Informed consent in counseling refers to the process by which a mental health professional provides essential information to a client before beginning any form of therapy or treatment. This process ensures that the client is well-informed about the nature of the therapy, its potential risks and benefits, and their rights as a participant in the therapeutic relationship. Informed consent is a critical ethical and legal requirement that helps establish trust, transparency, and collaboration between the therapist and the client. It empowers clients to make informed decisions about their mental health care and ensures that therapists uphold ethical and professional standards. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification about any aspect of the informed consent process before proceeding with therapy.

You can learn more about informed consent through these resources.

https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/informed-consent-in-clinical-practice-the-basics-and-beyond/#:~:text=Informed%20consent%20is%20a%20process,the%20proposed%20course%20of%20treatment.

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/informed-consent

https://www.jotform.com/blog/what-is-informed-consent-in-counseling/