Strength Unseen — Informed Consent

Introduction

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek counselling, as taking the first step is often the hardest. Before we begin, we will discuss important information to help you understand both the potential benefits and risks of counselling. Informed consent is essential in creating trust and clarity within our therapeutic relationship, ensuring the best possible outcomes. We will revisit informed consent throughout our work together whenever we introduce a new therapeutic approach or if any of our sessions change. This process is ongoing and collaborative, fostering a shared understanding every step of the way. This document provides essential information about the counselling process, your rights as a client, and your responsibilities. I appreciate your interest in my services and want to ensure you are fully informed before beginning your therapeutic journey. Please read this document carefully; it forms part of our agreement. Feel free to ask any questions before signing.

Nature of Counselling

Counselling is a collaborative process that requires trust and confidence between the client and the counsellor. It involves exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to facilitate personal growth and well-being. While counselling can be beneficial, it may also involve discussing difficult emotions and experiences.

Competence & Referrals

Please note that I am a counsellor, not a psychologist. My services do not fall within the typical scope of psychology; the people I work with are clients, not patients. Counsellors assist individuals with emotional, social and physical health concerns at various stages of life. This may involve addressing typical life stresses and more significant issues that people face individually and within families, groups, and organisations. As a member of the SGfB (Swiss Association of Psychotherapists) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), I adhere to their professional standards and ethical guidelines. I am trained and competent to provide the professional services you, as the client, deserve. If, during our work together, either you or I (or both of us) feel that specialised support may be beneficial, I will make every effort to refer you to appropriately qualified professionals who can offer the necessary expertise.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is a priority. Information shared in sessions will remain confidential except in the following circumstances:

• If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult.
• If disclosure is required by law or a court order.
• If you provide written consent to share information with a third party.

It is common practice for counsellors to engage in peer supervision and offer and receive support. The goal of this supervision is to exchange knowledge and insights and foster continuous learning. As an ethical standard, no identifying information about clients is ever shared with supervisors; such information is neither requested nor disclosed. The only information relevant to our sessions is what you share during counselling.

Record Keeping

I will take notes during and after our sessions to help create a plan for our interactions and track our progress. These notes will be stored securely, with electronic devices for storage and email communication encrypted for protection. Access to Records: You have the right to access your counselling records. Requests must be made in writing and may require time to process.

Client Rights and Responsibilities

As a client, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times, to receive a clear explanation of the counselling process, and to end counselling anytime; I recommend having one final session in which we can evaluate the work we have done together.

As a client, you are responsible for attending scheduled sessions on time, actively participating in the counselling process, and notifying your counsellor of any changes that may affect your counselling.

The Counselling Process

Goals and Expectations: Counselling begins when you open up about yourself and your life experiences. Sharing these experiences with your counsellor is essential for building self-awareness. Counselling is a collaborative journey, and together, we will identify your goals and develop strategies to navigate your challenges in a way that feels right for you.

Risks and Benefits: Our sessions may involve discussing difficult topics, which can bring up strong emotions. While this can be challenging, it is also an opportunity for growth, healing, and improved well-being.

Frequency and Duration: Sessions typically last 60 minutes and are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs. The overall duration of counselling varies from person to person, based on individual progress and goals.

Use of Therapy Dog: A therapy dog may be present during our sessions to provide comfort and emotional support. Please let me know if you have any concerns or allergies so we can make the necessary accommodations.

Session Structure and Fees

Sessions last approximately 60 minutes; 90-minute sessions are also offered. The fee for a 60-minute session is 150 CHF and 90 minutes 190 CHF, payable before the session unless otherwise agreed upon. Payment can be made online, via Twint or bank transfer. Cash is also accepted. A receipt for cash or card payments can be provided by the end of the month or, at the latest, at the beginning of the following month. If you require financial assistance, please discuss available options with me; a sliding scale is available if you face financial constraints.

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made within 24 hours of notice or missed appointments may be subject to a cancellation fee. I will contact you 24 hours in advance by telephone and text message should I have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Insurance Matters & Reimbursement

Please note: Swiss medical insurance companies have very specific policies regarding reimbursement of counselling services. Check your insurance company’s policy regarding possible reimbursement beforehand.

Digital Security & Privacy

I use Doxy for video counselling, which is known for its security and encryption. Each session is protected, and a link is generated. To ensure confidentiality, please keep your link private and do not share it with others. While it is impossible to guarantee complete protection from technological issues, I take all necessary steps to ensure my technology remains secure. I kindly ask that you do the same: ensure your technology is secure, password-protected, and protected against viruses, and use a private device rather than a work or public one. If we experience connectivity issues during a Doxy session, I will contact you right away to attempt to reconnect. The session fee will be prorated based on the elapsed time if we cannot restore the connection.

Privacy During Sessions

To uphold the integrity of our sessions and the therapeutic relationship, please ensure you are in a private space where you can fully engage, just as you would in an in-person session. This includes silencing your mobile devices, avoiding using other technology, and ensuring you won’t be interrupted. Similarly, I will ensure I am in a private, interruption-free space.

Audio or Video Recording

Neither of us will record our sessions to maintain confidentiality and trust.

Communication

You are always welcome to email me for urgent matters. You can communicate confidential materials to my encrypted and secure email address: jil@strengthunseen.com. I will try to respond as soon as possible. Always be conscientious when using computers, tablets or smartphones to which other people might have access.

Consent

By ticking the boxes below and signing, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this information and consent to proceed.