Informed Consent for Psychotherapy
General Information Psychotherapy is a collaborative process and a professional relationship. It is important that you understand how we will work together, what you can expect from me as your therapist, and what your responsibilities are as a client. Please read this document carefully and indicate your agreement at the end.
The Therapeutic Process Beginning therapy is a meaningful step toward personal growth and healing. Therapy can help you understand yourself more deeply, develop healthier coping skills, and explore new ways of thinking and relating.
At the same time, therapy can bring up uncomfortable or strong emotions, including sadness, anxiety, anger, or distress, especially when discussing difficult experiences or memories. This is normal and often part of the healing process.
While therapy can be powerful and transformative, there are no guaranteed outcomes. I cannot promise that your circumstances or other people in your life will change—but I can promise to support you, work collaboratively with you, and help you gain clarity, insight, and tools that support your goals.
The first session is typically a mix of getting to know each other and gathering the information needed to understand what brings you to therapy. This usually includes:
Establishing rapport and helping you feel comfortable
Reviewing your goals and what you hope to gain from therapy
Briefly discussing relevant history (relationships, previous therapy, major life events)
Understanding what has or hasn’t helped you in the past
Clarifying any expectations you may have about therapy
Identifying immediate needs or concerns
The first session is not a test, and there is no “right” amount of information to share. My goal is to understand you, your needs, and how we can work well together.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is extremely important. All information shared in therapy is confidential except in the situations listed below. You may request, in writing, that I release parts of your record to a specific person or entity.
Limits to Confidentiality (Required by Law):
I may be required to break confidentiality without your permission if:
You express intent to harm yourself and are at substantial risk of injury.
You express intent to harm someone else.
I suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child (under 18).
I suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult.
A court orders me to release information.
You are involved in a legal case where your mental health is directly at issue (e.g., court-ordered evaluations or treatment).
Information is needed for an expert report to an attorney or court, if applicable.
These situations are rare, but the law requires me to act to protect safety.
Consultation
I may occasionally consult with other licensed mental health professionals to ensure you receive high-quality care. During these consultations, I do not share identifying information, and the consultant is also required to maintain confidentiality.
Encounters Outside of Therapy
If we happen to see each other in public, I will not acknowledge you first in order to protect your privacy. If you acknowledge me, I will respond briefly, but I will not engage in extended conversation in public settings.
About the Therapist
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma work, CBT, and helping clients recognize the patterns and cycles that shape their lives. My style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative—I want you to feel understood and supported, but I’m also not afraid to gently challenge thoughts or beliefs that may be holding you back. I draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and psychoeducation to help you build insight and learn practical tools you can immediately use in your daily life. My goal is to create a safe, empowering space where you can grow, heal, and feel more in control of your story.