Client Rights & Responsibilities

You have the right to:

  • Be treated fairly, honestly, and respectfully by all staff without regard to race, culture, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs or socio-economic status and in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act .
  • Privacy and confidentiality, except for legal and ethical limitations, or when you have given informed consent to obtain or release information
  • Be considered the expert in your own life experience
  • Access your personal information in your confidential file by appointment
  • Information about services prior to beginning a program
  • Inquire about the qualifications, training, and experience of our staff
  • Express complaints about services received by speaking to your counsellor directly, you may speak to the Program Manager, the Clinical Director or the Executive Director and/or a public regulatory licensing body.  If your complaint is not resolved, you may make a written complaint. 
  • Request a letter addressed to you that notes the dates of service and program service description.

You have the responsibility to:

  • Supply information reasonably requested to allow staff to assist you in determining service needs and in developing and carrying out your plan
  • Be actively involved in all aspects of your services
  • Inform members and staff of any medical condition, disability, or cultural need that requires our awareness or accommodation in providing service
  • Treat others with fairness, honesty and respect, including maintaining the privacy of other clients.

Benefits of Counselling may include:

  • A better understanding of your own thoughts, emotions and behaviours
  • Improved interpersonal relationships
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased capacity to cope with a variety of stressors and life challenges
  • Feelings of relief, or resolution of trauma symptoms, increased resiliency
  • Developed skills, and a healthier relationship with yourself and others

Risks of Counselling:

  • Bringing up strong or unanticipated feelings or memories
  • Facing uncomfortable issues or aspects about yourself that you are unaware of; I will carefully monitor and track with you, when exploring places outside of your comfort zone that can expand your capacity for positive change
  • Experience feelings of vulnerability or tiredness after counselling, which may be unfamiliar and difficult
  • Difficulty when other people in your life are resistant to positive changes your make

Service Limitations:

  • Counsellors do not monitor or prescribe medications
  • Counsellors will not be a voluntary witness in court
  • Counsellors will not provide legal letters to lawyers for court procedures
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