Parent/Guardian Consent - Terms and Conditions

Prior to beginning therapy, it is important for you to understand my approach to young people’s therapy and agree to some rules about your child’s confidentiality during the course of their therapy.  

 

Therapy is most effective when a trusting relationship exists between the therapist and the client. Privacy is especially important in securing and maintaining that trust. One goal of therapy is to promote a stronger and better relationship between children and their parents/guardians. However, it is often necessary for children to develop a ‘zone of privacy’ whereby they feel able to discuss personal matters with greater freedom. This is particularly true for adolescents who are naturally developing a greater sense of independence and autonomy. By signing this you will be agreeing not to access to your child’s treatment notes. You will not attempt to gain advantage in any legal proceeding from my involvement with your child. In particular, I need your agreement that in any such proceedings, you will not ask me to testify in court. 

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If I ever believe that your child is at serious risk of harm – either to themselves or risk to someone else, then I will inform you, or an appropriate agency. I may break confidentiality in exceptional circumstances - where I am compelled to do so by an order of a court. Where I reasonably consider that the information is of such gravity that confidentiality cannot be maintained (for example, aspects of terrorism, trafficking, treason or money laundering, or where a safeguarding issue is considered to be present). 

 

It is my policy to provide you with general information about the treatment status. If it is necessary to refer your child to another mental health professional with more specialised skills, I will share that information with you; I will not share with you what your child has disclosed to me without your child’s consent. 

 

I will tell you if your child does not attend sessions.

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If any parent/guardian decides that therapy should end, I will honour that decision, however I ask that you allow me the option of having a closing session to appropriately end the therapeutic relationship. At the end of your child’s therapy, we will review the sessions in general, non-specific terms, such as areas where progress was made and what areas are might require further intervention in the future.