Therapy Etiquette & Boundaries

At Ashe Counseling & Coaching, we believe that therapy works best when it is built on mutual respect, clear communication, and a safe, supportive space for growth. To help you get the most out of your sessions, we have outlined some key etiquette and boundaries that guide our work together.

Arriving on Time

Your therapy session is your time, and we want you to have the full benefit of it. Arriving a few minutes early, whether in person or logging into a virtual session, helps you settle in and start on the right foot. If you are running late, please let your therapist know as soon as possible.

Respecting Scheduled Appointments

We understand that life happens, but consistent attendance is an important part of making progress in therapy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer the time to another client and helps maintain the rhythm of your care.

Creating a Safe and Respectful Space

Therapy is built on trust. We expect all interactions, both in session and outside of it, to be respectful and free from discrimination, harassment, or threatening behavior. This includes respecting cultural, racial, gender, sexual orientation, and religious differences.

Maintaining Confidentiality

What you share in therapy is private and protected, with certain legal exceptions such as safety concerns. Your therapist will review these limits with you at the start of care. We also ask that you respect your therapist’s privacy and avoid recording or sharing session content without permission.

Avoiding Dual Relationships

To protect the integrity of therapy, your relationship with your therapist should remain professional. This means not engaging in social, business, or romantic relationships outside of therapy and avoiding contact on personal social media accounts.

Communication Between Sessions

If you need to contact your therapist between sessions, please do so through our secure messaging system or by calling the office. Email and text messages should be limited to scheduling or brief updates, as therapeutic work is best done in session.

Respecting Professional Boundaries

Your therapist’s role is to guide and support you within the scope of their professional expertise. They cannot provide services outside of this role such as legal advice, medical care, or financial assistance, but they can connect you with resources if needed.

Being Honest and Open

Therapy works best when you can share your experiences openly, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. This honesty allows your therapist to better understand your needs and work with you to develop strategies for growth.

Digital Etiquette for Virtual Sessions

If meeting online, please join from a quiet, private location whenever possible. Limit distractions by silencing your phone and closing other apps or windows during your session. This helps maintain focus and confidentiality.

Ending Therapy

Sometimes therapy comes to a natural close, and sometimes it may not feel like the right fit. If you decide to end therapy, we encourage you to have a final session to review progress, discuss next steps, and ensure a smooth transition to other support if needed.

Final Note
These guidelines are in place to create the most effective environment for your care. At Ashe Counseling & Coaching, we are committed to honoring your humanity, respecting your boundaries, and providing a space where you feel supported, heard, and empowered.