Social Media Policy – CCPA Guidelines
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I use social media to educate, inform, and engage with the public. This policy explains how I interact online and how I maintain professional boundaries in accordance with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Code of Ethics.
Confidentiality
Your counselling relationship with me is strictly confidential. Exceptions occur only if:
I believe there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
The safety of a child or vulnerable person is at risk.
A legal obligation requires disclosure (e.g., court subpoena).
Social media is a public forum. Any information shared online may be visible to others, so please use discretion. I provide only general responses on social media and will invite you to private, secure communication channels (email, phone, video) for counselling-related discussions.
Social Media Interactions
Friend Requests & Following
I do not accept friend requests or follow current or former clients on social media.
You may follow my public business page for general content; I do not follow clients back.
Casual viewing of client social media without consent is avoided, except in rare emergencies where client safety is at stake.
Messaging & Posts
Social media messaging (direct messages, wall posts, comments) is not a secure medium for counselling.
Please do not share session details online. If urgent contact is required, email or phone are preferred.
Any public posts may inadvertently become part of a record; I will not engage in therapeutic discussion on public platforms.
Use of Search Engines & Online Information
I do not search for clients online under routine circumstances.
In exceptional cases (e.g., client safety concerns), limited searches may be conducted, documented, and discussed in sessions.
Reviews & Public Feedback
My practice may appear on public review sites. I do not solicit testimonials from clients.
Clients are encouraged to protect their privacy when posting online. If sharing, consider using pseudonyms or anonymous accounts.
Feedback about counselling should be discussed directly during sessions to maintain confidentiality and therapeutic integrity.
Professional Boundaries & Ethics
All online engagement with clients adheres to CCPA ethical standards regarding professional boundaries, dual relationships, and confidentiality.
Public social media interactions remain professional, informational, and educational.
Any client disclosures online should be brought into sessions for safe, ethical exploration.