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

Disclosure Statement

Gabriella Rizkallah of Nova Scotian Art Therapy holds an MEd with a concentration in Art Therapy (2019) from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Gabriella is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), which ensures public protection through upholding professional ethics and standards.

Supervisor Information: Karen Johnston-Hutchins (RCT) supervises Gabriella, maintains client confidentiality, and can be reached by email.

Terms & Conditions

PRIVACY & SHARING OF INFORMATION

Clients consent to the collection of personal and medical information for treatment purposes. Information may be shared with the client's family doctor or referring physician when necessary for beneficial treatment. All personal and medical information is kept confidential and disclosed only with the client’s permission

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

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

• Any personal representatives, claims, demands, damages, costs, or compensation related to services received.

• Any bodily injury, illness, death, or property damage that may arise in connection with services from Nova Scotian Art Therapy.This release discharges Nova Scotian Art Therapy from any claims by the client, their heirs, or representatives.

CLIENT RIGHTS

Clients have the right to:

• Receive information about therapy practices, techniques, and methods upon request.

• Seek a second opinion or terminate therapy at any time (a final closing session is recommended but not required).

• Expect a professional relationship; any form of sexual/emotional intimacy is strictly prohibited and should be reported to the NSCCT immediately (https://nscct.ca/contact/).

CONFIDENTIALITY

Session content is confidential, except when:

• A client poses a danger to themselves or others.- There is suspected child or elder abuse.

• A client is incapable of self-care.

• Required by law through a judicial subpoena. Medical records are securely maintained and accessible only with the client's written permission.
Clients acknowledge the receipt of information regarding the *Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)* and have had the opportunity to review it (https:/p/www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/r_o_p/).

TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION

Nova Scotian Art Therapy’s virtual technology is PIPEDA-compliant. However, emails and texts are not confidential and should include only basic information.

CARE OUTSIDE SCHEDULED SESSIONS

Clients may contact the therapist by email, call, or text if in crisis. For immediate care, call 911.

EMERGENCY COMPLIANCE

In an emergency, efforts will be made to contact the client's emergency contact or guardian. If unreachable, Nova Scotian Art Therapy may call 911 and authorize medical treatment as necessary.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

• Cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice.

• No-shows or late cancellations incur a non-refundable fee equal to 50% of the session/workshop cost.

• A 3% processing fee applies to all refunds.

• Fees must be settled before the next scheduled appointment.

• After two no-shows without communication, the client’s file may be terminated.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Nova Scotian Art Therapy uses social media for marketing, education, and advocacy. A social media presence does not replace a therapeutic relationship, nor does it provide mental health advice. Engaging with a therapist on social media does not establish a therapeutic relationship, and clients risk breaching their own confidentiality by interacting with social media posts.

Counselors will maintain professional boundaries. Therapeutic concerns should be discussed during sessions, not via direct messages or comments. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call emergency services.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

For more information on the complaint process, visit the NSCCT website (https://nscct.ca/).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

[Canadian Art Therapy Association](https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/)

[NSCCT](https://nscct.ca/)

[Privacy Laws in Canada](https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/02_05_d_15/)
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