Policies and Procedures
Jillian Bagan Art Therapy & Counselling Services
Our Commitment to Inclusive, Ethical, and Accessible Care
At Jillian Bagan Art Therapy, we are dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals. Guided by core values of respect, integrity, and equity, we prioritize the well-being of our clients and the ethical delivery of services.
We embrace diversity in all forms, practicing cultural humility through ongoing self-examination of our values, assumptions, beliefs, and privileges. By reflecting on how these factors influence our work, we strive to build authentic and equitable therapeutic relationships with every client.
We recognize the profound impact of structural and systemic oppression, including racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, transmisogyny, and other forms of harassment. These behaviors will not be tolerated within our practice. We are committed to creating an environment that is affirming and supportive of clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and intersecting identities.
In our practice, we actively address the barriers faced by marginalized communities. We are particularly mindful of the unique challenges experienced by Indigenous clients and those navigating oppressive systems. Through culturally informed, anti-racist care, we aim to foster a safer and more collaborative therapeutic experience for clients from all backgrounds.
We recognize that individual needs vary widely, and we strive to offer accommodations and advocacy to support clients in meaningful ways. Whether addressing physical accessibility, offering flexible scheduling, or tailoring therapeutic approaches, we work collaboratively to ensure that each client feels supported, empowered, and respected throughout their healing journey.
Additionally, we encourage open communication and welcome feedback about how our practices and policies can better affirm and support your needs. If impairment or barriers arise in the course of our work together, we are committed to addressing them directly and advocating for remedies or accommodations where possible.
We are truthful, accurate, and clear in all communications, respecting and supporting each client’s ability to make informed judgments and choices. Misrepresentations are addressed promptly, ensuring transparency and trust in every interaction.
Rooted in privacy, confidentiality, and ethical integrity, we safeguard your information while working to address systemic barriers. Through our commitment to cultural humility and anti-oppressive practices, we strive to ensure that clients from all marginalized communities have access to relevant, affirming, and culturally informed care.
Through ongoing self-reflection, professional development, and a commitment to equity, we continue to enhance our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients while upholding the highest standards of care.
Confidentiality
Any information about the client or sessions is held with utmost confidentially. Limitations to confidentiality include: communication of a threat (in the case of imminent danger for yourself or for people you know), court order, complying with the law, or continued treatment. Anything else would only be released with written and signed consent by the client or client's guardian. In addition, to best meet client needs and to continue to grow in this professional, clinical counsellors consult and train with colleagues who are bound by the same limits to confidentiality and rules. Should it be needed, the clinical counsellor may share information about the client, art work, and clinical file, however identifying details are removed or changed to the extent possible. Please note that if the client or guardian chooses to contact the counsellor via the internet, text or shares personal information through online forms, the counsellor is unable to guarantee complete confidentiality. Please keep this in mind when communicating with the clinical counsellor outside of session. Collection and Storage of Personal Information The Counsellor will maintain records of our counselling session in compliance with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and British Columbia Art Therapy Association (BCATA) guidelines. Should the client engage in Online Counselling, the client understands that the Counsellor will attempt to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality possible, however, since the session will be conducted over video calling or phone call, this cannot be guaranteed. The same applies if Counsellor engages in Online consultations or trainings. Clients are encouraged to close other programs on their computer while in a video session, plan ahead to minimize distractions, and not answer calls or text messages while on the call. We also encourage clients to use a quiet room alone with the door closed. Headphones may be used to increase privacy of session. Regardless of the Client’s location, the client understands that the Counsellor is domiciled in Canada and that the counselling service provided falls under the laws and jurisdiction of Canada.
Services, Risks and Benefits
Counselling is the skilled and principled use of a client-therapist relationship to facilitate self-knowledge, emotional acceptance and growth and the optimal development of personal resources. The overall aim of counsellors is to provide an opportunity for people to work towards living more satisfyingly and resourcefully. Counselling addresses wellness, relationships, personal growth, mental health and any psychological issues. Person-Centred and Humanistic Approach combines the use of non-authoritative and positive approaches, which focuses on a person’s individual nature and allows the clients to take more of a lead in therapy so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions and use their personal instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment within themselves. Art Therapy is another form of communication in counselling. The Art Therapist offers a safe and non-judgemental space for clients to express themselves and work through difficult emotions using creativity and wide variety of art-making. Art Therapy aims to resolve internal conflicts or issues of lived experience. It also aims to help in developing strategic and healthy ways of copying with difficult situations. Art Therapy and/or Counselling has many benefits that help improve an individual’s psychological health and emotional well-being. These include: - Providing a safe space to process difficult feelings, life transitions, and daily struggles. - Offering individuals a visual means of expression when thoughts cannot be verbally articulated - Developing healthy coping strategies and internal resources - Facilitating healthy boundaries - Providing an external outlet to process traumatic experiences while releasing tension. Risks of Art Therapy and/or counselling can include evoking strong emotions or difficult memories, when you’re addressing some core issues it can be painful and distressing, changes in self-awareness, and different ways of relating to others.
Additional Rights of a Client
Clients working with a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors also have the right to: - To withdraw consent from therapy at any time. Please provide this withdrawal in writing wherever possible. Please understand that revoking consent is not valid to the extent that parties have acted in reliance on such authorization. - The right to refuse any particular counselling interventions. A client's clinical counsellor may have ideas about interventions or directives that can be used to help but will always trust the client's knowing and intuition. - The right to then file a written complaint against your Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC if you have a concern and are not satisfied that your Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) has addressed that concern. The client's experience of therapy is important to us. We encourage all clients to provide feedback if they are choosing to invoke their rights.
Cancellation Policy
If a client arrives late for their session, they will be charged for the full session. If the client is unable to attend a session, it is the client’s or guardian's responsibility to inform the counsellor 24 hours in advance so that the counsellor can make that time available to others. A cancellation fee up to the amount due for the session may be charged in case of a no show or late cancellation and the client consents to be billed for the same.
Fees and Payments
The rate for Art Therapy and/or counselling sessions will be agreed upon in discussion with the client's clinician. Sessions can be paid for by e-transfer to jillianbaganarttherapy@gmail.com and can be made before or after the scheduled session. In order to not fall behind in payments, we ask that the balance is paid before the next scheduled session. Once a payment is received a receipt will be issued. Please allow up to 3 days to receive a receipt. If you have not received a receipt within 3 days or you need a receipt sooner than 3 days please let us know. BC Medical Services Plan does not provide coverage for clinical counselling. However, a portion or the entirety of your counselling costs may be covered under you (or your family's) Extended Health Plan. In order to find out if this is possible, check with your medical plan provider to see if you can apply for reimbursement. It is your responsibility to inquire with your provider about access to coverage for counselling sessions, as well as the process of reimbursement. Anything over and above this reimbursement can be included in your income tax as a medical expense. The receipt issued can be used for insurance or tax purposes. Visa payment options are available on a case-by-case basis. Jillian Bagan Art Therapy reserves the right to charge cards on file for any outstanding payments.
Adult Emergency Policy
If you ever experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, your safety is the priority. Here’s what to expect if you share this with me during a session: Low Risk (Vague thoughts or feelings of hopelessness): We’ll talk about how you’re feeling, and if you're not actively considering harming yourself, we’ll continue the session. Mid Risk (Thoughts with a plan): We’ll discuss whether you have access to means of harm. If not, I’ll help you create a safety plan, and we’ll work together on strategies to get you through the week. High Risk (Clear plan and means): If I assess you’re at high risk, confidentiality may no longer be assured. I’ll work with you to get the help you need immediately, including notifying emergency contacts if necessary, and may refer you to higher levels of care. Acute Risk (Immediate danger): If you’re in immediate danger, I’ll call 911 or the crisis team right away and stay with you until help arrives. Follow-Up Support After a suicide risk situation, we’ll continue to monitor and support you in future sessions. If needed, I’ll help connect you to additional mental health resources.
Child Emergency
Policy
If a child discloses thoughts of self-harm or suicide during a session, their safety and well-being will always be the top priority. Here’s how the process works: Low Risk (Vague thoughts or feelings of hopelessness): We’ll discuss the child’s feelings and assess the situation. Parents will be notified after the session via a follow-up call to discuss any concerns and ensure ongoing support. Mid Risk (Thoughts with a plan): I will talk with the child about the plan and assess if they have access to means. Parents will be immediately notified and involved in the conversation to help develop a safety plan and provide support. High Risk (Clear plan and means): If the child is at high risk, I will notify the parents immediately and work with them to ensure safety. A safety plan will be created, and appropriate referrals for additional help will be made. Acute Risk (Immediate danger): If the child is in immediate danger, I will call 911 or emergency services right away. Parents will be notified and involved in the process, and I will remain with the child until help arrives. Follow-Up Support After a suicide risk situation, follow-up sessions will focus on monitoring the child’s mental health and adjusting the safety plan as needed. I will continue to work closely with the parents to ensure the child’s ongoing safety. Disclosure of Child Abuse If a child discloses any form of abuse, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, I am legally and ethically required to report this information to the appropriate authorities. This may include child protective services or law enforcement. Immediate Action: If the disclosure involves ongoing or past abuse, I will take action immediately to ensure the child’s safety. Parental Involvement: In most cases, I will inform the parents about the disclosure, unless it is determined that notifying them would put the child at further risk. Confidentiality: While confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy, it does not extend to situations where a child’s safety is at risk. In such cases, I will inform the child of my duty to report and ensure they understand why it’s necessary.
Crisis Intervention
I do not offer on-call crisis intervention services. However, for immediate assistance in emergency situations, please contact the following resources: For Adult Clients: If you are experiencing a crisis, you can reach out to the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433 or text 45645 for immediate support. You may also consider contacting Here2Talk at 1-877-857-3397, a confidential service offering 24/7 support for mental health and wellness. For Parent/Guardian Support (If Applicable): For parents and guardians of children, you can contact the Parents’ Legal Education and Awareness (PLEO) Hotline at 1-855-775-7005 for urgent support related to child and youth mental health.