Therapy Guidelines

Online Consent Form

Embarking on a therapeutic journey is a deeply personal experience that requires a safe and supportive environment. These guidelines outline the framework for our work together and highlight the principles that guide my approach to fostering growth and healing.

1. Sessions

1.1 Booking and Rescheduling:
 To arrange or modify appointments, please reach out via email or the professional mobile number provided. I aim to respond within 24 hours on business days. Please note that I may not be available on weekends, holidays, or during planned breaks.

1.2 Initial Consultation:
 Our first meeting, lasting approximately 50 minutes, will be dedicated to understanding your unique circumstances and needs. This session also provides an opportunity to address any questions about my methods or the therapeutic process.

1.3 Ongoing Sessions:
 If we agree to proceed, we will schedule 50-minute sessions at mutually convenient times. For specific needs, such as relationship counselling, extended sessions of 100 minutes may be arranged.

1.4 Session Frequency:
 The frequency of sessions will be tailored collaboratively, based on your goals and requirements. Therapy is most effective when approached as a sustained process rather than a quick remedy. Regular engagement supports meaningful exploration and long-term growth.

2. Emergency Support

If you are in urgent need of assistance and cannot reach me, please contact your family doctor or visit the nearest emergency facility. While I am here to support your therapeutic journey, I am not equipped to provide emergency care. Your immediate safety is always the highest priority.

3. Holistic Interventions

3.1 Complementary to Medical Care:
 Therapy is a valuable tool for emotional and psychological growth but is not a replacement for medical treatment. If medical concerns arise, I encourage you to consult with a healthcare provider and share relevant treatment information to ensure coordinated care.

3.2 Addressing Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts:
 If you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is crucial to inform me promptly. Together, we can take appropriate steps to ensure your safety and well-being.

4. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of our work together. Everything discussed in sessions will remain private, with the following exceptions:

4.1 Potential Harm:
 If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, I may need to contact your emergency contact, GP, or another healthcare professional to ensure your safety.

4.2 Legal Obligations:
 I am required to disclose certain information if mandated by law (MHCA, 2017).

5. Concluding Therapy

5.1 Your Decision:
 You are free to conclude therapy at any time. To facilitate a smooth transition, I recommend discussing your decision during a session so we can plan an appropriate ending and review your progress.

5.2 My Recommendation:
 If I determine that your needs would be better met by another professional or if the scope of your concerns exceeds my expertise, I will provide referrals to ensure you receive the appropriate support.

Delay in Sessions

Incase the client is delayed:

  • If you anticipate being late for a session, inform the therapist beforehand.
  • If you join late, the therapist may not extend the session as they have back-to-back appointments.
  • If no contact is established and you have not joined within 15 minutes, the therapist may log out, and the full session charge will apply.

Incase the therapists is delayed:

    • The therapist will keep you informed.
    • The therapist will make up for the lost time by either:
      • Extending the session.
      • Offer extra time in the following session, depending on the variables during the situation

Payment Policy

  • All sessions are to be prepaid.
  • Payments must be completed before the session booking is confirmed.
  • The session will only be scheduled and confirmed once the payment is successfully processed.
  • Payment details and instructions will be provided during the booking process.
  • Payment can be made via cash, UPI, or bank transfer.
  • Clients are requested to ensure timely payment to secure their preferred session slot. 
  • Local taxes will be applicable as per Govt. guidelines.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE PLEASE INFORM US ATLEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR

  • Cancellations/Rescheduling with More than 24 Hours’ Notice:
     If you cancel or reschedule your session more than 24 hours in advance and have already made a payment, the amount will either be transferred to your next session or fully refunded, depending on the situation.
  • Cancellations/Rescheduling with Less than 24 Hours’ Notice:
     For cancellations or rescheduling requests made within 24 hours of the scheduled session, the full session fee will be charged, and no refunds or carry forwards will be provided. However, in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies), the therapist may choose to partially or fully waive the charges at their discretion.
  • Therapist-Initiated Cancellations/Rescheduling:
     If the therapist needs to cancel or reschedule a session, any payments made will either be refunded in full or carried over to the next session, as applicable.
  • Last-Minute Cancellations/Missed Appointments:
     Cancellations made within two hours of the scheduled session or missed appointments will not qualify for a refund.
  • Refund Process:
     Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 5-7 business days from the date of the refund request.

Privacy Policy

  • Mandatory Consent and Informed Consent:
     Your informed consent is mandatory before beginning the therapy process. You will be required to complete a consent form at the start of therapy. This informed consent will include:
    • A valid government-issued photo ID for verification purposes.
    • An emergency contact person to be reached only in critical situations, such as a medical or safety emergency.
  • Confidentiality:
     All information shared during therapy sessions is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without your explicit consent.
  • Exceptions to Confidentiality:
     Confidentiality may be breached in specific circumstances, including but not limited to:
    • If there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.
    • If required by law or court order.
    • If there is suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor, elder, or vulnerable individual.
    • If you experience an emotional crisis or have thoughts of harming yourself or others (e.g., suicidal or homicidal ideation), confidentiality may be overridden to ensure your immediate safety by involving emergency services or healthcare professionals.
  • Sharing Information with Other Professionals:
     Basic information may be shared with psychiatrists or other health professionals who are part of the treating team. This will only be done with your explicit consent and when deemed crucial for your treatment.
  • Digital Communication and Data Security:
     For virtual therapy sessions or digital communication, every effort will be made to ensure secure platforms and encrypted channels to protect your privacy. However, while secure, no platform can guarantee absolute confidentiality in digital communication.
  • Cultural, Neurodivergent, and Queer Affirmative Sensitivity:
     We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, culturally sensitive, neurodivergent-friendly, and queer-affirmative space that respects all identities, ensuring that all clients, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background, feel safe, validated, and supported.
  • No Audio/Video Recording:
     Recording of therapy sessions, whether audio or video, is strictly prohibited to ensure privacy and confidentiality for both the client and the therapist.
  • Therapy Notes and Assessments:
     Therapy notes and assessment records will be securely stored for two years after your last session. After this period, the records will be destroyed through proper channels to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
  • Emergency Situations:
    We do not provide emergency interventions. In the event of an emotional crisis or thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, it is essential to immediately contact emergency psychiatric services, a healthcare professional, or a local mental health crisis helpline.
  • Termination of Therapy:
     Therapy may be terminated at any time by either the client or therapist, ideally after mutual discussion. If needed, the therapist will assist with transitioning to another professional for continued care.
  • Feedback Mechanism:
     Clients are encouraged to provide feedback about their therapy experience to help improve services and maintain a transparent and supportive therapeutic relationship.
  • Limitations of Therapy:
     Please note that therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or emergency psychiatric services. In the case of medical or psychiatric emergencies, immediate professional help should be sought.
  • Commitment to Privacy:
     All records and data collected as part of the therapy process will be securely stored and used solely for therapeutic purposes in compliance with ethical guidelines.