Counselling at Sanctuary Counselling

Sanctuary Counselling offers a compassionate, respectful space to explore challenges, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools for emotional well-being. Counselling is a collaborative process guided by your needs, values, and goals. You have the right to ask questions, participate in decisions about your care, and pause or end counselling at any time.

Before we begin, we will review the counselling process, fees, cancellation policy, communication expectations, and limits of confidentiality. Counselling may bring up difficult emotions, and although meaningful change is possible, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Confidentiality and Your Privacy

Confidentiality is my professional obligation to protect information you share during counselling, your counselling records, and the fact that you receive services. Your information will not ordinarily be shared without your informed, written consent. This obligation continues after counselling ends.

There are limits to confidentiality. Information may need to be disclosed when:

• There is a serious or imminent danger to you or another person, requiring protective action.

• There is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, older adult, or another vulnerable person, in accordance with applicable reporting obligations.

• Disclosure is legally required, including through a court order or subpoena requiring disclosure.

I may seek professional supervision or consultation to support ethical and competent care. I protect your privacy by using information that does not identify you whenever possible. If identifying information needs to be shared, I will obtain your written consent unless disclosure is otherwise legally authorized or required.

When disclosure is necessary, I will limit the information shared to what is reasonably needed or legally required. Wherever lawful and safe, I will discuss the disclosure with you beforehand.

For couples, family, or group counselling, we will discuss additional confidentiality arrangements before beginning. I cannot guarantee that other participants will keep information private.

Your records will be safeguarded in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional requirements. Electronic communication carries privacy risks; please use email and text primarily for appointment arrangements and administrative matters.

Sanctuary Counselling is not an emergency service, and messages may not be reviewed immediately. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or attend the nearest emergency department.

By booking counselling services with Sanctuary Counselling, you agree to the following appointment and payment policies. Your informed consent to counselling will be reviewed separately before services begin.

Counselling Services

Counselling is a collaborative process that supports emotional well-being, personal understanding, coping skills, and healthier relationships. We will work together to identify your goals and an approach suited to your needs.

Counselling can involve uncomfortable emotions or difficult conversations. Results vary, and specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Services are provided within the counsellor’s qualifications and professional competence. Referrals may be recommended when another service would better meet your needs.

Your Consent and Choices

Before counselling begins, you will receive information about the process, potential benefits and risks, confidentiality, fees, and practice policies. You are welcome to ask questions, decline an intervention, or withdraw your consent to counselling at any time. Fees remain payable for services already provided and any applicable missed appointments.

Appointments and Cancellations

Please attend appointments on time. If you arrive late, your session may still end at its originally scheduled time.

At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and missed appointments are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Exceptions may be considered for emergencies or exceptional circumstances.

Fees and Payment

The counselling fee is $100 per session, with the session length confirmed when booking. Payment is due after each session. Available payment methods will be provided when you book.

You are responsible for confirming whether your insurer or benefits provider covers services provided by your counsellor. Reimbursement cannot be guaranteed. Any fee changes will be communicated before they apply to your appointments.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your personal information and counselling records will be protected in accordance with applicable privacy laws and professional obligations. Confidentiality has exceptions involving safety, reporting obligations, and legally required disclosure.

Please review our Confidentiality and Privacy statement. These limits will also be discussed before counselling begins.

Communication and Virtual Appointments

Email and text should primarily be used for scheduling and administrative matters. Messages may not be reviewed immediately, and electronic communication carries privacy risks.

For virtual appointments, please participate from a private location and provide your current location and a contact number for safety purposes. We will agree on a backup plan for interrupted connections. Sessions may only be recorded with the prior informed consent of everyone involved.

Professional Boundaries

The counselling relationship is professional. Personal social media connection requests will not be accepted. Public interactions with Sanctuary Counselling’s online accounts may reveal your association with the practice.

Ending Services and Raising Concerns

You may end counselling at any time. The counsellor may recommend pausing, ending, or transferring services when your needs exceed their competence, counselling is no longer beneficial, or safety, boundaries, attendance, or payment concerns prevent services from continuing appropriately. Where possible, this will be discussed with you and suitable referrals offered.

You may raise concerns directly with your counsellor or request information about applicable professional complaint procedures. You do not have to raise a complaint with your counsellor first.

Emergency Support

Sanctuary Counselling does not provide emergency services or continuous crisis monitoring. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or attend the nearest emergency department.

Policy Changes

Changes affecting your care, fees, or consent will be communicated before they take effect. Any necessary updated consent will be obtained.