CLIENT/COUNSELLOR CONTRACT

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes long. We can decide together how many sessions to have and that can be regularly reviewed. I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Confidentiality

I provide confidential counselling, within the requirements of the law. No one normally will be informed you are coming to counselling or what is discussed. I have regular supervision, and I will discuss my work with my supervisor.

There are certain exceptional circumstances in which my supervisor or I may be under a legal or ethical duty to disclose information to other parties. This is to ensure your safety, and the safety of others and to comply with legislation and professional/legal guidance. These include the following:

1. Terrorism Act 2000:

2. Drug Trafficking Act 1994:

3. When necessary to uphold Child Protection Laws / Safeguarding

4. Human Trafficking

5. Money Laundering

Other statutory obligations:

• When instructed by a court of law to disclose information (following written request and following appropriate process)

• When I or a supervisor has good grounds for believing that a person may cause serious harm to themselves or others

• Disclosure of serious criminal activity or knowledge of serious criminal activity

Data Protection

During therapy, I keep information such as your contact details and GP details and I may also keep brief notes. I will keep any documents for 5 years in line with my insurance provision requirements.

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and protect and keep secure all of your data in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation. For more information on my obligations and your rights please go to ico.org.uk

Contact

We will agree on how I may contact you. I can be contacted via email or phone/text. Please note that I read emails and check messages between 8am and 8pm Mon – Friday. I won’t see any messages or contact outside of these hours.

I am unable to provide emergency or crisis support outside of our sessions. If you find yourself in need of immediate support, please contact an appropriate support service. We can discuss which options may be most beneficial for you.

Cancellation & non- attendance.

If you need to cancel an appointment, please let me know as soon as possible, via text or email. Cancellation within 24 hours will be charged at full fee Cancellation within 48 hours will be charged at half fee.

Fees

Please pay fees at least 48 hours in advance. Fees will be subject to annual review. Advance notice of 6 weeks will be given of increases.