This contract is between you (the client) and me (The counsellor)

Please put your signature at the bottom of the contract before returning a copy to

I am bound by the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP. You can find out more about this by going to the website: www.bacp.co.uk/ethics

1. your first session will be an initial assessment. This is a set of questions to find out how I can support you – and to think about what goals you might like to work towards and how many sessions you may need. With the exception of item 4 below, you are not contracted to any specific number of sessions. You may terminate therapy without further cost at any time you wish.

2. The normal duration of each session is 50 minutes. If for any reason you are late, I will see you for the duration of the session but will be unable to work beyond the allotted time as I may have to see another client straight after you.

3. I completely understand that sometimes sudden events, such as emergencies happen, that may mean you may not have time to cancel your session. On these occasions I will decide if a fee will be charged. In general however, if you fail to give less than 24 hours notice of your intention to cancel or postpone an agreed therapy session or if there is a repeat pattern of cancellations or non-attendance I reserve the right to charge in full for that appointment.

4. The cost for each session will be £45. However, I offer 6 pre-booked sessions for £225 which means you get one free. I offer a concessionary rate of £30 per session for counsellors in training through a recognised training provider. Payment should be made before each appointment. You can pay via bank transfer of which details will be sent via email.

5. The cost of therapy includes any written materials I may supply, but excludes the cost of any books that I might suggest you read. If agreed payments for therapy are not being paid then I reserve the right to terminate therapy.

6. As part of my code of practice I am required to carry out continuing professional development, and to engage in regular on-going clinical supervision. This is to ensure an ethical and professional service to clients. I may discuss your case in supervision but would not use any identifying details.

7. Confidentiality will be maintained within the codes of ethics and legal requirements. Confidentiality does not apply where it would mean that I, as your therapist, might break the law or where withholding information means I would breach the codes of ethics. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider there is a risk you may harm yourself or others. In such exceptional circumstances, where there is concern for your wellbeing or that of others, it may be necessary to seek help outside the therapeutic relationship. In such an event where I am considering breaching confidentiality, you will normally be consulted first.

8. In the case of a disclosure concerning acts of terrorism, vulnerable adult or child protection issues or drug trafficking, confidentiality will be breached and such disclosures will be passed onto the relevant authority without delay. Due consideration should be exercised before disclosing anything of a previously unreported criminal nature, as I am obligated to contact relevant authorities.

9. Our therapeutic relationship will remain a professional one at all times, I will only respond to Emails outside our session time about logistics such as cancelling your appointment.

10. I may take notes during and after each session which will be kept in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR 2016) These notes will be securely stored. I will discuss the disposal, retention or otherwise of any such notes at the end of our engagement. Nobody else will read the notes, unless required under a court of law subpoena.

11. Endings – counselling can at times be demanding, frustrating, and emotional. You may at times find this process very difficult, and feel the need to end therapy. Your feedback on the process will be asked for at the end of each session and if you feel unhappy with any aspects of the treatment being offered please do let me know. I want you to get the best from your counselling sessions. This gives us both the chance to address and resolve any issues
as they come up. In the normal course of events you will probably know when you are ready to finish counselling and we will agree together on the work we need to do to prepare for this.

12. I will not suddenly or without warning terminate our contract, except in exceptional circumstances. This would be fully discussed at that time. Please note any threats or acts of violence will invalidate this agreement and counselling will be terminated.

13. I will let you know in advance if I am going on holiday. However, there may also be occasions when sessions may be cancelled because of illness or because of attending training sessions or meetings. I will try to give you as much notice as possible of any cancellation, and will offer an alternative time. Therefore, please notify me any change in contact details.

14. In the event of you being unhappy with the service you receive, please discuss this with me. If you feel unable to do so or do not receive satisfactory resolution, then you have the right to complain to my professional body, the BACP.

Signed:

Date:

Please keep a copy of this contract for your records and return your signed copy to: