Initial Appointment

 

Initial appointment sessions are free of charge and last for approximately 50 minutes. They are an opportunity to meet, ask questions, and find out how therapy might work for you.

 

Individual Sessions

 

If we agree to work together, then the minimum commitment is for one individual session per week. Individual sessions last for 50 minutes. More frequent sessions may be possible by request. If you arrive part way through your allotted time, then unfortunately I can only see you for the remainder of the time.

 

Method of Payment

 

Payment is required at the end of each session and is accepted by cash or cheque. Fees are reviewed regularly.

 

Cancellations

 

If you need to cancel a session for any reason, then I will do my best to offer an alternative appointment. If we cannot agree on a suitable alternative, then you will be charged the full fee for the missed/cancelled session.

 

Holidays

 

Up to two individual sessions in any twelve-month period may be cancelled without incurring the session charge. A minimum of 7 days notice is required for these cancellations.

 

Confidentiality

 

Counselling is confidential. This means that everything that you say in a session is private, and will not be discussed outside of the counselling room without your prior permission, except under very exceptional circumstances. Examples of this would be the requirement of a court of law, or the threat of serious physical harm to yourself or others. I will also usually keep some brief notes after a session, which will be securely stored. You may request to see these notes at any time.

 

Supervision

 

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) requires that all practicing counsellors undertake regular supervision with a professionally qualified supervisor. This is to ensure safe, professional practice. This means that I may discuss your case with my supervisor but will omit your personal details by using a code name only known to me. Case confidentiality is also held between the supervisor and me.

 

Ethics

 

As a member of the BACP, I am bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice. Any complaints that you may have about my work may be addressed to me and/or to the BACP. They can be contacted by calling 01455 883300, or via their website www.bacp.co.uk

 

Insurance

 

I hold professional liability, and personal indemnity insurance. Copies of the relevant certificates can be made available to you upon request.

 

Ending

 

When you are considering that it may be time to end your counselling, please do discuss this with me. I usually recommend at least two or more sessions at the end of counselling in order that the work may be reviewed, and the significance of the ending explored. We can then organise a suitable end date together.

 

Contact

 

If you do need to contact me outside of session times, for instance to cancel an appointment, then I may be contacted by telephone between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. during weekdays, or 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. during weekends. If I am not available, then please leave a message and I will endeavour to return your call as soon as possible.

 

Emergencies

 

If you wish to seek further support between sessions, a helpful source of free telephone-based support is offered by The Samaritans organisation. They can be contacted 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90.

 

Review

 

This information will be reviewed annually in January and may be reviewed at other instances at the request of either client or counsellor.