Informed Consent

Counselling has both risks and benefits. Discussing personal challenges may bring up uncomfortable feelings or lead to changes in beliefs or relationships. While counselling can offer benefits such as reduced distress, improved relationships and support with academic or personal concerns, these outcomes are not guaranteed.  

You have the right to stop counselling at any time and to express your needs and boundaries.

Your counsellor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the approaches used and can also provide information about other supports, such as referrals, medication or physical activity, if appropriate.

Please review our Scope of Care for information on the counselling services provided by Selkirk College. 

Information you share will be treated confidentially. Notes are kept in a locked room and/or on a secure server.  

Any disclosure (including contacting other Selkirk College staff or faculty to consult on your case) will be done with your written or verbal permission/request, with the exception of these limited circumstances. 

• You may give permission for your counsellor to share information with others. This can include college staff, another professional or your doctor. In this case, your counsellor will ask you to sign a Release of Information form.  
• If there is a serious possibility you may harm yourself or others, we must take reasonable actions, which may include contacting your emergency contact, college staff, the police or other responsible authorities.
• If you are under the age of 19 and disclose abuse (sexual, physical and/or emotional) by a specific person, counsellors are mandated to report to the Ministry for Children and Families.
• If you are over the age of 19 and disclose abuse (sexual, physical and/or emotional) by a specific person who has access to people under the age of 19, the abuse may be reported to the Ministry for Children and Families.
• In some court actions, our professional staff and/or their records may be subpoenaed as ordered by a court of law. 

Consultation Between Counsellors

Selkirk College counsellors consult with one another to discuss a theoretical approach and ensure you are receiving the best possible support. Counsellors adhere to the same rules around keeping your information confidential. The names of those consulted can be requested at any time and are recorded in your file.  

Your Data  

General data from appointment bookings may be gathered and collated for periodic analysis. Data is scrubbed of personal information and may be used for internal reporting or mandated provincial reporting.  

The Information Technology Services (ITS) department at Selkirk College can access all files and folders used on college devices, including clinical records and notes. See Policy 7110. All access is subject to provincial and federal laws. Precautions have been taken to prevent routine access to confidential files

All Selkirk College counsellors can access clinical notes unless you request otherwise. To request a copy, please submit a written request to your counsellor. Requests will be reviewed and responded to within 30 days. All requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and legislation.

Your notes will be stored for at least seven (7) years after the last point of service. There is an exception to this rule for those who have disclosed being a victim of a “serious crime” such as a sexual assault or physical assault in which case your file will be kept indefinitely.  

Zoom and phone counselling have unique risks. Appointments may feel less personal and can involve issues such as technical problems or misunderstandings. It can also be harder for your counsellor to recognize emergencies remotely. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, you are responsible for seeking emergency support right away.

When choosing Zoom or phone counselling, sessions must take place in a private, well‑lit space free from distractions. If privacy cannot be ensured, the counsellor will reschedule the appointment.  

If a session is disrupted, both you and your counsellor will attempt to reconnect by Zoom, phone or email. If reconnection is unsuccessful, the session will be rescheduled. 

Your counselling relationship is professional, not a friendship. Your counsellor will keep the focus on you and will not share much personal information. They cannot be friends with clients outside of sessions or exchange gifts. If you meet in public, they will protect your privacy and follow your lead on whether to acknowledge each other.

It’s important to feel comfortable with your counsellor, but not every match is right. You can request a different counsellor at any time, and your counsellor may also suggest a referral if it’s in your best interest. 

If you have a concern or a complaint about your treatment or services, you are encouraged to discuss this with your counsellor. We take your criticisms and suggestions seriously, and we hope to be able to respond in a way that feels supportive.  

If you remain unsatisfied that your counsellor has not addressed the concern or you believe your counsellor has behaved unethically, you can contact Kate Tait. You may also file a complaint with your counsellor’s professional association.