PRIVACY AND COMFORT

"Your words I have hidden in my heart, so I won't sin against you." Psalm 119:11

Counseling can sometimes make a person feel nervous for many reasons; one reason is "change." Change in one's life can often times be painful. That's why when my counselees share with me what matters most to them in counseling (e.g. privacy, safety, comfort, and individualized attention), I listen and do accordingly.

Counselees have to feel that they are in a protected situation; regardless of the possibility that that sheltered place is for the most part a mental state.

The counselee wants to feel safe in their session, it's essential to the success of the session and a characteristic need. As a Counselor, it is my responsibility that you feel safe and have a protected place while sharing your inner most feelings.

I let my counselees know that they can express both positive and negative feelings without dread of judgment. Your mental wellbeing is just as essential as your physical wellbeing.

As Counselor, it is my obligation to make sure that in our sessions, both, Counselor and Counselee, are at our most comfortable and that we feel like we're in a safe place. This is crucial in any counseling session in order for progress to be made.

Limits of Confidentiality: The following are exceptions to confidentiality and MUST BE reported to the appropriate authorities. Please note - these reports are mandated by law and may be made without your prior consent or written permission. As long as it is deemed safe to do so, you will be included in any reporting process to maintain healing trust.

1. If counselee becomes a danger to herself, steps will be taken to keep the person safe.

2. If the counselee becomes a danger to another identifiable person(s), the potential victim(s) must be warned and the police will be notified.

3. Any suspicion of child abuse (including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as well as child neglect or endangerment) whether past or present, previously reported or not, must be reported.

4. Any suspicion of abuse, exploitation or neglect of an elder or dependent adult will be reported to Adult Protective Services.

5. If we have been served with a valid subpoena in a court of law.

For Emergencies:

PLEASE KNOW...Online sessions are not suitable for and are NOT to be used when you are experiencing acute distress or when you recognize that you are in danger of hurting yourself and/or others. In such instances, PLEASE CALL 911 or contact your family doctor, or a member of your family IMMEDIATELY!