Terms of service
Principles of therapeutic cooperation
1. Session duration
Individual therapy lasts 50 minutes, couples therapy lasts 60 minutes, and group sessions typically last around 2 hours. This can be individually modified between the therapist and the patient.
2. Therapeutic process
The first few sessions are consultative in nature, allowing the therapist to become familiar with the patient’s concerns. The number of such sessions depends on the specific therapeutic process. This is the time when the patient and therapist can decide whether they want to work together.
3. Online therapy
Please prepare a safe, private space for online therapy where you will be alone, and ensure a stable internet connection.
4. Late arrivals
If the patient is late, the session time will be shortened (for example, a 10-minute delay means the session will last 40 minutes). If the therapist is late, the session should still last the full 50 minutes. If this is not possible on that day, the lost time will be made up at the earliest possible opportunity.
5. Terminating therapy
If a patient no longer wishes to continue therapy, we encourage them to have a final summarising session.
6. Absences & cancellations
If a patient cannot attend a session, they are asked to cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. Otherwise, the patient is obliged to cover 100% of the session cost, regardless of the reason for the absence. Rescheduling does not incur additional costs, provided it is done at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit.
7. Extended absences
If a patient misses more than three consecutive sessions (whether cancelled in advance or not), the therapist may consider that the patient has ended therapy. The only exception is if the patient has discussed this with the therapist beforehand (e.g. a 3-week holiday or an extended hospital stay).
8. Confidentiality
Each of our therapists respects the patient’s right to confidentiality, respect and safety. The only cases in which a therapist discusses a patient’s situation outside the therapy room are for supervision or peer-supervision purposes — and even then the patient’s anonymity is maintained and no identifying information is disclosed.
9. Data storage
The therapist securely stores and manages patient data in accordance with applicable Swiss data-protection law (revDSG). This information is used solely for therapeutic purposes and is not shared without the patient’s consent.
10. Consent to terms
By starting therapy, the patient agrees to all the points outlined above.
In an emergency
Therapy is not a substitute for emergency services. In an acute crisis, please call 144 (medical emergency), 143 (Die Dargebotene Hand) or, for children and young people, 147 (Pro Juventute).