Counseling Services Terms & Conditions
I. Introduction
A. Purpose and Scope
These terms and conditions govern the provision of counseling services by Burçak Emel Balik Alav (hereinafter referred to as the “Counselor”) to you (hereinafter referred to as the “Client”).
B. Definitions
“Counselor” refers to Burçak Emel Balik Alav
“Client” refers to the individual receiving counseling services.
II. Counselor’s Credentials and Qualifications
A. Counselor’s Academic Background
Burçak Emel Balik Alav holds B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics (received from Yeditepe University – Istanbul, Türkiye in 2015), B.A. Psychology (received from Yeditepe University – Istanbul, Türkiye in 2016) and M.Sc. Applied Human Nutrition (received from McGill University – Montreal, Canada in 2018) as academic background.
B. Licensing and Accreditation
All the diplomas the Counselor have, are recognized by Charles University, Czech Republic. The Counselor has an active trade license (Burçak Emel Balik Alav, IČO:19764022, DIČ:CZ686726144) which allows the followings: 1) advisory and consulting activities, processing of professional studies and assessments, 2) psychological counseling and diagnostics in the territory of the Czech Republic. The Counselor has active memberships to professional associations related to her degrees both in the Czech Republic and in Türkiye.
C. Code of Ethics
The Counselor adheres to the ethical guidelines set forth by the Czech Code of Ethics of the Psychological Profession, and International Code of Ethics and Code of Good Practice by the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) while performing in the Czech Republic.
III. Client’s Rights and Responsibilities
A. Privacy and Confidentiality
All information disclosed in counseling sessions is strictly confidential, except specific situations where the Counselor may be legally obligated to breach confidentiality, such as:
- When a client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others.
- When there is a reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse.
- When it is ordered to release information by a court of law.
An informed consent agreement between a client and a psychologist governs any further information sharing.
B. Informed Consent
By engaging in counseling services, the Client acknowledges their understanding of the counseling process and its potential benefits and risks.
C. Attendance and Punctuality
The Client agrees to attend scheduled sessions promptly or provide at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellations or rescheduling.
D. Payment and Fees
Payment for consultancy services is made on the same day the service is received. Payment for any late cancellation fees is due at the start of your next scheduled session or at the end of the following week of previously scheduled session.
E. Cancellation and Rescheduling
The Client agrees to provide 24 hours’ notice for session cancellations. Missed appointments may be subject to a fee.
F. Termination of Services
Counseling services may be terminated by either the counselor or the client. The circumstances under which counseling services may be terminated include:
- Failure to adhere to the agreed-upon terms and responsibilities.
- Client’s decision to terminate services.
- Counselor’s inability to continue providing services due to unforeseen circumstances.
Clients can terminate counseling services at any time by providing written notice to their counselor.
G. Communication
The Client agrees to maintain open and honest communication with the Counselor.
H. Progress and Feedback
The Client is encouraged to provide feedback on the counseling process to enhance its effectiveness.
IV. Counseling Process
A. Initial Assessment
The Counselor will conduct an initial assessment to determine the Client’s needs and goals.
B. Treatment Plan
A treatment plan will be developed, outlining the counseling approach and goals.
C. Duration and Frequency of Sessions
The duration and frequency of counseling sessions will be agreed upon by both parties.
D. Modalities and Techniques
The Counselor will employ counseling techniques and modalities within her expertise as appropriate for the Client’s needs.
E. Crisis and Emergency Procedures
Procedures for handling crisis or emergency situations will be discussed and agreed upon.
V. Confidentiality and Privacy
A. Confidentiality Limits
The Client acknowledges that confidentiality may be limited in cases of harm to self, others, or child abuse.
B. Release of Information
The Counselor will not release any information about the Client without written consent, except as required by law.
C. Record Keeping
The Counselor maintains records of sessions, which are kept securely.
VI. Fees and Payment
A. Fee Structure
The fees for counseling services may change depending on the service that is provided. Fee payment details are as agreed upon.
B. Payment Methods
Payment can be made by cash or by transfer to the account associated with the identification number (IČO) of Burçak Emel Balik Alav (IČO:19764022) after the session has ended.
C. Sliding Scale or Reduced Fees
The Counselor may offer a sliding scale fee structure based on the Client’s financial situation.
VII. Cancellation and Rescheduling
A. Notice Period
The Client agrees to provide 24 hours’ notice for session cancellations or rescheduling.
B. Missed Appointments
Missed appointments without proper notice may be subject to a fee.
C. Emergency Cancellations
In case of emergencies, the Client is encouraged to notify the Counselor as soon as possible.
VIII. Termination of Services
A. Grounds for Termination
Termination of services may occur if progress is not being made or if there is a breach of these terms and conditions.
B. Termination Process
Counseling services may be terminated by either the counselor or the client. The circumstances under which counseling services may be terminated include:
- Failure to adhere to the agreed-upon terms and responsibilities.
- Client’s decision to terminate services.
- Counselor’s inability to continue providing services due to unforeseen circumstances.
Clients can terminate counseling services at any time by providing written notice to their counselor.
C. Referrals
If the Client requires specialized services, the Counselor will provide referrals to appropriate professionals.
IX. Client Records and Data Security
A. Record Keeping
The Counselor maintains records securely and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
B. Data Security
The Counselor takes appropriate measures to secure client data.
X. Complaints and Grievances
A. Procedure for Complaints
A procedure for addressing client complaints is available and will be provided upon request.
B. Resolution Process
The Counselor will work to resolve complaints in a timely and professional manner.
XI. Legal and Ethical Obligations
A. Mandatory Reporting
The Counselor is legally obligated to report instances of harm to self, others, or child abuse.
B. Duty to Warn
The Counselor has a duty to warn if the Client poses a threat to themselves or others.
C. Child Abuse Reporting
Suspected child abuse will be reported as required by law.
XII. Miscellaneous
A. Modification of Terms
These terms and conditions may be modified with mutual agreement between the Client and the Counselor.
B. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for any failure to perform their obligations due to unforeseen circumstances.
C. Entire Agreement
These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Counselor.
Thank you for your cooperation.