Separation and Divorce can be a difficult and stressful life event for families. For children, navigating the emotions and transitions brought during this time is made more challenging by a lack of life experience and coping strategies.
It is important for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child and family counselling under these circumstances. We require informed consent from both custodial parents/legal guardians, unless there is a Sole Custody order in place. We also require a copy of the court custody agreement prior to any session involving a minor.
Please review the information below to assist you in deciding if child and family counselling is right for your family.
It is important for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child and family counselling under these circumstances. We require informed consent from both custodial parents/legal guardians, unless there is a Sole Custody order in place. We also require a copy of the court custody agreement prior to any session involving a minor.
Please review the information below to assist you in deciding if child and family counselling is right for your family.
Counselling services provided by Brunswick Creek Psychology Services are designed to be as safe and confidential as possible to maximize the therapeutic benefits to children and families. As such it is necessary for parents with joint custody to agree to the following points.
1. The role of the counsellor is to create a therapeutic and safe environment for the child and to allow them to express feelings.
2. It is also within the role of the counsellor to assess the degree of relational conflict in the family as it impacts the effectiveness and potential benefit of counselling. The counsellor will use their discretion as to whether counselling is appropriate in the event there is a high degree of parental relationship conflict related to the counselling.
3. In order to create a safe environment for the child to express their feelings, it is essential that therapy be completely separate and distinct from any and or all court proceedings.
4. The counsellor will not be asked or required to appear in court proceedings related to the separation or divorce, or in regard to custody or visitation disputes. We do not specialize in custody and access assessment.
5. The counsellor will discuss general goals and outcomes of the child counselling with both parents.
6. The informed consent document will be fully reviewed with the counsellor and all custodial parents which outlines confidentiality regarding services as well as the limitations to confidentiality. This agreement does not replace any professional guidelines on “confidentiality” or change legal requirements to report abuse of minors or respond to a subpoena.
7. The counsellor will maintain a neutral position relative to parental disputes in regard to the terms of separation or divorce, and custody and visitation rights. Such disputes should be referred to the lawyers/solicitors of the parents or an appointed mediator.
8. Counselling will terminate when the counselling goals have been accomplished. The therapeutic results of counselling, as distinct from information gained in counselling sessions, will be communicated to both parents in writing, except when, in the view of the counsellor, such disclosure would compromise the gains resulting from the counselling.
9. Parents have had the opportunity to consult with their respective lawyers before signing this Shared Parenting Counselling Agreement.
10. Appointments shall be booked by the parent with whom the child is residing with during the time/day of the counselling appointment. The parent that books the appointment shall be responsible to transport the child to the appointment, and provide payment for the appointment at the session.
If you have any questions about our policy, please contact us (306.700.3141 or [email protected])
1. The role of the counsellor is to create a therapeutic and safe environment for the child and to allow them to express feelings.
2. It is also within the role of the counsellor to assess the degree of relational conflict in the family as it impacts the effectiveness and potential benefit of counselling. The counsellor will use their discretion as to whether counselling is appropriate in the event there is a high degree of parental relationship conflict related to the counselling.
3. In order to create a safe environment for the child to express their feelings, it is essential that therapy be completely separate and distinct from any and or all court proceedings.
4. The counsellor will not be asked or required to appear in court proceedings related to the separation or divorce, or in regard to custody or visitation disputes. We do not specialize in custody and access assessment.
5. The counsellor will discuss general goals and outcomes of the child counselling with both parents.
6. The informed consent document will be fully reviewed with the counsellor and all custodial parents which outlines confidentiality regarding services as well as the limitations to confidentiality. This agreement does not replace any professional guidelines on “confidentiality” or change legal requirements to report abuse of minors or respond to a subpoena.
7. The counsellor will maintain a neutral position relative to parental disputes in regard to the terms of separation or divorce, and custody and visitation rights. Such disputes should be referred to the lawyers/solicitors of the parents or an appointed mediator.
8. Counselling will terminate when the counselling goals have been accomplished. The therapeutic results of counselling, as distinct from information gained in counselling sessions, will be communicated to both parents in writing, except when, in the view of the counsellor, such disclosure would compromise the gains resulting from the counselling.
9. Parents have had the opportunity to consult with their respective lawyers before signing this Shared Parenting Counselling Agreement.
10. Appointments shall be booked by the parent with whom the child is residing with during the time/day of the counselling appointment. The parent that books the appointment shall be responsible to transport the child to the appointment, and provide payment for the appointment at the session.
If you have any questions about our policy, please contact us (306.700.3141 or [email protected])
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* Adapted from the Saskatchewan Health Authority
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