These Terms and Conditions outline the framework, responsibilities, and limitations of the online counselling and psychotherapy services provided by Shuchi Sen. By booking a session and checking the consent box, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following terms.
Counselling and psychotherapy provide a safe, confidential space to explore personal, emotional, and relational challenges. The therapist's role is to support this process without judgment or directive advice. Goals are mutually agreed upon and revisited throughout the process. If it is determined that your needs exceed the scope of these services, an appropriate referral may be recommended.
Clients must be 18 years or older. It is your responsibility to ensure you are in a private, safe, and interruption-free environment for each session. This supports both your well-being and the confidentiality of the therapeutic process.
Sessions are conducted with professionalism and respect. Clients are asked to refrain from attending under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
While all reasonable measures are taken to protect your confidentiality, online communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) may carry inherent risks due to differing encryption policies. Confidentiality is maintained to the extent permitted by these platforms. The therapist is not liable for data breaches or cyber incidents beyond their control.
Confidentiality may be breached under the following conditions:
In these cases, the therapist may contact emergency services or your designated emergency contact. Efforts will be made to discuss this with you beforehand wherever possible.
To protect both client and therapist confidentiality, audio and video recording of sessions is strictly prohibited. By booking a session, you agree to this policy.
Online therapy is not suitable for individuals in acute crisis, including those experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts. This practice does not provide emergency mental health services.
In case of emergency, please contact:
Sessions last approximately 50 minutes and are typically scheduled weekly. Please be punctual. Sessions will end at the scheduled time, regardless of late arrival. If you do not join within 15 minutes of the start time without prior communication, the session is considered a no-show and is non-refundable.
Clients are encouraged to commit to at least four sessions to assess the value of therapy. Progress reviews occur approximately every eight sessions and may lead to adjustments in session frequency or duration.
If the therapist must reschedule a session, you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance (except in emergencies), and an alternative time will be offered. If rescheduling is not possible, the next session will be offered at no cost.
Communication outside of sessions is limited to administrative purposes (e.g., scheduling, payments, resource sharing). Please avoid discussing personal or clinical issues via WhatsApp or SMS, as these are not secure. Email is the preferred method for sensitive content.
Open communication is encouraged. If a misunderstanding occurs, please raise it promptly so it can be addressed. The therapist will do the same to ensure a safe and respectful therapeutic environment.
You may be asked to provide the name and contact details of an emergency contact when booking. This will only be used in cases where there is a concern for your immediate safety.
You are free to discontinue therapy at any time. However, a closing conversation is recommended to ensure proper closure. The therapist also reserves the right to terminate therapy if it is no longer beneficial or ethical to continue, in which case appropriate referrals may be suggested.
Your privacy is of the highest importance. All personal information you share is handled with professionalism, discretion, and in accordance with applicable data protection laws in India.
Collection of Personal Data
Information collected may include:
Your information is used to:
Your data is never sold or used for marketing purposes.
The therapist maintains brief progress notes after each session for internal review, clinical supervision, and therapeutic continuity. These notes are not intended for medical, legal, or formal record-keeping purposes. They are solely for the therapist's use and are not available for client review or disclosure.
Data Storage and SecurityAll personal and session-related data is stored securely using password-protected and/or encrypted systems. Reasonable steps are taken to safeguard your data against unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure.
Clients are advised not to share sensitive or personal therapeutic content via text or messaging apps (such as WhatsApp), as these platforms are not fully secure. Email is the preferred channel for non-session therapeutic communication, if needed.
Data RetentionRecords, including progress notes, are retained for up to 5 years from the date of the last session, or as required by applicable professional and legal guidelines. After this period, records are securely deleted or destroyed.
You have the right to:
Please note that progress notes are not available for client access, review, or disclosure, as they are maintained solely for internal professional use and are not intended for medical or legal purposes.
For any data-related queries, please contact the therapist using the email or phone details provided during the booking process.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of India. By engaging in this service, you agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts located in New Delhi.
In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to attempt informal resolution first. If unsuccessful, mediation with a qualified third party will be considered before pursuing legal action.
Due to the sensitive nature of therapy, legal actions must avoid disclosure of confidential therapeutic content unless mandated by law. The therapist is not liable for any damages or losses incurred due to client non-disclosure, misuse of therapeutic content, or inappropriate application of therapeutic suggestions outside the session context.
By booking a session and checking the consent box, you confirm that:
Crisis or emergency services are not provided. This practice is not equipped to handle acute medical situations, self-harm, or suicide-related interventions. In the event of a life-threatening crisis or if you feel at risk to yourself or others, please contact your general practitioner, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, or call a crisis helpline immediately.