Voluntary Participation

By engaging in counseling services, all clients acknowledge and voluntarily consent to participate in treatment. Counseling is a significant commitment, requiring substantial investment of time, financial resources, and personal energy. Therefore, it is essential that clients carefully consider their selection of a therapist.

During the initial sessions, clients are encouraged to assess whether the therapist is a suitable match for their needs. In the event that the client determines the therapeutic relationship is not conducive to their goals, the therapist will assist in facilitating the transition to an alternative provider, should the client wish to pursue a new therapeutic relationship.

All clients are expected to attend scheduled appointments punctually and adequately prepared to engage in discussions regarding their therapy goals and concerns. Clients shall not attend therapy sessions while under the influence of mood-altering substances.

 

Client Responsibilities and Expectations

Clients are expected to maintain open and honest communication throughout the therapeutic process, as this enables the therapist to provide the most effective assistance in achieving the client's goals. Counseling is a collaborative process that differs from a medical consultation; it requires active, consistent participation from the client.

To maximize the effectiveness of therapy, clients are encouraged to apply insights gained during sessions to their daily lives and engage in therapeutic work outside of scheduled appointments. Irregular attendance may hinder progress and reduce the overall effectiveness of therapy.

 

Therapist Responsibilities and Commitment

The therapist will make every reasonable effort to be prepared and present at the designated appointment time, except in the case of unforeseen emergencies. The therapist will remain attentive, supportive, and actively engaged in helping the client work toward their goals.

The therapist is committed to facilitating the client’s growth, self-awareness, and progress using clinical expertise and evidence-based interventions.

 

No Guarantee of Outcome

While many individuals benefit from therapy, outcomes can vary. The therapist cannot guarantee specific results, such as increased happiness, resolution of conflicts, or symptom elimination. Progress depends on a variety of factors including client participation, external circumstances, and the nature of the issues being addressed.

 

Risks Associated with Therapy

Therapy can involve the discussion of emotionally difficult topics and may lead to temporary discomfort, including sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or frustration. In some cases, clients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms. These are often normal parts of the therapeutic process and may indicate areas that need further attention.

Therapy may also lead to significant personal transformation, which can bring about feelings of disorientation or discomfort as clients adjust to internal and external changes.

 

Potential Benefits of Therapy

Therapy may offer a range of benefits, including but not limited to: improved coping strategies, emotional relief, greater self-awareness, stronger communication skills, and a sense of empowerment. However, these outcomes are not guaranteed and vary based on individual factors and engagement.

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Frequency, Duration, and Length of Therapy

Therapy sessions typically occur weekly or biweekly and last 50 minutes, based on need. The frequency and duration of therapy will be discussed collaboratively.

Many clients achieve their goals within 7–20 sessions, though some may require fewer or more depending on personal needs, motivation, and complexity of issues.

 

Confidentiality and Privilege

All information shared in therapy is strictly confidential and considered privileged. Your information will not be disclosed to any third party without your explicit written consent, except as required under legal and ethical exceptions (outlined below).

 

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Your therapist is legally and ethically required to break confidentiality under the following circumstances:

• Reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult

• If a pregnant client is using street drugs

• Disclosure of sexual misconduct by a mental health professional

• Serious risk of harm to self (e.g., suicidal intent)

• Serious risk of harm to others (e.g., homicidal threats)

• If compelled by a court order

For minors, parents or guardians may have legal access to treatment information unless otherwise agreed upon.

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Counseling and Records for Minors

Clients under 18 years old must have parental or legal guardian consent to begin therapy. While guardians have legal access to treatment records, we request that they agree to limit their review to essential updates, unless there is concern for the minor's safety.

In the event of serious risk to the client or others, guardians will be informed.

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Emergency Support

Please note that we do not offer emergency or crisis intervention services. While we strive to provide you with psychological support and guidance, our services are not suitable for immediate or life-threatening emergencies.

If you are in crisis or need urgent mental health support, please contact one of the following 24/7 helplines available across India:

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• iCALL (TISS): 022‑25521111 (Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–10 PM)​

• Vandrevala Foundation: +91 9999 666 555 (available 24×7 × 365 via call or WhatsApp)

• Tele-MANAS (Government of India initiative):  14416

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please visit your nearest hospital or call 112 (India’s emergency services) right away.

Your safety is our top priority. If you’re not in crisis but still need to talk, please schedule a session or contact these services for support.

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Termination of Therapy

Therapy may be terminated at any time by either the client or therapist. If the client wishes to stop therapy, they may do so freely. If the therapist believes therapy is no longer effective or appropriate, this will be discussed, and referrals will be provided upon request.