Does counselling remain confidential?

Any successful therapy is built with a good foundation of trust, which is why confidentiality should be established between a client and psychotherapist. Highly sensitive matters shared by the client should only be discussed within the walls of the therapist’s office and should remain private at all times. Before starting therapy, you will be given a written copy of the confidential disclosure agreement or “Informed Consent” that guarantees that anything you share during your therapy sessions will not be discussed with anyone. There are times, however, when you may request for an update to another health professional that is assisting you. In these cases, your written permission is required to release any information.

In addition, all of your information is handled in accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act. No information will be disclosed to third parties without your voluntary, informed and written consent. There are instances, however, when your counselor has a professional and legal obligation to breach confidentiality during situations where there is a risk of danger to yourself or others, if there is suspected child physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, or in the case where your records are subpoenaed by a court order.