Policies for Distance Sessions
General
Distance sessions are held online as either a voice or video call through either WhatsApp or Signal. It is up to the client to decide whether or not to use video, but the use of video does have heavier internet requirements.
Payment
The session must be paid in advance through a Wise account or bank transfer, either direct or through Xoom, etc. (account details will be given once the session is scheduled and medium of payment clarified). The use of PayPal is discouraged, though it is an option. If PayPal is used there will be a 15% surcharge appended to the session fee.
Rescheduling
I ask that when necessary, clients reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations between 48 and 24 hours will incur a charge of 50% of the standard fee. Cancellations on the same day or no-shows will incur a full charge for a standard session.
Being Late
I allot a specific time frame to each client. If a client is late to the session there is no extension to the time frame allotted. If I am late for any reason, then the time I am late will be made up.
Requirements
The entire session is dependent on communication. In order to ensure that the session can proceed without technical difficulties, the following requirements are necessary:
-
Access to a stable internet connection for the duration of the session.
-
Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with decent speakers/headphones, microphone and camera if it is going to be a video call.
-
Due to faulty noise cancellation technology, especially on Apple devices, I ask that a working and stable headset or earbuds with microphone be used instead of the native speaker on these devices. Otherwise much of the time of the session is wasted on repeating many times what was just said.
-
Enough fluency in either English or Spanish so that communication and understanding is not an issue.
Technical Difficulties
If the session cannot be held or is interrupted by technical difficulties beyond the control of the client or myself, then the session will be rescheduled. It is up to the client to ensure that the appropriate software is installed and ready for use before each session. Likewise, it is up to the client to have enough of a working proficiency of the necessary hardware and software in order for the session to take place without hindrances. Session time that is used attending to technical difficulties that fall within the responsibility of the client will not be made up. Likewise, if a session cannot proceed due to faulty equipment or internet instability that falls within the responsibility of the client, the session will be charged as normal.
Client Confidentiality
All of the standard rules, laws and practices for client confidentiality apply for distance sessions. No session shall ever be recorded by any means by the therapist, unless expressly asked to do so by the client, and then only for the duration stated by the client under the conditions given by the client and under the explicit knowledge of the client. The client may record the session at their discretion.
Client Anonymity
For distance sessions, the client has the option of being as anonymous as she or he wants, for whatever reasons she or he may have or wish to do so. The client has the option of having a voice only call with no video. The client may use a pseudonym instead of a real name. The client may change the names of places or people at their discretion. The use of any anonymizing software is purely at the client's discretion and under their responsibility.
The session lasts for an hour.
The first session is an interview where the client sees if the therapist is appropriate for his or her needs and the therapist assesses whether or not he is able and willing to continue working with the client. This should in no way be taken as a measure of how "difficult" a person or case may be. There are many reasons why a therapist may feel uncomfortable with taking on a client and part of the profession is being able to identify and recognize these. Likewise, there are many reasons why a client may not feel comfortable working with a certain therapist.
The first session is charged normally, regardless of whether or not the client and therapist decide to continue the therapy, and, like all sessions, must be paid in advance.
Sessions are generally held once a week. This gives the client enough time to process the work. During times of crisis, urgency or when time is limited, sessions may be held more frequently. Due to the nature of the process, it is advisable that a discipline be formed around it and that, when possible, the sessions are held on the same day at the same time every week.
If you choose to be anonymous for distance psychotherapy, I only ask that you inform me that you are doing so and that the reason(s) for doing so eventually be discussed and explored when the time is right. I will not try to dissuade you or make you change your mind about this decision.
The session lasts for about an hour, but may stretch a bit further. It is also possible that a session may be shorter. This is entirely dictated by the dream itself.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further doubts or inquiries.
