What you discuss during your therapy session is kept confidential. This means no contents of the therapy sessions, whether verbal or written may be shared with another party without your written consent.

Confidentiality continues even after the end of the counselling relationship.

There are, however, some legal exceptions to any counsellor’s duty of confidentiality, in particular:

• Child at risk: If a counsellor suspects that a child (under the age of 18) or a vulnerable/dependent adult is at risk or is actively being harmed

• Imminent harm: if a counsellor believes that you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or another person

• Legal Obligation: If a counsellor is court-ordered to release information - such as a subpoena

In addition, to maintain best practice, I consult with other clinical therapists in paid and unpaid supervision. Clinical supervisors and colleagues are bound by the same confidentiality.

While I may disclose general information or themes from our conversation for the purpose of professional consultation, your identity will remain confidential.

I am offering virtual counselling sessions. This includes video calls through Janeapp or phone calls.

Virtual counselling has proved to be of great service over the past few years (greater accessibility! Less Barriers! More choices in your counsellor! More flexibility with the schedule). however, there are also some risks involved in accessing counselling services online that you should be aware of.

higher risk for you to be overheard by someone in your home. Your counsellor will be working with headphones on in a quiet and remote space. Confidentiality is a top priority!

there may be unforeseen technical problems with the phone or internet

Greater distractions being at home, or taking calls from work

it will be an ongoing process to ensure that we both create a safe container for your experience

If there is a technology failure you can reach your counsellor via phone at 778-839-6048 or via email at chantellesandstherapy@gmail.com

The therapeutic space is a special environment built on reciprocity, mutual care, respect and energy exchange.

Your appointment is reserved exclusively for you and is not available to others. Your counsellor relies on each therapeutic relationships for her livelihood.

Out of respect for her time, energy and resources if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment a minimum of 48 hours notice is required.

Cancellation within 48 hours are subject to a 50% of the scheduled fee.

Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a full fee for cancellations.

If you miss an appointment and I have not heard from you. I will reach out to you once to check-in. These check in’s are usually through email.

If you are someone who has pre-scheduled appointments, I will hold your next booked appointment for you.

If you miss a second appointment and I have not heard back from you, it will be assumed that you no longer are in need of counselling services at this time and all pre-booked counselling appointments will be cancelled.

You are free to reach back out to rebook an appointment at anytime.

Any overdue fees will be expected to be paid prior to booking your next appointment

If you are in crisis and in need of immediate mental health support, please see a list below of resources available in the community

a.     Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789

b.     Suicide hotline: 1-800-784-2433

c.    Kuu-us Indigenous Crisis Support: 1-800-588-8717

d. Trans Lifeline: 877-330-6366

If there is an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

If you have a concern about any aspect of your counselling, you are requested to first address it with your counsellor (Chantelle Sands).

If this is not possible or you feel unsafe to do so, or if your concern is not resolved through discussion, you may contact the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors head office

For more information about this process, please click here

As a registered clinical counselor in British Columbia, my practice is guided by the policies and ethical standards set by my licensing body. This includes adhering to jurisdictional limitations, which means I can only provide counseling services to residence of British Columbia and Yukon.

This restriction exists to ensure compliance with provincial regulations and uphold the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. If you’re outside BC or Yukon but seeking support, I encourage you to connect with a therapist licensed in your area, as they will be better positioned to meet your needs within the legal framework.