Terms & Conditions

1. Professional Standards:

Echo Circle Counselling operates as a member in good standing with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), adhering to the CPCA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. All services are provided within the scope of practice permitted by CPCA, with ongoing professional development and liability insurance maintained.

 

2. Informed Consent:

Before beginning counselling, you’ll receive information about the process, potential risks, and benefits. Your consent is required before we begin, and you may withdraw consent and discontinue counselling at any time. For minors or dependents, legal guardian consent is required.

3. Confidentiality & Privacy:

Everything you share in counselling is confidential under BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Your records are stored securely and retained only for the minimum period required, then safely destroyed.

Confidentiality has limits where there is:

  • Risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
  • Legal obligation by court order

4. Online Counselling:

Sessions use secure, encrypted platforms. You’re responsible for ensuring your own privacy—finding a quiet space, using secure internet, and protecting your device. Online counselling may have limitations, such as internet interruptions or reduced ability to respond to emergencies. In any emergency, please call 911 or local crisis services immediately.

5. Fees & Payment:

  • Fees are disclosed in advance and due at booking or immediately following sessions
  • Accepted payment methods: e-transfer, credit card, debit
  • 24-hour cancellation notice required; late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full session fee
  • Fees are subject to change with advance notice to clients

6. Professional Boundaries:

The therapeutic relationship is professional. I do not engage in dual or multiple relationships (social, financial, romantic) that may impair objectivity or risk your wellbeing. I will never engage in any sexual, exploitative, or harmful relationship with clients.

7 Termination & Referrals:

You may end counselling at any time. I may discontinue services if your needs fall outside my scope of practice, if risks cannot be ethically managed, or if fees remain unpaid. When appropriate, I’ll provide referrals to other professionals or services.

8. Insurance & Liability:

I carry professional liability insurance as required by CPCA. You’re responsible for verifying whether your insurance plan reimburses counselling services. I am not liable for actions you take outside of our sessions.

9. Complaints & Ethics:

I encourage you to discuss any concerns directly with me. If concerns aren’t resolved, you may file a complaint through the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) at https://thecpca.ca/disciplinary-procedures.

10. Governing Law:

These terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia and applicable federal laws of Canada.

11. Agreement:

By booking and attending sessions with Echo Circle Counselling, you confirm that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to these terms.