Consent Form For Art Therapy Sessions

Introduction

This consent form outlines the scope, expectations, and boundaries of Art Therapy services provided. By signing this document, you acknowledge that you understand the nature of the therapeutic relationship and agree to participate voluntarily.

1. Purpose of Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a therapeutic process that uses creative expression to support emotional well-being, promote insight, and facilitate healing. It integrates psychological theory with artistic methods to help clients explore feelings, develop coping skills, and increase self-awareness.

Art Therapy is a form of mental health support but does not replace medical, psychiatric, or emergency care.
Clients seeking additional support may be referred to other healthcare professionals.

2. Scope of Services

Sessions may include:

  • Creative art-making using varied materials

  • Verbal processing and reflective dialogue

  • Exploration of emotions, thoughts, and experiences

  • Development of coping strategies and emotional regulation tools

  • Support for trauma, stress, life transitions, and personal growth

  • Family or parent–child sessions, where appropriate

Art Therapy may be provided to individuals, children, adolescents, adults, couples, or families, depending on the agreed arrangement.

Please note: The therapist does not provide legal, financial, or medical advice.

3. Confidentiality

All therapy sessions are confidential except where disclosure is required by law or safeguarding obligations.

Supervision & Session Notes

  • After each session, the therapist will write process notes to record observations, reflections, and theoretical insights. These notes are kept private and confidential and stored securely on the therapist’s computer in a password-protected folder under the client’s initials.

  • These notes are used to guide future sessions, inform next steps, and support the therapist’s ongoing professional development.

  • The therapist will provide general progress updates on a monthly basis to keep clients or parents/guardians informed about overall themes and progress. Additional updates can be provided upon request if needed. Private session content remains confidential unless safety concerns arise.

  • When discussing sessions with a supervisor, no identifying information will be shared. Only anonymous details—such as preferred pronouns, session content, and general observations—will be mentioned.

  • This ensures that supervision supports high-quality care while fully maintaining client confidentiality.

UHNW Considerations

  • Households with support staff, nannies, or security personnel will not receive therapeutic information without explicit client consent.

  • Only anonymous details may be used in supervision.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

  • Risk of harm to self or others

  • Child or vulnerable adult safeguarding concerns

  • Legal obligations requiring disclosure

  • Court orders or mandatory reporting requirements

4. Working With Minors

  • Confidentiality is respected within safeguarding boundaries.

  • Parents/guardians may receive general progress updates, but private session content remains confidential unless safety concerns arise.

  • Separate parental/guardian consent is required for clients under 18.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

  • Attend appointments punctually

  • Engage respectfully and communicate honestly

  • Treat all art materials and studio space with care

  • Share any changes in emotional or personal circumstances that may impact therapy

  • Understand that therapeutic outcomes depend on active participation

6. Therapist Responsibilities

The therapist will:

  • Provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment

  • Maintain professional and ethical boundaries

  • Protect client confidentiality

  • Use evidence-informed therapeutic practices

  • Communicate clearly regarding session structure, expectations, and limitations

7. Art Materials, Artwork & Materials Fee

Art materials are an essential part of the therapeutic process and will be provided for all sessions, whether conducted in the client’s home or online via Zoom.

Art Materials Provision

  • In-home sessions: The therapist will bring the necessary art materials to each session.

  • Online sessions: A personalised Art Materials Pack will be prepared and sent to the client prior to the start of therapy.

All materials provided are safe, non-toxic, and selected to be age- and developmentally appropriate.

Materials Fee

A materials fee may be applied to cover the cost of preparing, delivering, and replenishing the Art Materials Pack. This fee will be outlined in the fee agreement and communicated in advance. Additional or replacement materials requested by the client may incur further charges.

Artwork Created in Sessions

  • All artwork created during sessions will remain in the client’s home.

  • The therapist will provide a portfolio—either brought in person or sent in advance—for the client to store all artwork safely in one place.

  • Clients are asked to keep the portfolio and all artwork in a secure, private location within the home.

  • The therapist may request to review previously created artwork during future sessions to support assessment, continuity of care, or ongoing therapeutic work.

  • Photographs of artwork may be taken for clinical documentation or supervision purposes. These images are stored securely and are never shared publicly, used for teaching, or displayed without the client’s explicit written consent.

8. Fees, Payment, and Cancellations

  • The fees for Art Therapy sessions are included as part of the chosen package. Packages may include 13, 26, or 52 sessions, and clients can decide how they would like to schedule these sessions.

  • Sessions can be scheduled to coincide with Transformative Coaching sessions, on alternating weeks, or every two weeks, depending on client preference.

  • Clients may also choose to participate in Art Therapy sessions, without Transformative Coaching sessions.

  • All sessions within the package are deductable from the full amount, regardless of how they are scheduled.

  • Sessions must be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice.

  • Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged in full.

  • Travel, in-home sessions, or UHNW-specific arrangements (e.g., security protocols, extended hours, or privacy accommodations) may incur additional fees.

9. Privacy & Data Protection

Client information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

  • All written and digital records are stored securely.

  • Virtual sessions (if offered) are conducted over encrypted platforms and are not recorded.

  • All digital communications, including emails and documents, are stored securely and encrypted to ensure confidentiality.

  • Emails and documents are handled with strict confidentiality and encrypted to protect your privacy.

  • No client information is shared with third parties without written consent, except when required by law.

10. Limitations of Art Therapy

  • Art Therapy is not a substitute for psychiatric diagnosis, medical care, or emergency services.

  • Sessions may involve emotional discomfort as part of the healing process.

  • Clients seeking additional support may be referred to other qualified professionals.

11. Consent & Agreement

By signing below, the client confirms that:

  • They understand the nature, purpose, and boundaries of Art Therapy

  • They participate voluntarily

  • They consent to the terms outlined in this form

By signing below, the therapist confirms that:

  • They will provide services in accordance with professional ethics and standards

  • They will maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and conduct consistent with the ethical guidelines of Art Therapy practice

Client Name: _____________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

Therapist Name: _____________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

Guardian Consent (For Clients Under 18)

I am the parent/legal guardian of the minor named below and give consent for them to participate in Art Therapy sessions.

Minor Name: _______________________________________

Guardian Name: _____________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________

Therapist Name: _____________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________