Terms & Conditions Policy
Effective Date: Updated February 8th, 2025
Introduction
By using Erik Siegmund Counselling services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.
Services Provided
Erik Siegmund Counselling offers remote coaching services, focusing on resilience building, overcoming setbacks, life transitions, and narcissistic abuse recovery.
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Emergency Situations
While I am committed to supporting you through the counseling process, it’s important to recognize that I am not equipped to handle emergency situations or crises during a session. If you are experiencing a crisis, please reach out to local emergency services or a professional crisis support provider immediately. Here are some resources based on your location:
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In Canada: Reach 911 for emergency services or the Talk Suicide Canada helpline at 1-833-456-4566 (in Quebec: 1-866-277-3553) available 24/7.
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In the United States: If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
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In the United Kingdom: Contact 999 for emergency services or the Samaritans at 116 123 for 24/7 support.
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International: Please use an internet search to find local emergency numbers or contact your country's suicide prevention hotline or crisis helpline.
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If you are unsure where to turn, I encourage you to visit the International Crisis Support website for a global directory of services: https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/
Remember, your safety is the top priority. If you are in immediate danger, please seek professional help immediately. These sessions are not a substitute for emergency care.
By booking a session, you acknowledge that you understand this is not intended for emergency situations, and you will seek appropriate resources in times of crisis.
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Client Responsibilities
You agree to provide accurate and truthful information when using our services. You agree to engage respectfully and professionally in all sessions.
Payment and Fees
A free 15-minute consultation is available. Ongoing sessions are charged at [Insert Rate]. Payment is due at the time of booking.
Confidentiality
We maintain strict confidentiality regarding your personal information. Your sessions will remain private unless required by law or in situations of risk.
Informed Consent
As part of the coaching process, informed consent is an essential component to ensure that you understand the nature of the services provided, your rights as a client, and the process involved in your sessions. By booking a session, you are providing informed consent to participate in counseling services under the terms outlined below:
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Nature of Services: Services provided are intended to support personal growth, resilience, and the reframing of setbacks. These services may involve exploration of your past and present experiences and the use of evidence-based techniques combined with narrative therapy informed approaches.
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Voluntary Participation: Your participation in coaching is voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from this process at any time without penalty, and you are encouraged to ask questions if any part of the process is unclear.
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Confidentiality: As outlined in the Confidentiality section, the information shared during your sessions is confidential, with some limitations. These limitations are explained, particularly concerning risk of harm or when required by law.
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Risks and Benefits: These sessions can bring both emotional benefits and emotional discomfort as it can involve discussing difficult subjects. While it can be helpful, there is no guarantee that it will achieve a particular outcome. I will work with you to create a safe and supportive environment to help navigate challenges.
By continuing with sessions, you acknowledge that you have been informed about the nature of the services, understand the scope and limitations, and provide your consent to participate.
Working with Minors
At Erik Siegmund Counselling, I am committed to supporting individuals of all ages, including youth, in overcoming challenges and building resilience. If you are a guardian seeking services for a minor (under 18), I require the involvement and consent of a legal guardian for all youth sessions.
All sessions involving minors will be tailored to the unique needs of the individual, with a specific focus on overcoming fear of failure, building confidence, and navigating life transitions. Guardians will be kept informed of the process and progress, as appropriate, in order to ensure a supportive environment for the youth’s growth and development.
By scheduling a session for a minor, you confirm that you have legal authority to provide consent for these services and that you understand the process and goals. I encourage open communication between guardians, youth, and myself to foster a collaborative and effective approach to overcoming obstacles.
Confidentiality and Working with Minors
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship, and I take great care to maintain the privacy of all clients, including youth. However, when working with minors (individuals under 18), confidentiality must be navigated with both the youth and their legal guardian in mind.
For youth clients, I will maintain confidentiality in the following ways:
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I will not share the details of the session with anyone, including the guardian, unless there is explicit consent from the minor or as required by law (such as in cases where there is a risk of harm to the minor or others).
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Limitations of confidentiality: If there is a situation involving serious harm or potential harm to the minor, I will need to break confidentiality and inform the guardian, as well as appropriate authorities if necessary. This will be discussed with the youth beforehand, and I will make every effort to involve them in these conversations in a respectful and supportive manner.
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For guardians of minor clients, I will:
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Keep you informed about the general progress and overall goals of the sessions, to ensure that the youth is supported in a way that is consistent with family and guardian expectations.
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Provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process, while respecting the youth’s need for privacy and space to express themselves.
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While confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, I encourage ongoing communication between guardians and youth. This ensures that the therapeutic process is a collaborative effort that supports the minor’s growth and the family’s well-being.
If there are specific concerns or preferences regarding confidentiality and sharing of information, I encourage guardians to discuss them with me at the start of the process so we can clarify expectations and create an approach that works for all parties.
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Use of Technology
To facilitate remote counseling, I offer sessions via Zoom. By agreeing to participate in online sessions, you acknowledge the following:
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Technology Requirements: You must have access to a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with an internet connection, a camera, and audio capabilities to participate in Zoom sessions.
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Platform Security: Zoom is a secure platform designed to protect your privacy and confidentiality, but like all online communication tools, it is not without risk. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the sessions are conducted in a secure and confidential manner, including utilizing password protection for meetings and other security features offered by Zoom.
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Confidentiality of Online Sessions: I will make every effort to maintain confidentiality during online sessions, including ensuring that our sessions occur in a private, secure environment on my end. I strongly encourage you to find a quiet, private space where you can participate in sessions without distractions and ensure confidentiality on your end.
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Technical Issues: In the event of technical difficulties (such as issues with the internet connection, platform errors, or other disruptions), we will attempt to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. If the session is unable to continue, we can reschedule or discuss alternative means of continuing sessions, if necessary.
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Online Counseling Risks: While online counseling has many benefits, including accessibility and convenience, it also has limitations. There is the potential for technical problems, and online sessions may not be as effective as in-person sessions for some individuals. If at any point you feel that online counseling is not meeting your needs, we can explore alternative options.
By booking a session, you confirm that you have the necessary technology to participate in Zoom sessions and understand the limitations and risks of online coaching.
Limitation of Liability
We provide guidance and support based on professional experience and evidence-based practices. However, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes and are not liable for any actions or decisions taken by clients.
Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is owned by Erik Siegmund Counselling and protected by intellectual property laws.
Termination of Services
We may suspend or terminate your access to services if you violate these terms, fail to make payments, or engage in harmful behavior.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes will be resolved through mediation or arbitration in accordance with the laws of Canada.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to update these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
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Contact Information
If you have any questions about our Terms of Service, please contact us at erik@eriksiegmundcounselling.com or 1.204.930.7167