Christopher Germer
Confidentiality is central to how I work. I will not discuss with anyone the contents of our sessions or even that we are meeting - within the usual limits. This means that confidentiality cannot be protected if there is a risk of bodily harm to the client or another person, if there is suspected child abuse or neglect, if a court orders my records, or if you sign your express written consent for information to be shared. We will go over this in more detail at our first meeting. Please note that any interactions we may have online, such as email or virtual sessions, cannot be guaranteed to be private (although every effort is made to ensure privacy around online communication).
Sessions are typically one hour. Other session lengths can be arranged based on individual needs and preferences, and in that case, would be pro-rated.
This will vary from person to person, depending on what is bringing you in, what are your goals, how often we meet and other individual factors. We can discuss this when we meet so you have an idea of what to expect.
This will vary from person to person, depending on what is bringing you in, what are your goals, how often we meet and other individual factors. We can discuss this when we meet so you have an idea of what to expect.
In British Columbia, Master's level therapists have the option to belong to the British Columbia Association for Clinical Counselling, and are then able to use the designation RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) after their name. This is your assurance that I am accountable, must adhere to a code of ethics, and that there is a complaint process in place. I have been a member in good standing with the BCACC since 2004.
Since I set aside your appointment time specifically for you, I do request 24 hours notice of cancellation. If you haven't cancelled and don't arrive for your appointment, I will charge 50% of the full fee. If it happens more than once, I will need to charge the full fee for the missed session. If you have any symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, please reschedule - cancellation fees will be waived in cases of illness or emergency.
Yes - sessions may be in person (following Covid safety policies), by telephone or over Zoom. Zoom is compliant with Canadian requirements for the protection of client information and privacy (PIPA). This means that the information is encrypted end-to-end and sessions are not recorded. Please be aware that the data is routed through servers in Canada and the US. Information routed through the US is subject to US privacy laws. As with any online communication, privacy and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, beyond compliance with these regulations.