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Confidentiality and client / counsellor agreement

I Deanah McCormack am:

  • an Accredited Counsellor
  • a Member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Ireland B.A. Counselling & Psychometric Studies
  • have a B.A. (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy

As a registered member of the APCP I am bound by their ethical framework. As such, there are certain areas in which confidentiality can not be guaranteed for both legal and ethical reasons.

  1. When information provided by the client indicates that a minor (under 18) may currently be at risk.
  2. When a client reports an imminent risk of suicide and a need for additional support systems is identified. E.g. contacting family members, G.P.s or other relevant services.
  3. When a client poses an imminent threat to another.
  4. When files/notes are subpoenaed by court order.

CONFIDENTIALITY

I Deanah McCormack agree to keep confidential all information, including personal details such as name and address that you/your child bring to sessions. In accordance with best practice for counsellors I agree to see a supervisor and will take our work together to supervision, however neither your name nor address will be disclosed. As a registered member #10137 of The APCP I am bound by their ethical framework. The only instances in which I would be obliged to renege on this confidentiality are; if during the course of our work together; I believe that you are likely to harm either yourself or another individual, when information provided indicates that a minor may be at risk or when notes are subpoenaed by court.

In this eventuality, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you, before taking any action.

RECORDS

I may keep very brief records, noting attendance and interventions in session. You are entitled to a copy, or summary of your records. These records are kept in a secured location. This counselling service does not provide written reports for court, family proceedings or external agencies.

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSBILITIES

A full review of your rights and responsibilities as a client is available on the Code of Ethics charter. You can view this at www.APCP.ie Code of Ethics

CONTACTING ME

My hours of business are 9am-7pm Monday-Friday. During session, I am unavailable for calls. However, I have a mail box that I monitor frequently. If you leave a message I will make every effort to return your call on the same day, with the exception of weekends or holidays. In the event that I am unavailable for an extended period I will make every effort to provide you with appropriate notice.

SESSION DURATION, FEES AND LOCATION

I Deanah McCormack will provide the agreed number of sessions to you/your child on a mutually agreed upon time-frame with periodical reviews. Each session will be for the
duration of one hour, for a fee  payable post session.

A one-time administrative cost is due, payable before the initial session. If I propose to make changes to this fee while we are working together, I will discuss this with you.

See Counselling Fees page

The location of the sessions will at present be in Knockglass More Camp, Tralee

CANCELLATION POLICY

I consent to give 24 hours notice when cancelling a session, if at least 24 hours notice is not given, I understand that the full session fee will be payable.
I Deanah McCormack will not charge for sessions in the event that I am ill or unable to attend sessions.

MOBILE PHONES

In the interest of best therapeutic outcome I agree to switch off any mobile devices during sessions.

COVID-19

I understand that by attending a session I or my child is at risk of contracting covid-19. 

COMPLAINTS

In the event of a complaint or dispute, clients are invited to raise this with this counsellor’s regulatory body. The APCP has in place, a comprehensive complaints and disciplinary procedure. Further information available at www.apcp.ie