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests in writing to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons. Limitations of such client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:
If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts him/her self in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.
If the therapist has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.
Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
If a client is in therapy or being treated by order of a court of law, or if information is obtained for the purpose of rendering an expert’s report to an attorney.
Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise in order to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.
Christchurch is a very small place, and from time to time encounters happen. Your confidentiality and privacy is extremely important. I will respect this by not approaching you or disclosing to anyone how we know each other. You are welcome, however, to say hi to me if you wish. But as your counsellor I do not feel it is appropriate to engage in lengthy discussions outside of the counselling room.
Code of Ethics
I operate following the NZAC Code of Ethics framework which is based around the following ethical principles
Counsellors shall:
4.1 Act with care and respect for individual and cultural differences and the diversity of human experience.
4.2 Avoid doing harm in all their professional work.
4.3 Actively support the principles embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi.
4.4 Respect the confidences with which they are entrusted.
4.5 Promote the safety and well-being of individuals, families, communities, whanau, hapu and iwi.
4.6 Seek to increase the range of choices and opportunities for clients.
4.7 Be honest and trustworthy in all their professional relationships.
4.8 Practice within the scope of their competence.
4.9 Treat colleagues and other professionals with respect.
If you want to refer to the complete Code of Ethics framework, click here