I understand the general benefits and intentions of Arts Therapy and Energy Healing, including the contraindications of the treatment. I understand that any therapy provided by Caris Pepper of ‘Caris Pepper Creative Therapies’ is not a substitute for medical treatment or medications, and that it is recommended that I concurrently work with my Primary Caregiver for any condition I may have. I declare all the information I have given is true and informed my therapist of all known medical conditions, physical and mental, and I will keep my therapist updated on any changes.

What is the purpose of this form?

This form provides you with information about participating in telehealth (online) creative arts therapy/ 1:! sessions. It outlines the potential benefits and risks and finally asks for your informed consent to participate. 

What is Telehealth Creative Arts Therapy?

Telehealth Arts Therapy is the use of telecommunication technologies such as real-time video conferencing, phone or email to provide creative arts therapy to clients. 

What does a telehealth consultation involve?

  • Your concerns and goals will be explored with your therapist through artistic or creative means such as drawing, painting, drama, writing or visual art.  Your therapist may also offer suggestions or themes for you to explore.
  • You may include a support person with you, as you might in a face-to-face consultation.
  • You are not permitted to video or audio record the consultation, unless your creative arts therapist gives you permission to do so.

What will I need to participate in a telehealth art therapy session?

  • For live video consultation you will require a computer, tablet, or smart phone with a camera and microphone and good internet connection.  
  • A safe and private space where you will be free from interruptions during your session. Using headphones aids confidentiality.
  • Some basic art supplies such paper, pencils, textas or pastels as discussed with your therapist.

What are the potential benefits of telehealth?

  • Improve access to creative arts therapy services
  • Reduce your need for travel
  • Reduce your exposure to infectious disease
  • Potentially allow you to continue your therapeutic work and health goals 

What are the potential risks of telehealth?

  • Therapy may be negatively impacted by technical problems, such as delays and drop outs due to technology failures
  • Not offer the same visual and sound quality for relating and creative art making
  • Not feel the same as an onsite session
  • May not be suitable for clients with sensory processing issues or those who are not comfortable with technology.
  • Increase exposure to privacy and digital security risks (see next section)

How will my privacy be protected?

This practice is committed to complying with PACFA’s code of ethics and the relevant government privacy acts in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. This includes consultations conducted via telehealth. The creative arts therapist must maintain confidentiality and privacy standards during sessions, and in creating, keeping and transmitting records. 

While the creative arts therapist is obligated to meet standards to protect your privacy and security, telehealth therapy may increase exposure to hacking and other online risks. As with all online activities, there is no guarantee of complete privacy and security protection. However, you may decrease the risk by using a secure internet connection, meeting with the arts therapist from a private location, and only communicating using secure channels. More specific details on how to protect your privacy online can be found in the Australian Government publication Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know

In group situations, your personal information is not disclosed to other recipients that are not shared as a part of the group.

Caris Pepper Creative Therapies has a Privacy Policy that is available on the website www.carispepper.com. This policy provides guidelines on the collection, use, disclosure and security of your information. The Privacy Policy contains information on how you may request access to, and correction of, your personal information and how you may complain about a breach of your privacy and how we will deal with such a complaint.

What does informed consent mean?

There are a few important principles related to informed consent:

  • You must be given relevant information. Ask the creative arts therapist if you have questions about telehealth and the services offered.
  • You have the right to understand the information. Ask the creative arts therapist for more information if you do not understand.
  • You have the right to choose. If you do not agree to telehealth, you may decline to participate. You may agree to or decline specific activities within the session.
  • You have the right to stop using telehealth anytime. You can change your mind about telehealth or a specific activity, even in the middle of a session.
  • You can agree or decline in writing or verbally. You may give your consent using the form below. You may also give consent or change your mind by telling the creative arts therapist. Consent and refusal that you give verbally will be documented by the therapist.
  • You can ask about alternatives to telehealth. If you decline or change your mind about telehealth services, your creative arts therapist will discuss any other options with you. The therapist may or may not be able to offer alternative services.

The Relationship

The Client enters into sessions with the understanding that the Client is responsible for creating his or her own decisions and results. As requested, you may be given specific advice or suggestions; however, the Client agrees it is ultimately their own responsibility for making decisions to determine the best course of action.

Confidentiality

The content of these sessions will be kept confidential unless it has been identified that your safety or another’s safety is at risk. 

Notes of our sessions will be kept in a secure place. These notes will not be accessed by anyone else, except for the trainee art therapist, and will be kept for the purposes of continuity of care and as a learning tool for the therapist.

Your sessions may be recorded as a method of note taking (client information is protected under the 1988 privacy act). I am not permitted in any way to edited or modify these recordings without consent of Caris Pepper. 

Your consent will be obtained if you wish for any of the content of your sessions to be communicated to another person/organisation.

Indemnification

The Client shall indemnify and hold Caris Pepper harmless from any loss or liability arising from actions taken or situations created as a result of subsequent sessions.

Scheduling and Cancellation Policy

Payments for sessions are to be pre-paid. Payments can be made via bank transfer. Ongoing sessions can be paid for in session for the next booking.

Rescheduling a pre-paid session must occur within 7 days of the original booking.
You may only reschedule a pre-booked session once.
If you are unable to attend you rescheduled session, you will forfeit your payment.

24hrs notice is required to be eligible to reschedule your session or cancel without forfeiting your appointment fee. You must request a refund in writing to [email protected]. Please include your bank details with your request. A $50 administration fee applies.
**Please note that emergency cancellations are determined at the therapist’s
discretion.