Privacy of Information
According to PHIPA privacy and security regulations significant efforts to assure privacy are in place using appropriate administrative procedures, physical safeguards, and technical security services. Personal and medical information is confidential and will only be disclosed to third parties with client permission.
Limitations of Confidentiality
All information obtained in the course of treatment will be kept confidential unless there is a perceived or disclosed risk of harm to myself or someone else. Jennifer is a mandated reporter of suspected or disclosed abuse or neglect of vulnerable populations including (but not limited to) children, the elderly, and the disabled. If disclosure of personal information is necessary, only information that is relevant will be shared. Therapists subpoenaed by a court of law cannot withhold client-related information.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been utilized by another client. As such, Jennifer requires 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice or miss their appointment will be charged a cancellation session fee. Please arrive to your appointment on time.
Benefits & Risks/Challenges of Psychotherapy
Potential benefits of psychotherapy may include improved healthy coping skills and emotional regulation, enhanced problem solving, increased personal insight, increased confidence and self-esteem, improved communication skills, more rewarding relationships, increased meaning, purpose, and personal control in life. However, change can be difficult. It takes a great deal of courage to reach out. Therapy can challenge old patterns of thinking about yourself and your surroundings. Some potential risks/challenges of psychotherapy may include feeling vulnerable and entrusting confidence in another person, discussing unpleasant events, surfacing of uncomfortable feelings, relationship changes that come with the changing self, and feeling worse before feeling better due to the intensity of processing involved in examining your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.