Introduction

This page consists of the materials presented in “Chapter 2: Consultation” of my client handbook. Chapter 2 covers the process of consultation and what happens during the consultation intake meeting. It also includes the required documentation “Public Disclosure Statement for Clinical Mental Health Counselors.”

The document located in the client account portal requires your signature, meaning your careful review, acknowledgment, and electronic signature is required to support informed consent, clinical documentation, privacy and confidentiality protections, billing and financial policies, insurance requirements, administrative compliance, and applicable ethical, legal, and regulatory obligations.

As a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Vermont, I am required by the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation to provide clients with clear information about my professional background, therapeutic approaches, and client rights. This disclosure ensures that clients can make informed decisions about their care and understand the scope and framework of the services offered.

The information presented here may or may not be replicated in future documents shared with you. I aim to simplify the recordkeeping process as much as I can and apologize for the redundancy. Please be assured that the duplication of information is important at each stage of therapy as you progress.

Entering counseling is a meaningful and often vulnerable step. You have the right to understand who I am professionally, how I approach therapy, what you can expect from our work together, and what your rights are as a client. Transparency, informed consent, and collaborative decision-making are foundational to ethical mental health care.

My private practice is governed by the Rules of the Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners. It is unprofessional conduct to violate those rules. A copy of the rules may be obtained from the Board or online. I will provide you with a copy of these rules as an addendum to this document.

My private practice is regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. I maintain an active Vermont Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor license and follow applicable Vermont statutes, Board rules, and professional ethical standards. I review my licensure status, disclosure documents, informed consent materials, continuing education records, and practice policies on a regular basis. I provide clients with required disclosure information regarding my professional qualifications, areas of practice, unprofessional conduct, and the process for contacting or filing a complaint with the Board. I maintain continuing education records, renew my license on time, practice within my areas of training and competence, and seek consultation, supervision, or referral when a client’s needs fall outside my scope of competence.

Therapy in my practice is collaborative. Together, we will identify your presenting concerns, clarify your goals, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You are an active participant in this process. You have the right to ask questions at any time about the methods I use, the direction of treatment, or your progress.

My journey into the world of counseling, psychotherapy, philosophy, sociology, and health & wellness life coaching was neither accidental nor sudden. It was the culmination of many years of academic rigor, extensive professional experience, and my personal life journey of mental health and addiction recovery, introspection, healing, growth, self-discovery, and self-actualization.

I began this new stage of my life journey in 2012 as a volunteer at a peer run community recovery organization. From understanding the complexities of mental health and addiction to my dedication to advocacy and activism, my career has been marked by a commitment to creating a positive change in the lives of others. Over the past 14 years, I have been developing a holistic and integrative approach to whole person health and wellness, which I practice and teach others.

My therapy and health and wellness program, “Strengthening Your Conscious Self,” reflects my belief in the power of conscious awareness (capacity and insight) as the foundation of personal transformation. By integrating evidence-based practices with spiritual insights, I can offer a comprehensive approach that addresses not just physical health, but also emotional, mental, social, spiritual, cultural, and environmental wellness.

Above all, I am deeply committed to my clients. I approach each client relationship with empathy, compassion, calm presence, patience, curiosity, understanding, and tolerance, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. By fostering a genuine connection, I seek to empower individuals to harness their inner strength, embrace self-awareness, and embark on a fulfilling journey towards holistic well-being. If at any point you have questions about the information contained in this document, I encourage you to ask. Informed participation and mutual understanding are essential components of effective and ethical counseling. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in a way that is respectful, thoughtful, and aligned with your goals and values.

My practice is governed and regulated by:

Vermont Office of the Secretary of State ~ Office of Professional Regulation ~ Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners

James Fitzgerald Therapy, PLLC James Fitzgerald, MS, NCC, LCMHC. 86 Lake Street. Suite 311, Burlington, VT 05401 Vermont License # 068.0135266 (NPI) National Provider Identification # 1801590146