Therapeutic Terms
This is some of the 'fine print' stuff, but it is an important part of our therapeutic frame - allowing you to trust that the space is safe and that your process is held with care and sensitivity.
Therapeutic Contract
What to expect
During our first few sessions I will spend some time on getting to know you better. This would likely entail me asking you some questions about your personal history and what you are currently struggling with. This helps me to have a better understanding of what we will be working on. You are more than welcome to ask me questions if there is anything you may be feeling uncertain about. Sessions are 50 minutes long and are typically scheduled for once a week. Once you have a set time-slot, this will remain yours unless we need to reschedule for a specific reason - you do not need to book a new session in a new time-slot every week.
Confidentiality
As a Clinical Psychologist registered with the HPCSA, I protect the confidentiality of all our communication. I will only release information about our work together with your permission or if I am required to do so by law. Limits to confidentiality: In rare situations I am obliged to breach our confidentiality in the interest of your safety or the safety of others. If such a situation occurs, I will make every reasonable effort to discuss the matter with you before taking any action. Such situations may include: - If I am informed that a child, elderly or disabled person is being abused - If you are an imminent risk to yourself or if you make threats of imminent violence against others Consultation with other professionals: If I need to consult with another professional on your process, the consultant is similarly guided by these principles of confidentiality. During consultation I make every effort to avoid revealing your identity. I may not disclose to you when I consult with another professional unless I feel that it contributes to our therapeutic process. Record keeping: Any digital administrative or therapeutic notes are secured and backed up with password protection and data encryption. Hardcopy notes are stored in a locked cabinet. Please note that this practice's accounts are managed externally. This means that some of your personal details would be made available to the administrative members of the practice. Please be assured that your information is treated with sensitivity and confidentiality, regularly backed up and protected. While we have always taken extra care to ensure the protection of your personal data, if you would like to know more about our POPIA specific protocols, you are welcome to request this from us. Online sessions: Online sessions are available via Zoom as an alternative to in-the-room sessions to patients who travel or relocate once a therapeutic relationship had been established. While all online communication carries the risk of a breach of confidentiality, Zoom reports to exceed industry standards in securing communication through their software. You may read Zoom’s statement about their steps in securing their video calls on their website. To emulate the experience of an in-the-room therapeutic session, it would be important for you to ensure that you have a stable internet connection and a private, secure space where you will not be disturbed by anyone else for the duration of our session. Zoom calls are not recorded by the therapist unless explicitly stated and consented to and may not be recorded by the patient.
Payment
Accounts are managed externally. If you will be settling your account privately, kindly do so monthly via EFT or in cash. Please note: Medical aid claims will be managed on your behalf. Please enquire with your medical aid about the status of your benefits before starting psychotherapy. Your account ultimately remains your responsibility to settle. Sessions not cancelled 24 (business) hours in advance will be charged for in full and may not be covered by your medical aid. If you foresee that you are going to struggle to make a payment, kindly discuss this with me or René (finances) in advance - payment plans are available.
Contact between sessions
Our therapeutic time will be limited to our session times, but please feel free to contact me via text for admin related issues such as rescheduling sessions etc. I am usually able to respond to emails within a week and to messages or missed calls within a few business hours.
Emergencies
If you are in an emergency situation or if you are feeling unsafe (due to thoughts or the intention to bring harm to yourself or others), please do inform me. However, as I may not be able to respond immediately or may not be the most appropriate person to assist you at that very moment, it might be useful to have a list of emergency contacts nearby. You are welcome to discuss these terms with me if you have any questions.