Counselling policy

Five Squirrels Therapy Services is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and confidential environment for counselling and therapeutic support. The following policy outlines important information regarding confidentiality, professional boundaries, responsibilities, and administrative procedures.

1. Confidentiality

All information shared during counselling sessions, as well as any written or electronic records related to those sessions, will be kept strictly confidential.

Information will not be disclosed to any third party without the client’s written consent, except in situations where disclosure is required or permitted by law, or where there is a risk of serious harm.

Five Squirrels Therapy Services maintains secure storage of records in accordance with professional ethical standards and applicable data protection regulations.

2. Limits to Confidentiality (Disclosure Required by Law)

Confidentiality may be limited when the counsellor has reasonable grounds to believe that disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm or when required by law.

Examples include situations where:

There is reasonable suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation
There is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults
The client poses an immediate risk of serious harm to themselves
The client poses an immediate risk of serious harm to others
Disclosure is required by court order or legal authority

When possible, the counsellor will discuss the need for disclosure with the client before taking action.

3. Abuse of Children or Vulnerable Persons

If a client reports current or recent abuse of a child or vulnerable individual, or if the counsellor reasonably suspects that a child or vulnerable individual is at risk of harm, the counsellor may be required to notify appropriate authorities or safeguarding agencies in accordance with applicable laws and ethical standards.

The safety and protection of vulnerable individuals is a priority.

4. Legal and Court Requests

Counselling records are confidential clinical documents. However, they may be disclosed if required by law, including:

Court orders or subpoenas
Legal investigations where disclosure is mandated

Five Squirrels Therapy Services generally does not provide legal assessments, custody evaluations, or court testimony, unless previously agreed upon and within the counsellor’s professional scope.

5. Recording of Sessions

Audio recording, video recording, or photography of counselling sessions is not permitted without the prior written consent of both the counsellor and the client.

6. Communication and Administrative Support

To ensure smooth scheduling and continuity of care:

Administrative staff may assist with appointment scheduling, reminders, and logistical communication
Only the counsellor and authorised support staff will have access to necessary information
Client confidentiality will be protected at all times

Email, messaging platforms, and other digital communication should not be used for urgent or crisis situations.

7. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

For clients attending counselling under an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or sponsored service:

The sponsoring organization may receive limited utilisation reports for administrative purposes. These reports may include:

Client name
Counsellor name
Date of session

No personal or clinical information will be shared without the client’s written consent.

8. Right to Refuse or Discontinue Service

Five Squirrels Therapy Services reserves the right to decline or discontinue counselling services if:

The therapeutic relationship is not beneficial
Professional boundaries are compromised
The client requires services beyond the counsellor’s scope of practice
Safety concerns arise

Where appropriate, referrals to other qualified professionals or services may be provided.

9. Client Responsibility

Counselling is a collaborative process designed to support personal growth, emotional well-being, and informed decision-making.

While the counsellor may provide professional guidance, insights, and therapeutic interventions, the client remains responsible for their own decisions, actions, and outcomes.

10. Fees and Payment

Payment for counselling sessions is required prior to or at the start of the session. Sessions may not proceed if payment has not been completed. Unless otherwise specified, payments are non-refundable once a session has commenced.

11. Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please inform Five Squirrels Therapy Services at least 48 hours in advance.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the appointment may incur the full session fee.
Missed appointments (no-shows) may also incur the full session fee.

This policy helps ensure availability for other clients seeking support.

12. Emergency and Crisis Situations

Five Squirrels Therapy Services does not provide emergency or crisis intervention services. If you are experiencing an emergency or immediate crisis, please contact:

Emergency services: 995 / 999
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1767
Or visit the nearest hospital emergency department.

13. Agreement

By engaging counselling services with Five Squirrels Therapy Services, clients acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the policies outlined above.