Before you register I'd recommend you look over my policies to make sure you are comfortable with how I do my work.

Confidentiality

Counseling depends on you trusting that whatever is said in my office will never be shared with any other person(s) without your written permission. There are some limits to confidentiality under the law. These are:

• If I believe you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person, I may take action necessary to protect you or others by contacting law enforcement officers or a physician.
  
• If I have cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected, I am required by law to make a report to the appropriate state agency.
  
• If I have cause to believe that an elderly person has been or may be abused or neglected, I am required by law to make a report to the appropriate state agency.
  
• If you disclose that another counselor in the state of Texas has behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner, I must report this to the state licensing board (your identity may remain anonymous at your request)
  
• If your medical records are requested by a valid subpoena or court order, I must respond (Note: I keep very simple notes in the medical record. The law allows me to keep a second set of personal notes which are not subject to subpoena.)
  
• If you are a minor (under the age of 18), then parents and/or legal guardians have a legal right to know the contents of counseling sessions. However, I am committed to maintaining confidentiality in my work with children and teenagers to the same degree as in my work with adults. I will break confidentiality if I believe there is a risk of harm to the client or someone else. Beyond this, I will encourage a minor client to share information with parents/guardians if I believe it is critical.

Expectations

You'll be asked to agree to the following:

• Attending sessions (I understand that if I do not give Wes a 24-hour notice in canceling an appointment he can charge a fee for the missed appointment).
  
• Voicing my opinions, thoughts, and feelings honestly and openly, whether negative or positive.
  
• Being actively involved during sessions.
  
• Engaging in “experiments” outside of therapy if and when they are recommended. This usually involves experimenting with new behaviors and new ways of doing things.
  
• Taking medications, if prescribed by a medical doctor, as they are prescribed (and discussing any ideas for changing medications with the doctor).
  
• I also understand that, to a large degree, my progress depends on the amount of energy and effort I make. If it is not working, I will discuss it with Wes. In short, I make a commitment to living a full and meaningful life. I have read the policies and procedures and I am willing to work with Wes accordingly. I have carefully considered the commitment to treatment statement and I am willing to make this commitment.​