OVERCOME

Information To Be Aware of Before Therapy

I am excited about the opportunity of working with you. Whether you are new to therapy or familiar with the process, there are a few things you should know:

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Limits of Confidentiality: Clients seeking services should be aware that any information that you share with your therapist is kept private and is not released without your consent, however there are limits to confidentiality. If you disclose that you are planning to kill yourself or someone else, if you tell us about any abuse to a child, elderly person, or disabled individual we are required to take steps to prevent any threatened danger, which may include hotline or police calls as a mandated report if we are unable to make the necessary safety plans. Additionally, therapists may be required to release records if court-ordered to by a judge. Therapists may contact billing services/insurance companies in order to receive payment. While serving minors, parents may have the right to access information about their child's treatment. Online services are not secure and any personal information sent over the internet may be seen by other unknown parties. In order to respect your privacy, if we should cross paths in public, we will not acknowledge you unless you acknowledge us first.

 

Voluntary Participation: Services are voluntary and may be discontinued at any time without penalty. Clients have the right to refuse any aspect of treatment. Sometimes we may find that we are not the best fit for you and you would be better served by another provider, at which time referrals will be provided to you.

 

Risks/Limitations: The decision to seek therapy services is brave, and often comes after much deliberation or distress. We are privileged to have the opportunity to walk with you through your healing journey. Most people come to therapy during a very vulnerable time in their lives. We are invested in helping you reach your goals, but individuals seeking services should be aware that there is no guarantee that you will achieve your desired result. Outcomes are often dependent on your level of motivation, effort, consistency of attending sessions, as well as doing work out of session. Because therapy services are designed to help you gain insight into yourself and connect with your feelings and body reactions, you may feel worse before you feel better. It is not uncommon at some point in the treatment process to experience an increase in symptoms, distress, or changes in your relationships with other people, which may not always be welcomed by your loved ones, even if it is in your best interest. Benefits: Although treatment gains cannot be guaranteed, many clients who invest themselves in therapy services will experience a reduction in symptoms (for example, depression, anxiety, panic, flashbacks, nightmares, tearfulness), lower levels of stress, learn effective coping skills, increase their boundary setting abilities and assertiveness skills, improved interpersonal relationships, and gain the ability to take back their lives.

 

Cancellation Policy: I value our time we have to work together. I trust that you do, too. However, I am aware that sometimes things come up, life happens, that limit your ability to attend services. If you need to cancel an appointment, I require notification at least 24 hours in advance or you will be billed directly for the full cost of your missed session. If you miss more than three appointments in a row, or if cancelling on short notice becomes habitual, I may choose to terminate our treatment relationship.

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Emergencies: Therapy services and use of online platforms (texting via google voice, Vsee, webpage, email) are not available 24 hours a day. In cases of emergency, during weekends, holidays, or late evenings please call Call For Help at 618-397-0975, BHR at 314-469-6644, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911.

 

Gifts: We generally do not accept gifts for services.

 

Culturally-Informed Services: Our services prioritize cultural understanding and awareness. We recognize and continue to learn more about the intersectionality of sexual violence for people of color, with generational trauma, historical trauma, and institutional racism. We encourage opportunities for sharing and learning about diverse cultures. We are committed to our work with individuals from all diverse backgrounds and do not “condone or engage in discrimination against prospective or current clients, students, employees, supervisees, or research participants based on age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/partnership status, language preference, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any basis proscribed by law”. (ACA Code of Ethics, C5)

 

Accessibility: 

 

Language Access/Immigrant Status: Our primary language is English. We do not record/report citizenship status. Our priority is to meet the unique needs of the individuals we serve and eliminate service barriers.