Know what to expect

Terms of Service

These terms outline the counselling services offered by Aysha Balkees, client responsibilities, and the boundaries of our professional relationship.

Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") establish the professional agreement between Aysha Balkees, a qualified counselling psychologist, and clients seeking mental health support. By booking an appointment or beginning counselling services with Aysha Balkees, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

Counselling is a collaborative process designed to support your emotional, mental, and relational wellbeing. These terms clarify what to expect, your responsibilities, and the professional boundaries that ensure effective and ethical care.

Nature & Scope of Services

Aysha Balkees offers counselling and psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, families, and parents. Services may include:

  • Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and personal growth
  • Couple therapy for relationship challenges, communication, and intimacy
  • Family therapy for systemic and relational issues
  • Parental guidance for challenges related to child-rearing and family dynamics
  • Anger management and emotional regulation support
  • Coaching for life transitions, decision-making, and goal-setting

Important Limitation: Counselling is not a substitute for emergency medical care or psychiatric hospitalization. Clients in crisis or with severe mental health emergencies should contact emergency services or a psychiatrist immediately. Our services are designed as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical treatment when needed.

Client Responsibilities & Conduct

For counselling to be effective, clients agree to:

  • Attend sessions punctually and consistently. Chronic lateness or missed sessions may impact therapeutic progress.
  • Participate actively and honestly in the therapeutic process by sharing relevant thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
  • Communicate openly about any concerns regarding the counselling relationship or progress.
  • Refrain from disruptive, aggressive, abusive, or harassing behaviour during sessions.
  • Respect professional boundaries and maintain appropriate conduct in all interactions with the counsellor.
  • Notify the counsellor of any changes in medication, medical conditions, or significant life events that may impact sessions.

Clients who engage in threatening, abusive, or disruptive behaviour may have their sessions terminated immediately.

Appointments & Cancellation Policy

Booking an Appointment: Appointments are typically scheduled via WhatsApp or direct communication. Sessions are reserved at an agreed time and date. Confirmation of appointment details is provided before each session.

Cancellation & Rescheduling:

  • Cancellations or rescheduling requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a full session charge or credit towards a future session.
  • No-shows (failing to attend a scheduled session without notice) will be charged in full.
  • Habitual cancellations or no-shows may result in termination of the counselling relationship.

Session Duration: Standard sessions are typically 50-60 minutes. Extended sessions may be arranged and charged accordingly.

Fees & Payment Terms

Session fees will be communicated clearly before your first appointment. Payment terms include:

  • Fees are due at the time of service or as agreed upon in advance.
  • Multiple sessions may be arranged with payment options by individual session, monthly, or as per mutual agreement.
  • Payment methods include bank transfer, online payment, or cash as mutually agreed.
  • Receipts will be provided upon request for accounting and insurance purposes.
  • Fees are non-refundable once a session has commenced, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
  • Late payment may affect the scheduling of future sessions.

Should you have financial concerns about continuing counselling, please discuss this directly - we may be able to explore options.

Confidentiality & Limits of Confidentiality

Commitment to Privacy: Counselling is built on confidentiality. Information shared during sessions is kept private and will not be disclosed to third parties without your explicit written consent, except as required by law.

Legal Limits to Confidentiality: Your confidentiality may be breached if required by law, including (but not limited to) situations involving:

  • Imminent risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Abuse or suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults
  • Court-ordered disclosure or legal proceedings
  • Suspicion of serious criminal activity

In such cases, you will be informed of the disclosure whenever possible, and only the minimum necessary information will be shared.

Recording & Documentation: Sessions are not recorded without explicit prior consent. Clinical notes are kept confidential and securely stored. These records are your property and can be requested at any time.

Professional Boundaries & Relationship Limits

The counselling relationship is professional. To maintain ethical boundaries:

  • The counsellor will not engage in any relationship beyond the professional counselling relationship with clients.
  • Contact outside of scheduled sessions should be limited to appointment coordination and essential communication.
  • The counsellor will not provide services to family members, close friends, or people with whom a non-professional relationship exists.
  • Social media connection with clients is not appropriate during or shortly after the counselling relationship.
  • Any gift exchange, loan, or financial arrangement beyond session fees is not permitted.

These boundaries exist to protect both you and the counsellor and to ensure the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

Termination of Counselling Services

Client-Initiated Termination: You may end counselling at any time. Notice of termination should ideally be given, and a final session may be arranged to discuss closure and next steps. However, the decision to terminate remains entirely yours.

Counsellor-Initiated Termination: The counsellor may terminate the counselling relationship if:

  • There is a persistent lack of progress or therapeutic engagement
  • The client's needs exceed the counsellor's expertise or scope of practice
  • A referral to another professional or specialist would be more beneficial
  • The client engages in abusive, threatening, or disruptive behaviour
  • A conflict of interest or dual relationship emerges that impairs the counselling relationship
  • The counsellor is unable to continue for personal or professional reasons

Termination will be discussed with the client, and appropriate referrals will be provided when possible.

Handling of Data & Record Retention

Personal information and session notes are kept secure and confidential. Records are retained for a reasonable period following the end of counselling to ensure continuity of care if you return. Records are then securely destroyed unless legally required to be retained. You may request access to your records at any time in accordance with data protection laws.

Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability

Not a Substitute for Emergency Care: Counselling is not a substitute for medical treatment, psychiatric care, or emergency intervention. If you experience suicidal thoughts, severe mental health crisis, or are in danger, please contact emergency services immediately.

No Guarantee of Results: While counselling is evidence-based and beneficial for many, results vary. The outcome depends on your engagement, commitment, and personal circumstances. The counsellor does not guarantee specific outcomes or "cures."

Limitation of Liability: The counsellor is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from counselling services, except in cases of gross negligence or breach of professional duty as defined by law.

Changes to Terms

These Terms of Service may be updated periodically to reflect changes in practice, legal requirements, or professional standards. You will be notified of significant changes. Your continued use of counselling services following notification of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about these Terms of Service or concerns about your counselling experience, please reach out directly:

  • WhatsApp: +91 89394 66053
  • Location: OMR - Perungudi, Chennai
  • Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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