terms and conditions

These terms are provided to give you an outline of our working relationship, and I would welcome any discussion you may have about any aspect of our working relationship.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental element within counselling . I will not normally give information to doctors or anyone else without your permission. The only time a counsellor might break confidentiality is if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, in very rare cases where required by law. (This includes risk to vulnerable adults and child protection issues).

Working under supervision means that a counsellor uses the services of another counsellor or psychotherapist to review their work with clients, their professional development, and often their personal development as well. This is a statutory requirement for members of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

Overall client confidentiality is still safeguarded because individually identifying information such as full names is not given. Also the supervisor is covered by the same code of ethics with regard to confidentiality as the counsellor.

Holding your information

I will hold information about you, your name and personal details including your address. This information will only be used by me for your counselling, and your information and notes will be kept securely in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation and subject to my duty of confidentiality, and will not be shared with any third party except if required by law or by any regulatory body. The Privacy Notice supplied to you explains how I deal with your personal information.

Email communication

I may communicate with you by email or electronic mean unless we agree otherwise.

Sessions

Counselling sessions are in 50 minute slots, and to facilitate the next client, if you arrive late, the session will finish at the agreed time.

Mobile Phones

Unless there is an urgent need to have your mobile on in the session could you have your phone on silent of switched off to prevent interruptions to the session.

Cancellation

Your counselling appointment is being held for you (and can’t be reused at short notice) therefore you will be required to give at least 24 hours notice, otherwise a charge of half the session rate will be made.

Holidays

I will have approximately 6 weeks per year as holiday and I will give you as much notice as possible of any holidays.

I would advise that you attend therapy regularly while appreciating that holidays and breaks are important. Continuity is a very important part of the counselling process and consistent attendance supports the process.

Absence

If in exceptional circumstances I am unable to attend the counselling session, I will try to ensure you will contacted, while aiming to maintain the confidentiality of your identity. In the event of longer term absence I would be able to suggest with suitable alternative cover.

Payment

You can make payment to me by cheque or cash within the session by direct bank transfer (If paying by direct transfer please pay before the next session) and you will be provided with a receipt on request.

Insurance

I have professional indemnity insurance cover for my practice as a counsellor