Informed Consent for Psychological Counseling

Psychological counseling and psychotherapy are a special kind of relationship, built on certain rules. I ask you to read the text below, where I describe the rules of therapy with me.

Below, “psychotherapy” is used to mean both psychotherapy and psychological counseling.

I work in the IFS model (Internal Family Systems). Read more about the approach here.

My Training

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I graduated from the St. Petersburg Gestalt Institute (Samara branch) in 2015. First and second level (600 hours). Practicing continuously since 2014. Throughout this time — personal therapy and supervision.

2014–15: seminars on non-directive play therapy; “Child Neuropsychology: Diagnosis and Correction.”

2015–2018: three-year course in Therapeutic Pedagogy (1,054 hours), certificate recognized by the International Council for Education (Kassel, Germany).

2019: IFS seminars and long-term IFS supervision group. “Neurobiology of Depression and Trauma” (Ekaterina Vinnik).

2020: certified IFS training (Level 1, IFS Institute, Einat Bronstein). Supervision group (Irina Diyankova). LGBTQ+ therapy course — I work with gender identity questions.

2021: Somatic IFS (Susan McConnell), seminars on addiction, sexual abuse, IFS with couples/IFIO (Nancy Wonder), Self-Led Sexuality (Pat Rich). “Working with Sexuality in Couples” (Inga Green), “Neurobiology of Anxiety” (Ekaterina Vinnik).

2022: Richard Schwartz’s “Working with Extreme Parts in IFS,” assisted on “Transgenerational Trauma and Legacy Burdens.” “Transgender: Current Approaches in Professional Care.”

2023: two introductory IFS seminars. Assisted on “IFS Therapy” course (Psychodemia). Helped organize the Autumn IFS Intensive. Seminars: inner critics, shame, grief, gender and sexuality in IFS.

2024: assisted on the landmark seminar “IFS and Neurodivergence” (Irina Diyankova).

I’ve been working exclusively in IFS since 2019. My own therapy is IFS too — it’s changed my life considerably. I regularly participate in supervision and intervision groups.

Confidentiality

I. Non-disclosure of your identity

I may not disclose your identity as my client to anyone under any circumstances, except as described below:

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If during therapy I assess your suicide risk as significant, I reserve the right to find people in your life and warn them that your life is in danger, as well as take other lawful steps to protect your life.
If during therapy I learn that you are engaging in dangerous violence or neglect toward a minor, I will contact child protective services.
If during therapy I learn of a danger to a third person’s life from your actions and I assess the risk as significant, I will take steps to protect that person.

Please note: since I do not disclose the fact of your therapy, if we meet in public — I won’t greet you first (so you don’t have to explain who I am). You are free to approach me and make our acquaintance public if you wish.

II. No stalking

Following ethical standards, I do not look into your life or social circle outside of therapy. I don’t check your social media profiles or comment on your public posts.

III. Case disclosure

Therapy involves me discussing challenges in working with you during professional supervision. Client identities are never revealed — the case is described in general terms.

If I wish to publish a description of our work, I will contact you separately, and you will decide whether I may do so and on what terms.

IV. No dual relationships

Our relationship is limited to therapy. I provide no services other than psychological, accept no services or gifts from you, do not engage in deliberate contact outside therapy, and do not enter into sexual or romantic relationships with you during or after therapy.

I also cannot work as a therapist with your close relatives or friends.

My social media policy

I use social media for both personal and professional purposes. I recommend not looking through my personal profiles — it helps keep the therapeutic space clean. The choice is yours, but meeting only within sessions is safer and simpler.

How I work in sessions

Attention to all parts of your inner system

I won’t fight any of your parts. Even if it’s hard to see right now — I’m certain that every part has meaning and good intention toward you. This includes skeptical, avoidant, and distrustful parts — I treat them with attention and respect.

Attention to your external situation

I will never say that if someone is treating you badly, it’s your fault. I won’t claim that therapy will solve everything. Sometimes it’s worth starting with external help and support — I’ll try to recommend services.

You won’t hear me talk about gender stereotypes. I work with non-binary and transgender people, seek additional training in this area, and won’t exoticize you. I guarantee I will address you by the name and gender you present.

Attention to neurodivergence

As a neurodivergent practitioner, I hold a neurodiversity perspective. I won’t push anyone toward a neurotypical “norm.” I’ll help you explore your sensory profile, understand your gifts and limitations — and find ways to care for yourself. We can also work to heal the damage from neurotypical cultural demands.

Medication and medical support

I don’t prescribe medication, but I’m all for it when it helps. I won’t discourage you from antidepressants or medications recommended by specialists. If needed, I can recommend trusted doctors.

Session documentation and your right to records

I keep notes describing the session, parts I noticed, and my thoughts. You have the right to receive these records. I store them for at least 5 years after therapy ends.

I do not make hidden video or audio recordings during sessions.

Ending therapy

You may end therapy whenever you choose, with no conditions. After the first session, I always suggest taking time to think about whether you feel comfortable with me.

If possible, I suggest dedicating one session to wrapping up and reviewing — it helps check in with all your parts. But it’s not required.

Filing complaints

You have every right to publicly express complaints and discuss therapy with anyone, at any time.

If you wish, I’m happy to discuss it directly.

Communication rules

To schedule or cancel sessions, please use WhatsApp (number below). I can’t always reply immediately, but if I don’t respond within 24 hours — please write again. I don’t take calls.
For questions between sessions — use WhatsApp or email.
Please avoid social media and other messengers for contacting me — keeping everything in one place is simpler.

Payment

Sessions are charged at the rate listed on the website — per 55-minute session.

I review the session fee annually (in September) and notify you in advance.

Please try to find a quiet place for sessions. If that’s difficult — we’ll figure it out together.

Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations are charged in full. If I cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice — the next session is free. Rescheduling and force majeure are discussed individually.

Payment by transfer before the session or within 24 hours after. Bank fees are on you. Receipt available on request.

Contacts

Anya Alasheeva
Mobile (WhatsApp): +995 555 314807
E-mail: ann.alasheeva@gmail.com

Acceptance

If you have questions about this document — ask them here before agreeing: