Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to my therapy practice! This page will outline everything you need to know about how I work, specifically in relation to the therapeutic process, business policies and professional practice administration. It will also outline what you can expect from the therapy process and me, as well as your responsibilities during our work together. Please note that this practice is POPIA compliant.

Accessibility

This practice is wheelchair accessible.

Office Hours

I can be contacted between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Please note that I am often not immediately available by telephone calls as I may be in sessions with clients. I will only respond during my working hours and not over weekends or after hours unless a specific arrangement has been made in advance.

Psychological Services

I currently offer online and in-person sessions to adults and adolescents working with a range of experiences and concerns. This includes adult therapy, adolescent therapy and couple/intimate partner therapy.

Therapy Sessions

Scheduled sessions begin at the appointed time for exactly 50 minutes and will typically be once a week, or else as agreed upon depending on your needs and resources.

Fees

All appointments must be paid for via EFT once you have received your invoice, and then claimed back from your medical aid. My rate for 2023 is R1050.00 per session.

Cancellations Policy

Please note you will be charged in full for your session if you cancel less than 24 hours before. This cancellation policy is standard in the medical and mental health fields and will be strictly enforced. The reason for this policy is that 24 hours’ notice is required as advance warning as it enables me the opportunity to schedule someone else for that time. This is important because others may be on a waiting list or may be looking for an opportunity to use that session slot.

Notes and Record-Keeping

I need to collect and process relevant personal information about you, including session records/notes and communications/correspondence required to provide psychotherapy services, as per HPCSA regulations and the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). Session records and notes include the dates and times we meet, topics we cover, progress and next steps. This information will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected (providing psychotherapeutic services).

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the foundation of our work together. You have the right to the confidentiality of your therapy and all other communications. I cannot and will not tell anyone else what you have told me, or even that you are in therapy with me without your prior written permission. This includes information relating to your gender, sexual and relationship identities and practices. I will always act to protect your privacy.

 

The following are exceptions to your right to confidentiality:

I will always tell you if I think I will have to put these into effect.

 

  • If I have good reason to believe that you will harm another person, I must attempt to inform that person and warn them of your intentions. I must also contact the police and ask them to protect your intended victim.
  • If I have good reason to believe that you are abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if you give me information about someone else who is doing this, I must inform Child Protection Services.
  • If I believe that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, I may legally break confidentiality. I will explore all other options with you before I take this action.
  • In order to offer a professional service, I will sometimes discuss and write up cases and academic material with a suitable senior colleague. I will avoid using any identifying details. The colleagues concerned are qualified professionals who treat information as confidential.
  • To provide comprehensive and multi-disciplinary treatment I often work alongside other professionals who are treating you and may share relevant information with them that pertains to your case.

Emergencies

In emergencies, if you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to get back to you, contact your general physician (GP) or the nearest emergency room and ask for the psychologist/psychiatrist on call. Alternatively, you can contact:

 

-South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567

-Akeso Psychiatric response unit (24 hours): 0861 435 787

-Lifeline South Africa (24 hours): 0861 322 322