CONSENT
We encourage you to ask questions regarding your Therapist’s education, training and credentials prior to your first session. You can also review their profiles and education by going to: https://yourcounselling.ca/get-to-know-us/
Group Therapy Services
Group therapy is a collaborative, shared experience that encourages personal growth through connection with others who face similar challenges. Success in group therapy depends on the active participation and openness of all members, who are both supported by and supportive of each other. Group counselling offers many benefits, such as improved coping strategies, skill-building, reduced distress, enhanced self-esteem, and stronger social connections. However, group therapy can also bring forth complex emotions, such as vulnerability or frustration. Initial sessions are used to assess individual and group needs, and members are encouraged to gauge their comfort with the group setting, as therapy requires a substantial investment of time, energy, and emotional openness.
Confidentiality in Group Therapy
Confidentiality is essential to a safe and trusting group environment. All discussions within the group are strictly confidential, and members are asked to respect the privacy of others by not sharing group content outside of sessions. Information will only be disclosed without written consent in specific cases, including: (a) Duty to Warn, if there is a danger to any individual or in cases of suspected abuse of a child, elder, or vulnerable person; (b) Court Subpoenas, if legal processes require disclosure of group records; and (c) Consultation, where information may be reviewed confidentially with other professionals to enhance group care, with members’ identities protected.
Rules for Participants
To maintain a positive and constructive group experience, all members are expected to adhere to the following rules:
- Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of fellow group members by not discussing any identifying details or personal information outside of the group.
- Respect: Engage in respectful, non-judgmental listening and speaking. Refrain from interrupting, giving unsolicited advice, or engaging in confrontational behavior.
- Punctuality and Consistency: Arrive on time and attend all scheduled sessions. Consistent attendance supports group cohesion and builds trust.
- Participation: Actively participate in discussions and activities, to the extent of your comfort level. Open sharing enhances both individual and group growth.
- Boundaries: Respect personal boundaries, including refraining from physical contact or discussing sensitive issues if someone is uncomfortable.
- Feedback: Offer constructive feedback, when appropriate, and be open to receiving feedback from both the therapist and group members in a supportive manner.
- Focus on the Present: Keep discussions focused on current experiences, thoughts, and feelings, as this encourages meaningful, relevant connections within the group.
- For virtual group sessions, please join from a confidential and private space. Ensure cameras are on throughout the session to support group confidentiality, and please refrain from recording or taking photos of any participants
Breaking these rules can impact the group’s progress and may lead to a discussion with the therapist about continuing participation.
Members’ Rights in Group Therapy
Group members have the right to ask questions about any aspect of the group process, and therapists are open to discussing their methods. Members may request adjustments or opt out of specific activities if they feel uncomfortable. Members may also inquire about the therapist’s qualifications and discuss the option of individual therapy if group therapy feels unsuitable. Participants are free to discontinue group therapy at any time, though a termination session is recommended to provide closure.
Respectful Communication and Conduct:
Your Counselling Ltd. is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for clients, therapists, administrative staff, and visitors.
We recognize that counselling often occurs during times of significant stress, frustration, or emotional difficulty. Clients are encouraged to share concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback about their care or experience with the practice. We are committed to addressing concerns in a respectful and professional manner.
To support a safe environment for everyone, abusive, threatening, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or aggressive communication and behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes conduct that compromises the safety, dignity, or well-being of our team, clients, contractors or others connected to the practice.
This expectation applies to all forms of interaction with the practice, including in-person, by telephone, email, text message, video session, social media, or any other form of communication.
If respectful communication or conduct is not maintained, the practice may take appropriate steps to support safety and professional boundaries. This may include pausing communication, limiting written correspondence, cancelling or rescheduling future appointments, restricting communication to written correspondence, suspending or terminating services immediately, and/or referring the client to alternative service providers where appropriate. Any outstanding fees remain payable in accordance with this agreement.
By engaging in services with our practice, you acknowledge and agree to maintain respectful communication and conduct throughout your relationship with the practice.
Record Keeping for Group Therapy
Group therapy records are maintained digitally and in accordance with professional standards, including documentation of attendance, general discussion themes, and therapeutic interventions. Individual records may also be held digitally and are accessible only in the presence of the therapist. Members may request corrections to their records if needed. All records are securely stored for seven years following the final session, with strict confidentiality upheld.
Contacting Your Therapist
Group therapists may not always be immediately available by phone but will typically return messages within 36 hours and respond to emails in the same timeframe. For extended absences, alternate contact information will be provided. Administrative support is available Monday through Friday for scheduling assistance.
Emergencies
In case of an emergency outside of group therapy sessions, members are advised to contact the Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-4357, visit the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center, or call 911.
Clinic Structure
Therapists facilitating group sessions under “Your Counselling Ltd” operate as independent practitioners. While they may collaborate on clinical or business matters, each therapist functions autonomously. Any concerns or questions should be addressed directly with the respective therapist. Contact details for the therapist’s professional governing body can be provided upon request.
