At Equilibrium, we believe that people are more likely to grow, heal, and better understand themselves when they feel safe enough to be fully themselves. Confidentiality plays an essential role in creating that sense of safety.

Information shared during therapy is treated with care, respect, and confidentiality in accordance with professional, ethical, and legal standards.

When Is Information Kept Confidential?

In most circumstances, what you discuss in therapy remains private.

This includes information shared during sessions, communications related to therapy, and records maintained as part of the therapeutic process.

Our aim is to create a space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences openly, knowing that your privacy is respected.

Limits of Confidentiality

While confidentiality is a fundamental part of therapy, there are a small number of situations in which information may need to be shared.

These situations are uncommon and generally relate to safety or legal obligations.

Confidentiality may be limited when:

• Legal Mandates: If required by a court order, subpoena, or legal proceedings.
• Imminent Harm: If there is a reasonable belief that you may harm yourself or others, or if there is a clear risk of violence, suicide, or other danger.
• Abuse or Neglect: If there is evidence or suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elder, or vulnerable individual.

Whenever possible and appropriate, any necessary disclosure will be discussed with you beforehand.

Online Therapy

For clients participating in online therapy, reasonable measures are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality.

While secure platforms and professional safeguards are used, no electronic communication system can guarantee absolute security. Clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private location and use secure internet connections whenever possible.

Record Storage and Retention

• Your records are securely stored in compliance with the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality.
• We retain your records for a legally required period of 3 years, after which they are securely disposed of.
• You may request access to your records at any time, and we are happy to discuss how they are being stored and protected.

Your Rights as a Client

You have the right to:

• Ask questions about how your information is being handled.
• Request that certain information not be included in your records (subject to legal requirements).
• Withdraw consent for the use or disclosure of your personal information, where applicable.

Consultations with Other Professionals

In certain cases, your therapist may find it beneficial to consult with other professionals (e.g., supervisors, medical professionals, or colleagues) to ensure you receive the highest quality of care. These consultations are done in a confidential manner, with no identifying information disclosed unless you have provided explicit consent.

Consultations with other professionals might include:

• Supervision or Peer Review: Discussing treatment approaches with other licensed professionals to ensure ethical and effective care. These discussions maintain your anonymity, and no personal details are revealed unless necessary and approved by you.
• Collaboration with Medical Professionals: If you are receiving care from a physician or another healthcare provider, your therapist may collaborate with them to provide a more holistic approach to your treatment. This will only occur with your prior consent, and the exchange of information will be limited to what is essential for your well-being.

Your Rights in Professional Consultations:

• You will be informed of any need to consult with another professional before it occurs.
• Your written consent will be required for sharing identifiable information, and you have the right to deny or withdraw consent at any time.
• We will only share information that is relevant and necessary for your care.

Use of Technology and Online Communication

If you choose to participate in therapy through online platforms or communicate via email or text, please be aware that while every effort is made to secure your information, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Our practice uses encrypted communication tools to protect your information, but risks associated with online communication (such as hacking) exist. By engaging in online communication, you acknowledge and accept these potential risks.

Data Storage and Security

Your records are securely stored both physically (if applicable) and digitally in a manner that complies with legal and ethical standards. Digital records are protected with encryption, password protections, and secure access systems. Only authorized personnel can access your records. We maintain your records for the required duration as mandated by law, after which they are safely destroyed.

Breach Notification

In the rare event that your confidential information is compromised (e.g., a data breach), you will be notified immediately. We will take all necessary steps to contain the breach, investigate the circumstances, and protect your information moving forward.

Changes to Confidentiality Policies

We reserve the right to modify or update this confidentiality agreement at any time, in accordance with legal, ethical, or practice requirements. You will be notified of any substantial changes, and you will have the opportunity to review and discuss how they may impact your treatment.

A Foundation for Therapeutic Work

Confidentiality is not simply a professional obligation. It is one of the ways we create an environment where meaningful conversations can take place.

We believe that understanding ourselves often begins with being able to speak honestly about our experiences. Protecting your privacy helps make that possible.

More detailed information regarding confidentiality, privacy practices, record keeping, and data protection is provided to all clients before therapy begins.

If you have any questions about confidentiality, please feel free to get in touch.