Security & Confidentiality
We at the Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service aim to provide a secure and confidential service. To this end we ensure that our computers are regularly updated with anti-virus software. All instant chat messages are encrypted and all calls are carried out in a safe uninterrupted private setting.
Clients using the services of the Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service are responsible for the maintenance and protection of their own computer and for regularly updating their security software. Clients are responsible for making the necessary arrangements to ensure confidentiality from their end during sessions and afterwards where computers may be shared.
Personal data is required for our own records and may be stored by therapists in a secure file and may not be released to a third party except under court order.
Clients accept that there are limits to confidentiality. While the content of the sessions and the client’s identity is treated with the strictest confidence, this may cease should the client disclose criminal activity, child sexual abuse, or material which leads the therapist to believe that the client poses a threat to the safety of themselves or others, or where the safety of a minor is threatened. In all instances where it may be necessary to break confidentiality the client will be informed prior to any action being taken. Clients accept that in the name of best practice therapists are required to attend regular supervision and that your identity will remain confidential.
All records and data relating to the counselling session remains the property of the counsellor/psychotherapist and no part of session content may be used by any other party for publication in any form, or used in study without the written consent of the psychotherapist.
Terms of Use
Disclaimer
Counselling is an accompanied journey into self. While the therapist will accompany clients on their journey, clients are fully responsible for their actions, decisions and behaviours, during, between and after therapy sessions. The contract of engagement in counselling/psychotherapy with the Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service is subject to acceptance by the client that the terms of use and the confidentiality and security policy have been accepted and understood. By accepting the terms of use clients permanently agree to release and indemnify the Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service from all actions, suits, law suits and claims originating from counselling and psychotherapy as provided by the Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service. The Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service accepts no responsibility for client’s telephone or computer systems, nor any technical difficulties occurring in connection with www.counsellingonline.ie.
Sessions
Clients accept that in the course of therapy unpleasant and upsetting emotions may be experienced. Clients accept that this is not a free service and that all sessions are subject to a fee.
All applications for low cost online counselling must be made in writing to [email protected]. As places are limited, an application does not guarantee a place.
Sessions are of a set time of one hour. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are available to start the session on time. As all sessions will end on time, sessions that do not begin on time will be of a reduced time but subject to the full hourly fee.
Sessions affected by technical difficulties, or cancellations on behalf of the therapist will be subject to a full refund or rescheduled session. Clients may end therapy at any time, but in the interest of closure all clients will be asked to attend for a closing session.
Cancellations
48 hours’ notice should be given for all cancellations by clients. Sessions missed or cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full cost of the session. Cancellations by therapists will result in a full refund or a rescheduled session as per the client’s request.
Conduct
While therapy sessions provide the space for clients to work through difficult feelings and emotions, therapists will not accept threatening or abusive behaviour towards them. Such behaviour may result in the session ending and the client being liable for the full session cost.
Clients and all users of the site www.counsellingonline.ie are not permitted to attempt to damage the site in any way through the introduction of viruses, Trojans, trolls, or any form of malicious or harmful technology. Details of any breach of this will be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Payment
All payment is through Stripe. Stripe accepts all major credit cards.
All payments are upfront prior to the time of the session.
For information on cancellations please refer to cancellations.
Agreement
By accepting the terms of use clients agree to comply with the following:
Clients accept responsibility for checking that the laws in their country of residence permit their use of this service.
Clients have read the policy on confidentiality, security and the terms of use and understand their implications.
Clients agree that the use of the service is for counselling services and not part of any academic study.
Clients accept that the publication of details pertaining to therapy sessions must not be undertaken without the prior written consent of the therapist.
Clients accept that contact between the client and therapist take place within the session, the only exceptions being for the purpose of cancellation, or rescheduling, or as per contracted by client and therapist.
Clients agree to disclose honestly their medical history and all current medications.
Clients understand that this is not a free service and that all sessions are subject to payment in advance.
