This form is to be read and accepted by every client receiving counselling, or Guidance & Supervision session(s), from a therapist or trainer authorised by EMDRHK. By proceeding with the first session, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to everything below.
A. About EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful psychological treatment method. It has been proven to have a high success rate, within a relatively short time, in cases of post-traumatic stress (PTSD), the effects of recent trauma, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, troubling memories and thoughts (including sexual and physical abuse), and complicated grief.
B. Points to note
- Most clients experience relief or positive effects within a few EMDR sessions. Disturbing memories, images and thoughts, unpleasant physical sensations and painful emotions are significantly reduced, or may no longer be present.
- You may experience various physical and emotional sensations. This is normal.
- During or after EMDR sessions, related memories may come up, including flashbacks, feelings, sensations and dreams. As with any therapeutic approach, reprocessing traumatic memories can be uncomfortable. If a client does not tolerate EMDR well, the therapist may delay the EMDR process to prepare the client. The therapist and/or the client may also decide at any time not to continue with EMDR; there are no known adverse effects of stopping before the process is completed.
- Processing memories with EMDR may cause them to fade or become blurred.
C. Your declaration
- You will tell the full truth about what you are experiencing.
- You are prepared for some emotional disturbance during an EMDR session.
- After each session, you will follow the debriefing instructions given by the therapist.
- You have no known condition, history or medical risk that may endanger your health during or after a session (such as heart conditions, high blood pressure or occasional seizures). In any event, you will not hold the therapist responsible in any way for any medical situation that may occur during or after a session.
- Before the first session, you will tell the therapist about: any medication taken in the last 30 days (occasional painkillers or over-the-counter seasonal cold medication may be omitted); any past or present addictions (e.g. alcohol, drugs or other substances) — full confidentiality applies; any dissociative disorders (e.g. dissociative identity disorder), unexplained somatic symptoms, sleep problems, flashbacks, derealisation, depersonalisation, hearing voices, unexplained feelings, memory lapses, psychiatric hospitalisations, and/or any other psychological issues.
- You will not cause, directly or indirectly, the therapist to be required to testify in a court of law, or by affidavit, about information you have shared with the therapist.
D. Confidentiality
Everything you share with the therapist stays confidential, with two exceptions: (a) if you pose a serious risk to yourself, and (b) if a law of Hong Kong requires the therapist to breach confidentiality.
E. Cancelling a session
You may cancel a scheduled session at any time before it. Cancellation is free if you notify us by email or WhatsApp at least 24 hours before the session. For a no-show, or a cancellation less than 24 hours before the session, 60% of the session fee is payable. This applies to counselling sessions; Guidance & Supervision sessions follow the terms on the Supervision & Guidance page.