Social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and others offer opportunities for connection and communication, but they also present unique challenges and risks within the context of counseling.

 

The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) requires Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) who use social media to have a social media policy. Please review this policy to understand how your counsellor will interact with you online.

 

Friending

Your counsellor does not accept friend or contact requests from any clients (past or present) on social networking sites. This is to protect your privacy and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

 

Following

Your counsellor operates public social media accounts where they post relevant mental health and wellness content. There is no obligation or expectation for clients to follow or interact with any of these accounts. Clients are welcome to use their own discretion in choosing whether to follow or interact with these accounts but should be aware that their confidentiality may be compromised. It is also possible that a third party may assume that a connection exists between the client and the counsellor. Please note that your counsellor will not follow you back.

 

Interacting

Please do not use messaging on social media sites to contact your counsellor. These sites are not secure and engaging with your counsellor through posts, @replies or direct messages could compromise your confidentiality. If you send a message, please note that your counsellor will not respond. If you need to contact your counsellor between sessions, please do so by phone or email.

 

Testimonials / Review Sites

The BCACC strictly prohibits RCCs from soliciting reviews or testimonials from clients. If you come across this counselling practice on sites where online client reviews are possible, please know that this was not sent by your counsellor and is not a request for a testimonial, review, or rating.

 

Part of a counsellor’s obligation to their client is to keep the counselling relationship confidential. Clients are not bound by the same expectation and may share/discuss the counselling relationship as much or as little as they wish. While you have the right to review this counselling practice as you would any other business, it is important to be aware that this type of review is likely to compromise your privacy. You can make this choice, however your counsellor cannot and will therefore not respond to your review in any way. Should you have feedback or concerns, the best way to have these addressed is to discuss them with your counsellor directly.

 

Searching / Safety

In the rare circumstance that there is a concern for your imminent safety and your counsellor is unable to reach you by all other possible means, they may use search engines or social media to attempt to locate you. This is the only situation in which your counsellor would use these methods to look up your information.

If you have questions or concerns about any of these policies and procedures or regarding potential interactions online, please bring them to your counsellor’s attention.