Welcome to Therapy
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Welcome to Therapy Framework, Ethics, and Confidentiality Here, we outline the framework of our therapeutic work together. It includes important information about confidentiality, scheduling, fees, your rights, and how I work. I invite you to read it carefully. If anything is unclear or raises questions, we will discuss it further. --- About Me I am a licensed clinical psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. I work with adults, couples, and families, offering psychological assessment and long-term psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy should be accessible — as normal and necessary as going to the gym or the dentist. Therapy is for everyone. I approach therapy with clinical precision, human warmth, and an open mind. While rooted in psychodynamic psychology, I also draw insight from philosophy, art, literature, and cultural traditions — all of which illuminate the human experience. I work with individuals from all over the world, across cultural and personal identities. My practice is a private and respectful space for exploring what it means to be human: the pain, the joy, the contradictions, and the longing for meaningful connection. --- Therapy Framework & Expectations Therapy is a collaborative process. We will work together to explore what brings you to therapy and what might be possible. There is no fixed timeline or guarantee of outcomes, but the process can lead to significant emotional, psychological, and relational growth. Sessions last 50 minutes and take place weekly unless otherwise arranged. At our first session, we will explore your motivations, goals, and current concerns, and begin to assess whether we can form a therapeutic alliance. You are encouraged to speak freely — about what is helpful, what is not, and anything you find confusing, frustrating, or difficult. The process is yours. --- Confidentiality Everything shared in therapy is confidential, with a few legal exceptions. I will not share that you are in therapy, or any content from our work, without your written consent. Confidentiality may be breached only if: - I learn of ongoing abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult - There is a clear and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others - I am ordered by a court of law Occasionally, I may consult with trusted colleagues or supervisors for professional support. In these cases, I remove any identifying information. Please note that communication via email or video platforms, while convenient, carries some privacy risks. I take every reasonable precaution to protect your information. We will discuss confidentiality in more depth at our first session. You are encouraged to ask any questions. --- Appointments & Cancellations Consistency is important in psychotherapy. Please make every effort to attend sessions regularly and on time. If you must cancel, provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, are charged at the full rate. I will always do my best to reschedule when possible. --- Fees & Payment - Initial assessment session (90 minutes): 200 € (or 200 USD) - Ongoing 50-minute sessions: 160 € (or 160 USD) Payment is due after each session via cash, bank transfer, or PayPal. If you have financial concerns, please speak with me. We can discuss a possible sliding scale. --- Insurance If you are seeking reimbursement from your insurance, it is your responsibility to verify coverage. I am happy to provide invoices or documentation, but I cannot guarantee reimbursement. Even if insurance is involved, payment is expected at the time of each session unless otherwise arranged. --- Contact & Emergencies I check messages regularly during business hours and will return calls as soon as I can — typically within one business day. I am not available 24/7. If you are in crisis and cannot reach me, please contact emergency services, go to the nearest hospital, or call a crisis line. --- Ending Therapy You have the right to end therapy at any time. Ideally, we will discuss this together so that we can bring closure to our work. I may also end therapy if: - You cancel repeatedly or do not attend sessions - I determine that your needs would be better served by another professional - There is verbal or physical aggression or harassment If I end therapy, I will offer referrals to other professionals where possible. --- Your Rights & Responsibilities You have the right to be treated with respect, to ask questions, to give feedback, and to be involved in decisions about your care. Your privacy and dignity will be honored. You are responsible for attending sessions, engaging with the process, and communicating openly about your needs. Therapy works best when it is approached with honesty, courage, and consistency. --- A Note on Boundaries Therapy is a unique relationship. It is not a friendship or business partnership. Boundaries exist to protect the space and make it safe. Outside contact will be limited to scheduling and brief communication. Any physical contact, dual relationships, or romantic interactions are strictly prohibited. --- Frequently Asked Questions Can a therapist and client have a relationship outside of therapy? No. Therapy is a protected space with specific boundaries to preserve safety, neutrality, and focus on your process. While occasional contact in social spaces may happen by chance, forming a friendship, business, or romantic relationship outside therapy is not appropriate and would compromise the work. Is physical touch ever part of therapy? In most psychodynamic work, physical touch is not used. Therapy is built on verbal exploration and symbolic connection. Any supportive gesture (like a handshake or shoulder touch) would only occur with explicit consent, clinical appropriateness, and full awareness of its meaning. Physical touch must never be sexualized. Can therapists and clients date? No. Romantic or sexual relationships between therapist and client are strictly prohibited — both ethically and legally. Even if therapy has ended, dating your therapist is not appropriate. These boundaries exist to protect your autonomy, safety, and trust. Will my therapist be upset if I stop therapy or switch? Absolutely not. You have the right to choose who accompanies you on your journey. If you wish to pause or end therapy — or even seek another professional — this is welcome as part of your self-exploration. I invite open dialogue about such decisions. What happens in the first session? The first session is a space for mutual discovery. We will explore what brings you here, your hopes, concerns, and background. I will also explain how I work and answer any questions. There is no pressure to share everything or to commit immediately. It’s a beginning. Is therapy or medication better? That depends on the nature of your difficulties. For some, psychotherapy alone is enough. For others, especially where symptoms are severe, a combination of therapy and medication may be most effective. We can discuss this together and I will refer you to a psychiatrist if needed. Should I choose a male or female therapist? There is no universal answer. What matters most is the quality of the therapeutic relationship — not the therapist’s gender. That said, your personal history, preferences, and comfort matter. If you're unsure, we can talk about it openly. --- Statement of Understanding I have read and understood this document. I agree to the conditions of therapy and understand my rights and responsibilities as a client. Client Name:___________________________ Client Signature:________________________ Date: _______________ Therapist Signature: ______________________ Date: _______________ |