Expectations
Our first few sessions may involve an evaluation of needs, based on the initial consultation. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to provide you with some initial impressions of what our work will entail and a treatment plan to follow, should you decide to continue with therapy. You should evaluate this information in conjunction with your own opinions to determine whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you have questions about my procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you obtain an appropriate consultation with another mental health professional.
It is my intention to empower you in your growth process to the extent that you will be capable of facing life's challenges in the future without my assistance. I also don't believe in creating dependency or prolonging therapy if the therapeutic
intervention does not seem to be helping.
If this is the case, I will direct you to other resources that will be of assistance to you. Your personal development is my number one priority. My goal is to facilitate healing and growth, and I am committed to helping you in whatever way will produce the maximum benefit.
Confidentiality and Permissions
Confidentiality is of utmost importance in my profession. I will always keep everything you say to me confidential in accordance with the Ethics Code of the American Psychological Association and the laws of the State of Georgia.
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Additionally, approval must be received before inviting other individuals to the scheduled session.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission, as provided to me by law, to ensure their safety.