Terms & Conditions
Terms of Service for Counselling
By booking and attending counselling sessions, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These are designed to help create a safe, respectful, and clear therapeutic relationship for both client and counsellor.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an essential part of counselling. Everything discussed within sessions will be treated with care, respect, and privacy.
There are, however, some legal and ethical limitations to confidentiality. Confidentiality may need to be broken if:
- There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person
- There is disclosure involving terrorism, money laundering, drug trafficking, or safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult
- Records are requested by a court of law
Where possible, this would always be discussed with you first.
As part of ethical practice, I undertake regular clinical supervision. Your identity will remain anonymous during supervision discussions.
Counselling Sessions
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and take place weekly unless otherwise agreed.
Therapy works best when sessions are attended consistently. If you are unable to attend a session, please provide as much notice as possible.
Sessions may take place:
- Online
- By telephone
- In person
Fees & Payment
Payment is required in advance of each session unless otherwise agreed.
Fees are reviewed periodically, and any changes will be communicated in advance.
Accepted payment methods may include:
- Bank transfer
- Card payment
- Cash (if applicable)
Unpaid sessions will result in future appointments being paused until payment is received.
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling.
Sessions cancelled with less than the agreed notice period will be charged at the full session fee.
If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time and the full fee will apply.
Online Therapy
For online sessions, it is your responsibility to ensure:
- You have a stable internet connection
- You are in a private and confidential space
- You use a secure device where possible
While every effort is made to maintain confidentiality online, no digital platform can guarantee complete security.
Contact Between Sessions
Communication between sessions should be limited to practical matters such as booking or cancellations.
Therapeutic work will generally take place during scheduled sessions rather than through email or messaging.
Response times may vary, and messages are not monitored continuously.
Crisis & Emergency Support
Counselling is not a crisis service.
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent mental health support, please contact:
- 999 in an emergency
- Your GP
- NHS 111
- Samaritans on 116 123
- Your local crisis team
Ending Therapy
You are free to end counselling at any time. However, where possible, it can be helpful to have a final ending session to reflect on the work completed and bring the therapeutic relationship to a safe close.
I also reserve the right to end therapy if:
- Sessions are repeatedly missed
- Boundaries are repeatedly breached
- I believe your needs would be better supported elsewhere
Where appropriate, referrals or alternative support options may be discussed.
Data Protection & GDPR
Your personal information will be stored securely and handled in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.
Brief clinical notes may be kept securely for professional and insurance purposes.
Your information will never be shared with third parties without your consent unless required legally or ethically.
You may request access to your data at any time.
Professional Practice
I work within the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am committed to practising in a safe, respectful, inclusive, and non-judgemental manner.
Integrative counselling means I may draw upon different therapeutic approaches depending on your individual needs, including person-centred, psychodynamic, creative, psychoeducational, and CBT-informed approaches.
Website Use
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychiatric advice.
Using this website or making contact does not establish a therapeutic relationship until an agreement has been made and sessions have been confirmed.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please get in touch using the contact information provided on the website.