How private is my psychotherapy?
Toronto Relationship Clinic is committed to privacy and confidentiality. Everything discussed in your therapy sessions is private and confidential. Your personal health information will only be shared with your informed and written consent.
In some cases, your case may be discussed with your therapist’s clinical supervisor for the purpose of consultation. If you are not comfortable with this, you have the right to withhold your consent. Your therapist will not discuss your case with a supervisor without your expressed written consent.
The clinicians and staff at the TRC are fully committed and ethically bound to keep information private and to function in accordance with all applicable federal, provincial, and local laws regarding privacy and confidentiality.
There are, however, some exceptions to confidentiality. They are as follows:
If we have reason to believe that a child under the age of 16 years is considered in need of protection, such as when there is physical or sexual abuse or serious emotional abuse including neglect or exposure to violence in the family. In these situations, your therapist has a duty to contact the Children’s Aid Society.
If a client discloses that they were abused in childhood and there is a possibility that the person who was abusive towards them may be a danger to children now, this may also be reported to the Children’s Aid Society.
If a judge orders the release of information during legal proceedings, files can be subpoenaed.
If you tell your therapist that you were abused by a helping professional who is regulated by legislation, your counsellor may need to report this.
If you are at risk to hurt yourself or someone else. For example, if you are in danger of suicide or assault, then we need to call on others to help assist in supporting safety.
At Toronto Relationship Clinic, we strive to work collaboratively with your circle of care. If there is another health professional, peer mentor, or legal representative who is listed within your circle of care, we may share information with one another to support you in achieving your goals.
If you give written permission to share information with another person.
Additionally:
If your therapist sees you in public, at the coffee shop, a local restaurant, or in any context outside of your appointment time and the therapist’s office, they will not say hello or acknowledge you any way.
If you are in the building or the reception area for another matter and if your therapist sees you, they may nod or smile politely but will not say hello.
If you wish to initiate contact in these situations, please note that you will be responsible for explaining to friends, family, onlookers, or passersby the context of your relationship to whatever degree you feel comfortable.
Additionally, please note that your therapist will not engage discussion regarding your therapy or other therapy matters outside of the office or in the reception area of the office. This is to protect your privacy.