Terms & Conditions

Informed Consent for Therapy - Consent to Participate in Therapy

Counselling is a voluntary service. The purpose of therapy is to provide professional support for emotional, mental, and relational wellbeing. While therapy can be helpful, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Counselling may involve discussing personal or distressing experiences, which can at times bring up difficult emotions.

Participation in therapy indicates informed consent. Clients have the right to ask questions, request clarification, and withdraw consent at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality and Privacy (Manitoba)

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. All personal and health information shared in counselling is handled in accordance with The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) of Manitoba, which governs the collection, use, disclosure, storage, and protection of personal health information.

Personal health information is collected only for the purpose of providing counselling services and is limited to what is reasonably necessary. Records are stored securely, and reasonable safeguards are in place to protect privacy.

Clients have the right to:

Access their personal health information
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Receive information about how their health information is collected, used, and disclosed

These rights are protected under PHIA and FIPPA.

Limits to Confidentiality (Legal Exceptions in Manitoba)

While confidentiality is respected, Manitoba law requires disclosure of information without consent in specific circumstances. These include:

Risk of Harm

Confidentiality may be breached if there is reason to believe there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to the client or another person, and disclosure is necessary to reduce that risk, as permitted under PHIA.

Child Abuse or Neglect

Under The Child and Family Services Act, all individuals—including therapists—have a legal duty to report suspected abuse, neglect, or a child in need of protection. This duty applies even when information is disclosed during a confidential therapeutic relationship. Failure to report is an offence under Manitoba law.

Court Orders and Legal Requirements

Information may be disclosed if records are subpoenaed or ordered by a court, or if disclosure is otherwise required by law.

Professional Consultation and Supervision

Limited information may be shared for professional consultation or supervision purposes to ensure quality and ethical care. Identifying information is minimized whenever possible.

When disclosure is required, only the minimum amount of information necessary will be shared.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Willow View Counselling may use secure and privacy‑conscious AI tools for limited administrative or practice‑support purposes, such as:

Improving clarity of written materials
Drafting general educational or informational content

AI tools are not used for clinical decision‑making, diagnosis, or to replace professional judgment. Client‑identifying or confidential clinical information is not entered into AI systems without appropriate safeguards, and all use of technology complies with PHIA requirements for privacy and security.

Clients may request further information or clarification regarding the use of technology at any time.

Record Keeping

Counselling records are maintained in accordance with Manitoba legislation and professional standards. Records are retained for the period required by law and then securely destroyed. Electronic and paper records are protected using reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

Ongoing and Revocable Consent

Consent for therapy and related services is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any time. Changes to consent, concerns about privacy, or questions regarding rights under PHIA are welcomed and will be addressed respectfully.