Informed Consent for Counseling

Please take a few minutes to read this document. It highlights the key points about how we will work together.

1. My Background

My name is Maria Anikeeva, and I am a clinical and perinatal psychologist. I run a private practice, work with the Neformat Clinic (founded by Kirill Sychov) and the Good Point Center (directed by Vera Yakupova), and co-facilitate a training in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) for mental health professionals together with psychiatrist Alexander Kursakov and clinical psychologist Tatyana Smirnova.

I am committed to ongoing learning. I take part in continuing education, personal therapy, peer consultation, and professional supervision on a regular basis.

My work is informed by evidence-based approaches, including:

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• CFT (Compassion-Focused Therapy)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Recovery-Oriented Therapy
• Brief Strategic Therapy (for OCD and OCD-spectrum conditions)
• IPSRT (Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy) for Bipolar Disorder

2. How I Work

I don’t see myself as an authority telling you what to do. Therapy is a partnership - we work together as a team. I bring expertise in psychotherapy, but you are the best expert on your own life. My role is to support and guide you as you decide where you want to go and what you want to work toward.

3. Preparing for Sessions

Time: Please join on time. Sessions finish at the scheduled time, even if you are late.

Technology: Make sure your device is charged, your internet is stable, and you have a headset if needed.

Environment: Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Sessions should not take place while driving or in a public setting, as this can compromise both safety and confidentiality.

Reflection: It may be helpful before sessions to ask yourself:

• What has my mood been like, compared to other weeks?
• What positive experiences did I have this week? What did I learn? What do these experiences say about me?
• What else happened this week that’s important for my therapist to know?
• What are my goals for this session? Think of a brief title for each…
• What did I do for my action plan? (If I didn’t do an item, what got in the way?) What did I learn?

Aftercare: If possible, don’t schedule anything demanding immediately after our session. Give yourself some space to reflect, write things down, or simply sit with your thoughts.

4. Fees and Cancellations

Length and fee: Sessions last 80 minutes and cost 7,950 RUB / the euro equivalent at the current exchange rate, plus any applicable bank or transfer fees.

Payment: Payment is due before the session begins. This allows the time after our meeting to remain yours, without administrative distractions.

Cancellations: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations (except in emergencies) are charged at the full rate.

Emergencies: If unforeseen circumstances arise (illness, family emergency, etc.), both of us agree to notify each other as soon as possible.

5. What to Expect in Therapy

Getting started: The first one or two sessions are mostly about understanding your situation and history. I will ask questions, you will share what feels important, and then we will discuss goals for therapy.

Frequency: Weekly sessions are recommended, especially at the beginning. Meeting less often than every two weeks, or frequent cancellations, can make it harder to see consistent progress.

Our focus: Therapy is not just about talking through problems. The goal is to help you move toward the person you want to be and the life you want to live, in line with your values. Together, we will clarify what matters most to you and take small, practical steps towards that vision.

Techniques: We will explore and practice skills that make it easier to cope with difficult thoughts and emotions, so they have less influence over your life.

Transparency: I will always explain why I suggest a particular exercise or approach. You can decline anything at any time.

Practice: Progress is faster when you use techniques between sessions. Like in learning a language or an instrument, regular practice makes the process more effective.

Comfort and safety: I want you to feel safe and respected in our work together. If something doesn’t feel right, please tell me in whatever way feels possible for you. I will listen openly. And you are always free to request referrals to other professionals or to end therapy at any time.

6. Confidentiality

Notes: I may take brief notes during our sessions, but these are de-identified and cannot be traced back to you.

Privacy: I will not share your name or personal information without your consent, except if legally required (for example, risk of harm to yourself or others, or a court order).

Consultation: Like many therapists, I sometimes discuss client material (without identifying details) in professional supervision or peer consultation, to ensure the quality of my work.

Recording: I do not record sessions. Recording would only occur with our mutual agreement.

7. Ending Therapy

You are free to end therapy at any time.

If possible, please let me know in advance so that we can have a closing session, which helps bring a sense of completion to the work we’ve done.

Ending therapy does not prevent you from returning in the future if you wish.