Documents.

Contract

Ethical Practice

This service abides by the ethical principles and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). A copy of the BACP Ethical Framework is available on request.

Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential except under the following circumstances:

Clinical Supervision: Your work may be discussed (anonymously) with my supervisor to ensure ethical and effective practice.

Risk of Harm: If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or to a child or vulnerable adult, I may need to act.

Legal Duty: If ordered by a court, I may be required to disclose information.

I will always aim to speak with you first before breaching confidentiality, unless the situation prevents it.

Session notes are stored securely and in accordance with current data protection legislation (GDPR 2018). You have the right to access or request amendments to your records.

Session Structure & Attendance

Sessions last 50 minutes and take place weekly at a consistent time, unless otherwise agreed.

Regularity and continuity are important for therapy to be effective.

If you arrive late, we will still end at the scheduled time.

If you miss or cancel a session with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full fee will be charged.

In exceptional cases, and with adequate notice, I may offer an alternative time that same week or adjacent weeks — but this is not guaranteed.

Missed sessions cannot be carried forward or extended.

If meeting online and you are in a different location from that I know of, I will require the address of your current location ahead of the session.

Holidays and Therapist Absences

Flexibility can be discussed, but a guide of two weeks at Christmas, two at Easter, and two in summer is requested. Please give as much notice as possible.

I will inform you in advance of any planned breaks or absences, during which no fee is due.

A maximum of one cancellation will be accepted without charge. The second and any additional consecutive absences will be charged.

Ending Therapy

All therapy comes to an end. When that time approaches, we will discuss and plan the ending together, ideally over at least one final session.

For therapy lasting over one year, a minimum of four weeks is recommended for review and closure.

Sudden or one-sided endings can interrupt the therapeutic process. If you consider ending, I encourage you to speak with me about it first.

Your Responsibilities as a Client

By entering into therapy, you agree to:

Attend sessions punctually and consistently

Avoid alcohol or non-prescribed drugs before sessions — sessions may be ended if this occurs

Inform me of any changes to your contact details, GP, or health status

Be honest and open in our work together

Let me know if you are in crisis or considering ending therapy