PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE SESSIONS COMMENCE.
The purpose of this form is to share some important principles, which guide my therapeutic practice so that your decision to place your child/adolescent into therapy with me can be based on accurate, informed expectations. Please read this carefully and feel free to ask any questions about what you have read if you need further clarification.
THERAPY
Therapy is a process, which relies heavily on building a trusting relationship between therapist and client. This takes time in order for a person to open up and for the therapist to understand what he or she is struggling with. In order to do justice to your child or adolescent they need time to be in a process that is going to bring them long term change and back on the developmental path that they may have lost a footing on. I offer a minimum amount of six sessions. If you are looking for short term work then I may not be the right therapist for your child or adolescent.
CONFIDENTIALITY
In general one of the most important rights the person seeking therapy has involves confidentiality, even if it is a young child. Information revealed by a client during the sessions will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or agency without written permission, with the following exceptions:
In order to maintain professionalism, therapists are required to be supervised by another therapist during these interactions, client anonymity is paramount.
Confidentiality has some legal limits as well. There are situations where the therapist can be required to reveal information obtained during therapy to another person without the parent or child’s permission. These situations involve harm to self, harm to others and any safeguarding concerns. Whenever possible the child/adolescent will be informed before these concerns are shared
CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Therapists who work with children/adolescents have the difficult task of protecting the child/adolescents right to privacy while at the same time respecting the parent’s or guardian’s right to information.
Therapy is most effective when a trusting relationship exists between therapist and client. Privacy is especially important in securing and maintaining that trust. One goal of treatment is to promote a stronger and better relationship between children/adolescents and their parents. However, it is often necessary for the child/adolescent to develop a “zone of privacy” whereby they feel free to discuss personal matters with greater freedom. This is particularly true for adolescents who are naturally developing a greater sense of independence and autonomy.
It is useful if you do not ask your child/adolescent what they discussed after each session. However, if they wish to share anything with you that is their choice but they should not feel pressurised to do so.
If it is necessary to refer your child/adolescent to another mental health professional with more specialised skills, I will share that information with you and recommend an appropriate referral.
I will not share with you what your child/adolescent has disclosed to me without your child’s/adolescent’s consent. (However, this is not applicable if it is a safeguarding concern). At the end of your child’s/adolescent’s treatment, it may be helpful to review the sessions in general.
THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP
It is helpful to remember that our relationship is professional and not social. Our professional relationship is of utmost importance as we work together towards achieving your goals and bringing resolution and healing to your child/adolescents life. If you have any concerns regarding your child/adolescent during the therapeutic process or wish to update me, please email me at [email protected] . I am available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and will respond to you as soon as I can. Please understand that my therapeutic relationship is with your child/adolescent and therefore it is helpful if you let your child/adolescent know what information you have shared with me.
ENDINGS
Both you and your child/adolescent are in compete control and may end the therapeutic relationship at any time. Endings are an important part of the therapeutic process, in order to manage an ending appropriately with your child/adolescent I require at least two weeks notice prior to an ending.
SESSIONS AND CANCELATIONS
Sessions last 50 minutes, there is no waiting room and parent/carers are welcome to leave and promptly return or wait outside. Please note if you are late, sessions will still end at the agreed time.
I require 48 hours cancellation notice prior to the session, if appointments are not cancelled within this time frame, then fees will still be due. Please note I work in conjunction with the school term and break during school holidays.
FEES
Therapy sessions can be payed by cash or bank transfer before or directly after each session. I will send you an invoice for your records.
EMERGENCIES
Please understand that I am not a crisis service. In the event of an emergency please contact your GP or go to your local A&E or call 999.
DATA PROTECTION
The only data I collect is name, address, email and telephone number of the parent/carer of the child or young person that I am working with. I am obliged to keep notes of the key issues that is discussed during the sessions and they will be kept for six years, then they will be deleted.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT
By your signature below, you are indicating that you give your permission for your child/adolescent to be in therapy with Emma Cohn, and that you have read, understood and agreed to the information provided by this consent form. Please return this form to me as soon as possible.
