Art can permeate the very deepest part of us where no words exist

Disclosure Statement

Gabriella Rizkallah is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and a Professional Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). She holds a Master of Education with a concentration in Art Therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Gabriella operates independently through Nova Scotian Art Therapy, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling that integrates talk therapy with the creative therapeutic process. Her practice welcomes individuals of all ages and is inclusive of diverse populations, including neurodivergent individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, people of colour, and Mi’kmaq clients (Gabriella is an approved NIHB provider). She is also a registered provider with Nova Scotia Victim Services.

As a Lebanese Canadian with an understanding of the Arabic language, Gabriella brings a culturally affirming and sensitive lens to her work. Her practice is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where clients can explore healing through both words and art.

The NSCCT is the provincial regulatory body responsible for protecting the public by upholding ethical standards in the counselling therapy profession.

Learn more: https://nscct.ca

Privacy & Sharing of Information 

Clients consent to the collection and secure storage of personal and medical information for therapeutic purposes. Information may be shared with the client’s physician or other healthcare providers only when clinically necessary and with the client’s consent.

Liability Disclaimer

Clients acknowledge that Nova Scotian Art Therapy is not liable for:

• Any claims, damages, or demands arising from services received.
• Any bodily injury, illness, death, or property damage connected to the use of services.

This release of liability extends to the client’s heirs, family, and personal representatives.

Client Rights

Clients have the right to:

• Ask questions and receive information about therapeutic methods and goals.
• Seek a second opinion or end therapy at any time (a closing session is encouraged, but not required).
• Expect a professional relationship at all times. Any form of sexual or emotional intimacy is strictly prohibited and should be reported to the NSCCT immediately.
  Submit a concern: https://nscct.ca/contact/

Confidentiality

All session content is confidential, except in the following circumstances:

• Risk of harm to self or others.
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.
• Inability to care for oneself.
• When required by law (e.g., court subpoena).

Client records are stored securely and only shared with written consent. Clients acknowledge awareness of PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

Learn more: https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/

Technology & Communication

Nova Scotian Art Therapy uses PIPEDA-compliant platforms for virtual sessions. Email and text communication should be limited to scheduling or general inquiries, as they are not fully secure.

Care Outside Scheduled Sessions

Clients may reach out via phone, email, or text if in distress. For emergencies, contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Emergency Compliance

In an emergency, Nova Scotian Art Therapy may contact the client’s designated emergency contact. If unreachable, emergency services (911) may be contacted, and necessary medical treatment may be authorized.

Cancellation Policy

• Minimum 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.
• No-shows or late cancellations will be charged 50% of the session or workshop fee.
• A 3% processing fee applies to all refunds.
• Fees must be paid before future appointments.
• After two uncommunicated no-shows, the client’s file may be closed.

Social Media Policy

Nova Scotian Art Therapy uses social media for advocacy, education, and outreach. Social media interactions do not constitute a therapeutic relationship. Engaging with posts may compromise your privacy.

Therapeutic concerns will only be addressed in session, not via direct messages or comments. In a crisis, do not message via social media — please call emergency services.

Additional Resources

• Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA)
• Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT)
• Privacy Laws in Canada (PIPEDA)