Last Updated: April 14, 2024
Welcome to Echo Circle Counselling. These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) outline the agreement between you (“the Client”) and Echo Circle Counselling (“the Counsellor”) for counselling services provided in British Columbia and other Canadian provinces (including unregulated provinces) via in-person or online sessions. By booking or attending a session, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms.
Before beginning counselling, clients will be provided with information about the counselling process, risks, and benefits. Consent is required before services begin. For minors or dependents, legal guardian consent is required. Clients may withdraw consent and discontinue counselling at any time.
All information shared in counselling is kept confidential, in accordance with BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other relevant privacy laws.
Limits to confidentiality apply where there is:
Records are stored securely and retained for the minimum period required by CPCA and provincial regulations, after which they are safely destroyed.
Online sessions use secure, encrypted platforms. Clients are responsible for ensuring their own privacy (quiet space, secure internet, device protection). Online counselling may have limitations, such as internet interruptions or reduced ability to respond to emergencies. In the event of an emergency, clients should immediately call 911 or local crisis services in their area.
Session fees will be disclosed in advance. Payment is due at the time of booking or immediately following a session, unless otherwise agreed. Accepted payment methods include: credit, debit, or e-transfer.
A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be billed at the full session fee. Fees are subject to change with advance notice to clients.
The therapeutic relationship is professional. Dual or multiple relationships (e.g., social, financial) are avoided where they may impair objectivity or risk client welfare. The Counsellor will not engage in any sexual, exploitative, or harmful relationship with clients.
Clients may end counselling at any time. The Counsellor may discontinue counselling if the client’s needs fall outside the Counsellor’s scope of practice, there is risk that cannot be ethically managed, or fees are unpaid. If appropriate, referrals to other professionals or services will be provided.
The Counsellor carries professional liability insurance as required by CPCA. Clients are responsible for verifying whether their insurance plan reimburses counselling services. The Counsellor is not liable for actions clients take outside of sessions.
Clients are encouraged to discuss concerns directly with the Counsellor. If concerns are not resolved, clients may file a complaint through the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). CPCA complaints and disciplinary processes are outlined here: thecpca.ca/disciplinary-procedures.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and applicable federal laws of Canada, even if counselling is provided to clients in other provinces.
By booking and attending sessions with Echo Circle Counselling, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.