Confidentiality

Our counselling sessions are confidential. Everything you say will stay between us. There are a few instances, however, where it will be necessary to break confidentiality. These are:

· If there is a significant risk of harm to you or to others.

· If you speak about drug money laundering or acts of terrorism.

· If I believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm or abuse.

· If the courts instruct to give me information.

Supervision

I have a supervisor and attend supervision monthly with the aim to further develop my counselling practice. During supervision, I may discuss aspects relating to our sessions, but you will be anonymous in this process where possible.

Sessions

Each session is 50 minutes long. Session can start up to 15 minutes late but will still end on time. They are open-ended as agreed by both parties.  The only contact we will have outside the counselling sessions will be to cancel or re-arrange appointments. This is in order to maintain boundaries.

Session Location

Sessions are held in a private garden room. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer a waiting area if you arrive before your appointment time.

Session Records

After a session I write brief, factual client notes of what was discussed for my own records. These are kept securely, and you can ask to see them at any time. No one else will have access to these notes unless they are subpoenaed by a judge. The notes are anonymised by using only your initials.

Session Fees

The fee for each session is £50. Payment must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled session to confirm booking.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend your session, I ask for reasonable notice (48h+) to cancel, or reschedule to a mutually agreed date and time. If reasonable notice is not given, the full session fee will be liable.

Complaints

If you are not happy with your counselling experience, please let me know and I will do my best to correct the issue.

Professional Membership

I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to their Code of Ethics. Membership of these associations means that you have an organisation you can turn to should you have concerns or questions about the service that I provide. I believe it is important for your wellbeing and my practice that I am accountable to other counselling professionals.

Client responsibilities

This is about how to get the best out of counselling:

- Be honest and open (as much as you can be)

- Ask questions if there is anything you need to know

- Do not attend any sessions intoxicated

Rights and Responsibilities

You will be treated equally, and accepted as you are regardless of sex, race religion, ethnic background, economic status, age, sexual orientation or beliefs. I regard you as independent and autonomous.

Data Protection

By agreeing to work together, you consent for me to store your information on a private encrypted server for the purposes of counselling (scheduling sessions, etc) and session records for 7 years after counselling ends.