The Comfort Couch

RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THERAPY

Therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. Progress and success can vary based on the specific issues being addressed and many other factors. Participating in therapy can bring numerous benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, better relationships with others, fewer negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors, improved interpersonal relationships, greater comfort in school, social, work, and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and higher self-confidence. Achieving these benefits often requires effort on your part, including active participation, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Keep in mind, there is no guarantee that therapy will yield all or any of these benefits.

Therapy might also bring some discomfort, as it often involves discussing unpleasant memories, feelings, and experiences. This process can evoke strong emotions such as sadness, anger, or fear. There may be times when your perceptions and assumptions are challenged, and different perspectives are offered. The issues you bring up in therapy might lead to unexpected changes in personal relationships. It’s important to understand that any decisions about your personal relationships are your responsibility. Many clients find that they feel worse before they start to feel better, which is generally a normal part of the process. Personal growth and change can sometimes be quick and easy, but can also be slow and frustrating. Feel free to discuss any concerns about your progress during your sessions. If you are a parent or representative of a client, there are limits to what will be discussed during treatment. These expectations will be clarified with you before therapy begins.

LENGTH AND NUMBER OF SESSIONS

Each therapy session will last 45 minutes.

If you feel you need more time, you can request additional 30-minute increments or even a double session (90 minutes) after discussing it with your therapist.

Please note that any extra time beyond the standard 45-minute session will incur additional charges. These charges will be communicated to you in the informed consent and when you book the extra time.

CONSENT TO THERAPY

Before we begin the therapy process, you will receive a consent form. This form represents an agreement between you (the client) and The Comfort Couch.

By signing this consent form, you willingly agree to receive mental health assessment, care, treatment, or services, and you authorize us to provide the care, treatment, or services that we believe are necessary and helpful. Signing this form means you understand and agree to participate in planning your care, treatment, or services, and that you have the freedom to stop them at any time. It also confirms that you have read and understood all the terms and information provided.

Any person who displays lewd or indecent behavior or makes the therapist feel uncomfortable or unsafe, the therapist then reserves the right to discontinue therapy to prioritize their mental health and sense of security.

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY

To confirm the session, an advance payment at the time of booking OR at least 24hrs before of the session is required. Session is considered booked only after payment has been made.

It is the client’s responsibility to inform the counsellor if they want to cancel/reschedule the session. If the client cancels/reschedules their appointment 12 hours before the scheduled time, no amount will be charged.

If the client cancels/reschedules after 12-hour window has passed, half (50%) of the fee paid for the session will be charged. The remaining can be refunded or carried over for booking of the next session. NO REFUNDS will be available if sessions are cancelled or rescheduled less than 12 hours prior to the session start time and the session will be considered as a last minute cancellation.

If the client does not join the session within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time , the session will be considered as a no-show and no refunds/ reschedules will be possible. A new slot will have to be booked and payment is to be made again to confirm the new slot.

In cases of unforeseeable circumstances, if the client cancel/reschedule or is a no-show no amount will be charged.

*note that you will not get a refund for a session that you miss without informing your therapist. Since that would be time allocated to you by your therapist.*

PAYMENT

The UPI id for payments for all sessions is: ananyaroy0610@okaxis

Bank Details

You can pay via bank transfer to the details below.

Account Holders Name : Ananya Roy 

Account No : 051499000001392

Account Type : Savings

Bank Name: YES Bank

IFSC Code : YESB0000994

Please share the screenshot on our WhatsApp (+919871641147) once you complete the transaction.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is an important part of the sessions. Discussions that happen in the sessions (including scheduling of or attendance at appointments, content of sessions, progress in counselling, and records) are completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone unless mandated by law. However, this confidentiality may be broken in following scenarios:

• Instances when the client presents a serious danger of physical violence to self or another person. You will be informed about this beforehand in case this situation arises. (Providing an emergency  contact in the consent form is mandatory for the same reason)
• Information released to other professionals involved in the treatment. Rest assured, your identity will not be revealed
• If they disclose abuse/neglect of another person
• Upon the issuance of a court order or wherever it is legally required.

Online Sessions:

•  Online sessions have their own limitations as compared to in-person therapy and some details could potentially be missed out despite the therapist’s best efforts. 
• The client agrees to use a secure connection for the sessions in a relatively quiet and private space.
• The client understands that despite safety measures taken, there are chances for breach in security in technology. In such instances, neither the client nor the therapist will be held responsible for the breach.
• The client understands that the proceedings of these sessions are not to be recorded, shared or disseminated by them or their relatives/ other contacts to any third person or through social media.

INTERACTION BEYOND SESSIONS

Our relationship will be a professional and therapeutic one. To maintain this important dynamic, it’s essential that we do not engage in any other type of relationship. Personal or business relationships can affect the effectiveness of therapy. While I genuinely care about helping you, I am not in a position to be your friend or to have social or personal relationships with you. Therefore, exchanging gifts, bartering, or trading services is not allowed. Therapy is designed to help you become more independent and self-reliant.

Please note that any information available on The Comfort Couch website or social media is intended for general awareness and is not a substitute for therapy or a helpline.

HARM TO ONESELF

Suicide, or ending one’s life, is a deeply tragic event that profoundly impacts both survivors and the families of the victims. Therapists strive to prevent such unfortunate occurrences. However, due to the impulsive nature of suicide and its unpredictability, neither the therapist nor The Comfort Couch can be held responsible for such events.
It is important to understand that The Comfort Couch is not a crisis intervention center and does not offer emergency services. The services are provided only during scheduled sessions. In the event of an emergency, clients must utilize local and available emergency resources.