Online Hypnosis Informed Consent
I feel it is important that you are aware of the unique benefits and risks of online hypnosis sessions. Please read this carefully and let me know if you have any questions. When you sign this document, it will represent an agreement between us.
Benefits and Risks of Online Hypnosis
Online hypnotherapy refers to providing hypnosis sessions remotely using telecommunications technologies, such as video conferencing. One of the benefits of online Hypnosis is that the client and hypnotist can engage in services without being in the same physical location. This can be helpful in ensuring continuity of care if the client or hypnotist moves to a different location, takes an extended vacation, or is otherwise unable to continue to meet in person. It is also more convenient and takes less time. Online hypnosis, however, requires technical competence on both our parts to be helpful. Although there are benefits of online Hypnosis, there are some differences between in-person hypnosis and online Hypnosis, as well as some risks. For example:
Risks to confidentiality.
Because online hypnosis sessions take place outside of the therapist’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear sessions if you are not in a private place during the session. On my end, I will take reasonable steps to ensure your privacy. But it is important for you to make sure you find a private place for our sessions where you will not be interrupted. It is also important for you to protect the privacy of our session on your cell phone or other devices. You should participate in online hypnosis only while in a room or area where other people are not present and cannot overhear the conversation.
Issues related to technology.
There are many ways that technology issues might impact online Hypnosis. For example, technology may stop working during a session, other people might be able to get access to our private conversation, or stored data could be accessed by unauthorized people or companies. Additionally, you may have to have certain computer or cell phone systems to use online Hypnosis services. You are solely responsible for any cost to you to obtain any necessary equipment, accessories, or software to take part in online Hypnosis.
Issues related to your environment
You agree that you will be in a quiet place free from distractions inside or outside (for example, loud music inside, equipment such as leaf blowers outside). If we are unable to do your session because of loud noise or other distractions, the session will end and be counted as a used session, i.e., if you have a 3, 6 or 12 session package, that session will count towards one of the sessions in that package. If you have paid for an individual session, the fee paid for that session is not refundable.
Online Confidentiality
I have a legal and ethical responsibility to make my best efforts to protect all communications that are a part of our online Hypnosis. However, the nature of electronic communications technologies is such that I cannot guarantee that our communications will be kept confidential or that other people may not gain access to our communications. I will try to use updated encryption methods, firewalls, and backup systems to help keep your information private, but there is a risk that our electronic communications may be compromised, unsecured, or accessed by others. You should also take reasonable steps to ensure the security of our communications (for example, only using secure networks for online sessions and having passwords to protect the device you use for online hypnosis sessions). The extent of confidentiality and the exceptions to confidentiality that were outlined for in-person Hypnosis still apply in online Hypnosis. Please let me know if you have any questions about exceptions to confidentiality.
Appropriateness of Online Hypnosis
From time to time, we may schedule in-person sessions to “check in” with one another. I will let you know if I decide that online hypnosis sessions are no longer the most appropriate form of treatment for you. We will discuss options of engaging in in-person counseling or referrals to another professional in your location who can provide appropriate services.
Assessing and evaluating threats and other emergencies can be more difficult when conducting online Hypnosis than in traditional in-person hypnosis. To address some of these difficulties, we will create an emergency plan before engaging in online Hypnosis services. I will ask you to identify an emergency contact person who is near your location and who I will contact in the event of a crisis or emergency to assist in addressing the situation. I will ask that you sign a separate authorization form allowing me to contact your emergency contact person as needed during such a crisis or emergency.
If the session is interrupted and you are not having an emergency, disconnect from the session and I will wait two (2) minutes and then re-contact you via the online platform on which we agreed to conduct your sessions. If you do not receive a call back within two (2) minutes, then email me and we will make appropriate arrangements.
If there is a technological failure and we are unable to resume the connection, you will only be charged the prorated amount of actual session time.