Ethics of care
Regulatory Bodies
To give you the best possible care, I follow the rules and standards set by professional organizations in Canada. These groups help make sure that people working in mental health—like me—are doing things the right way. They focus on safety, ethics, up-to-date training, and quality care.
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Here are the main organizations I am connected with as I work toward becoming a registered psychologist in Alberta:
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
The CPA is a national group that supports psychology in Canada. It helps guide research, education, and therapy practices across the country. It was officially formed in 1939 and originally helped support Canada's efforts during World War II. Today, it works to improve mental health care by supporting psychologists and sharing knowledge with the public. Even though being a member of the CPA is voluntary, it helps me stay informed and connected to the larger psychology community.
College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
The CAP is the official group that regulates psychologists in Alberta. That means it sets the rules for who can work as a psychologist and makes sure the public is protected. CAP also checks that all psychologists follow strong ethical standards and keep learning throughout their careers. Being part of CAP is required for anyone who wants to work as a licensed psychologist in Alberta.
Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT)
CACBT is a group that focuses on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a kind of talk therapy that helps people with things like stress, anxiety, and depression. This organization trains therapists, shares new research, and provides certification for those who use CBT. I’m involved with CACBT because I use CBT methods in my work and want to keep learning and improving.
Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT)
CACFT supports therapists who work with couples and families. The Alberta branch offers resources, community, and ethical guidelines to help us provide the best support for relationship-based therapy. The group started in 1995 and focuses on setting high standards for family and couple therapy in Canada. This helps me grow in my work with people in relationships, families, and close-knit communities.
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Ethics FAQ
Questions?
1.Are my sessions with you completely confidential?
Yes—confidentiality is one of the most important parts of the therapy I offer. As someone who grew up in a small rural community where privacy was hard to come by, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to open up to someone. That’s why I create a space where your trust is protected and respected at every step.
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I follow the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) standards closely. These include Standard 12: Protecting Client Confidentiality and Standard 3: Informed Consent. This means I will explain all the limits to confidentiality before we begin, make sure you understand your rights, and only share your information with others if you provide written, signed consent. You will always know how your information is stored, who can see it, and what your choices are.
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The only times I may need to break confidentiality are when the law requires it—for example, if someone is in immediate danger. I’ll always do my best to speak with you openly if that ever happens. Your privacy isn’t just a legal responsibility to me—it’s a personal commitment rooted in my own values of respect, safety, and human dignity.
2. What if you and I have very different beliefs about religion or politics?
It’s completely okay if we don’t share the same beliefs. I come from a non-religious background, but I’ve taken courses in theology and deeply respect the role of spirituality in people’s lives. I’ve also seen how religion and politics can be sources of strength for some people—and pain for others. My role is not to judge but to understand.
I follow CAP Standard 19: Diversity and Cultural Competency, which means I respect all people regardless of their culture, faith, political views, gender, or background. I also follow Standard 21: Conscientious Objection, which states that psychologists must not let their own beliefs interfere with client care.
My personal experiences have shown me how powerful it is to be heard without judgment. I want you to feel free to speak openly, whether your beliefs are similar to mine or not. You deserve a space where your voice matters and your experiences are honoured, no matter who you are or where you come from.
3.If I share that I am having an affair, will you inform my partner?
5.If I admit to a serious crime, will you inform the police?
This is an important question. In most cases, what you share in therapy will remain private. But there are a few exceptions where the law requires me to report certain information—such as if someone is in immediate danger or if a court order demands it. This is not about judgment—it’s about safety and legal responsibility.
According to CAP Standard 12.12, I may have to release confidential information if required by a court or by law. I also follow Standard 17.1: Duty to Report, which requires me to report things like child abuse, elder abuse, or threats of serious harm to yourself or others. If this ever came up, I would do my best to explain the situation and involve you in the process.
Personally, I don’t take these decisions lightly. My goal is always to support you while also protecting others from harm. I’ve been in crisis-response roles before, and I know how complicated these situations can be. You can trust that I will handle anything you share with care, clarity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
If you choose to tell me something personal—like having an affair—during individual therapy, that information will be kept strictly confidential. I will not share what you say with your partner or anyone else without your clear, informed, and written consent. This is part of my commitment to building trust, and it is also required by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), under Standard 12: Protecting Client Confidentiality. Specifically, Standard 12.3 states that psychologists may only share information with someone else when the client provides informed, signed, and dated consent that outlines what can be shared, with whom, and for how long.
That said, if we are working together in couple or relationship therapy, the dynamic is a little different. I still protect your confidentiality—but I also have a responsibility to ensure that therapy remains safe, fair, and helpful for both partners. That’s why CAP also includes Standards 12.7 and 12.8, which require psychologists to explain how confidentiality works when more than one person is involved. Before we begin couples work, I will clearly talk with both of you about what can and can’t be kept private, and we’ll agree on the terms together.
In situations where a significant secret—like an affair—comes up during individual sessions in the middle of couples work, I will not break your trust by disclosing it. However, I may pause or reconsider continuing joint sessions until that information is addressed openly. This isn’t about judgment. It’s about making sure that therapy is honest, respectful, and emotionally safe for both people. In many cases, I will gently encourage you to consider how sharing the information may actually strengthen the relationship and lead to more meaningful work in therapy.
Ultimately, my approach is guided by both professional ethics and human compassion. I believe deeply in the power of honest connection—and that healing happens when we create space for truth, accountability, and care. My job is to support you, not to make decisions for you, and I will walk beside you every step of the way as you navigate those choices.
Yes, absolutely! I encourage the use of video or phone sessions if that makes therapy more accessible for you. I know from experience how hard it can be to get support when you live in a rural area or have a busy schedule. When I was working in remote oil field camps and EMS, I learned just how valuable it is to have flexible, accessible care.
That said, I also take your safety and privacy seriously. I follow CAP's guidelines for distance therapy (Standard 6.1.1–6.1.3). This includes making sure I use secure platforms, explaining any risks that come with using technology, and making sure you understand how we’ll protect your information. I also follow Standard 7.6, which covers how electronic records are stored and backed up securely.
If online therapy is more comfortable or easier for you, I will make sure we do it in a way that feels safe, private, and effective. My goal is to meet you where you are, both emotionally and literally—whether that's in an office, on a laptop, or over the phone.
Thank you once again for visiting my site. I hope you found the information helpful, and I’m here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I look forward to connecting with you!