INFORMED CONSENT FOR COUNSELLING

INFORMED CONSENT FOR COUNSELLING — PranaCare Ltd

Clarity • Safety • Ethical Practice Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

1. Purpose of Informed Consent

This Informed Consent outlines your rights, responsibilities, and the boundaries of counselling services at PranaCare Ltd. It ensures you understand:
  • What counselling is
  • What counselling is not
  • How confidentiality works
  • The limits of confidentiality
  • Risks and benefits
  • Fees, cancellation, and communication policies
  • Your rights as a client
  • Our responsibilities as counsellors
By beginning counselling, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.

2. Nature of Counselling

Counselling at PranaCare Ltd is:
  • Trauma‑informed
  • Culturally intelligent
  • Strength‑based
  • Collaborative
  • Non‑judgmental
  • Rooted in social‑work ethics
Counselling may include:
  • Emotional support
  • Identity exploration
  • Conflict navigation
  • Relationship support
  • Parenting guidance
  • Leadership and role‑related stress
  • Somatic grounding
  • Psychoeducation
  • Skills development
Counselling is not:
  • Medical treatment
  • Psychiatric care
  • Legal advice
  • Crisis intervention
  • A guarantee of specific outcomes

3. Counsellor Qualifications

Counselling is provided by qualified professionals who follow:
  • Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) standards
  • Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics
  • Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)
  • Trauma‑informed and culturally humble practice

4. Confidentiality

Your information is confidential and protected under Alberta law.
Confidentiality applies to:
  • Session content
  • Intake information
  • Records and notes
  • Communication between sessions (within limits)
We do not share your information without your consent, except where required by law.

5. Limits of Confidentiality (Required by Alberta Law)

There are specific situations where confidentiality cannot be maintained. These limits are required by Alberta legislation and professional ethics.

5.1 Intent to Harm Self

If you disclose clear, imminent intent to harm yourself, we must take steps to ensure your safety. This may include contacting emergency services or notifying appropriate supports.

5.2 Intent to Harm Others

If you disclose clear, imminent intent to harm another person, we must take steps to protect that person, which may include notifying authorities or emergency services.

5.3 Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

If there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of:
  • A child
  • A minor
  • A vulnerable person
we are legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities.

5.4 Court Orders or Legal Requirements

If a court orders the release of information, or if disclosure is required by law, we must comply. We will inform you whenever possible.

5.5 Criminal Activity (Ongoing or Future)

If you disclose involvement in ongoing or planned criminal activity that poses risk to others, we may be required to report this to authorities.

5.6 Professional Consultation

To ensure ethical and effective practice, we may consult with other professionals. These consultations use non‑identifying information only and protect your privacy.

6. Risks & Benefits of Counselling

Potential Benefits

  • Increased clarity
  • Emotional steadiness
  • Improved relationships
  • Reduced stress
  • Better communication
  • Identity understanding
  • Support during complex life situations

Potential Risks

  • Emotional discomfort
  • Discussing difficult experiences
  • Temporary increase in stress
  • Unexpected feelings or memories
  • Changes in relationships
You may stop counselling at any time.

7. Fees & Payment

Counselling fees are outlined in the Payment & Refund Policy.
Payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise arranged.

8. Cancellation Policy

  • 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
  • Late cancellations or missed appointments may be billed in full.
  • Exceptions may be made for emergencies at our discretion.

9. Communication Between Sessions

Email or text may be used for:
  • Scheduling
  • Clarifying logistics
  • Sharing resources
We do not provide counselling or crisis support through email, text, or social media.

10. No Crisis Services

PranaCare Ltd does not provide emergency or crisis intervention.
If you are in crisis, contact:
  • 911
  • Local emergency services
  • A crisis hotline
  • A hospital or urgent care centre

11. Record‑Keeping

We maintain secure, encrypted records according to Alberta’s professional standards.
You may request access to your records at any time.

12. Client Rights

You have the right to:
  • Be treated with dignity and respect
  • Receive culturally intelligent, trauma‑informed care
  • Ask questions at any time
  • Decline any intervention
  • Request changes in approach
  • Access your records
  • End counselling at any time

13. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:
  • Attend sessions on time
  • Communicate honestly
  • Participate actively
  • Follow safety recommendations
  • Pay fees as outlined
  • Respect boundaries and policies

14. Counsellor Responsibilities

We agree to:
  • Provide ethical, professional care
  • Maintain confidentiality within legal limits
  • Offer trauma‑informed, culturally humble support
  • Respect your autonomy
  • Provide referrals when appropriate
  • Maintain professional boundaries

15. Consent to Counselling

By beginning counselling with PranaCare Ltd, you acknowledge that:
  • You understand the nature and limits of counselling
  • You understand the limits of confidentiality
  • You agree to the policies outlined above
  • You consent to participate voluntarily

16. Contact Information

For questions about this Informed Consent:
PranaCare Ltd  Edmonton, Alberta Email: hello@pranacare.ca  Phone: 587‑778‑1110